UI expert says holiday cards can have an impact in 25 words or less

As some Americans describe a growing loneliness epidemic, one small gesture can go a long way this holiday season: a simple, personalized card in the mail.

University of Iowa communication studies professor Rachel McLaren says sending a physical card helps people stay connected — and can even open the door to reconnecting with someone you’ve drifted from. Dropping a card in the mailbox signals effort and care in a way digital messages often can’t.

“It takes a lot more effort to send a card in the mail,” McLaren says, noting that writing, stamping, and mailing a greeting adds a personal touch. While texts are still meaningful, she says a card offers something extra: a tangible reminder of the people who matter, one that can sit on a counter or mantel and be seen again and again.

When it comes to what to write, McLaren encourages senders not to overthink it. She says a short note — even just a sentence or two — can have a bigger emotional impact than a long update.

“Twenty-five words or less is enough to have a greater impact,” she says. The key is making the message about the recipient, not just the sender. A quick, specific line about what you appreciate or hope for them can make the greeting feel genuinely personal.

And if you receive a card from someone you didn’t send one to, McLaren says there’s no need to feel pressured. People have different budgets, schedules, and energy, and holiday connection can take many forms. Cards are simply one option — and for someone you want to grow closer to, they can be a helpful starting point for deeper connection in the new year.

Christmas cards may be a decades-long tradition, but McLaren says fewer people send them than in the past. Still, about a billion cards go out annually, suggesting the practice remains strong even in a digital age.

One note for anyone returning to snail mail: sending a one-ounce, first-class letter now costs 78 cents after a five-cent increase in July.