New Year's cards: Heartfelt New Year's greetings

As the end of the year approaches, it is customary to send New Year's cards as New Year's greetings all over Japan. New Year's cards are not just greetings, but an important culture that deepens bonds between people and celebrates the beginning of a new year.

In this article, we will explain New Year's cards in detail, talk about how to write effective New Year's cards, and how to impress the recipient.

The origin of New Year's cards dates back to the Heian period. At that time, people would visit people in person to send New Year's greetings, but this later changed to letters, and in the Edo period, New Year's cards in their current form appeared. In particular, with the development of the postal system in the Meiji period, New Year's cards became popular among the general public. Nowadays, New Year's cards have become an important means of communication between family, friends, and business associates.

Basic structure of New Year's cards

• Greetings: The phrase "Happy New Year" is common as a New Year's greeting.
• Gratitude: Express your gratitude for the previous year.
• Resolutions and goals: Briefly state your New Year's resolutions and goals.
• Words wishing the recipient good health and happiness: Conclude with words wishing the recipient good health and happiness.

Example:

Happy New Year.
Thank you very much for your support last year.
I look forward to working with you again this year.
I wish you all good health and happiness.

New Year's Card Design
When designing your New Year's card, it is a good idea to incorporate the zodiac sign or an auspicious design. For example, 2024 is the year of the dragon, so it is a good idea to use an illustration of a dragon. Traditional Japanese motifs such as red and white colors and plum blossoms are also recommended.

Ideally, New Year's cards should be sent to the post office by December 25th so that they arrive on New Year's Day. However, since this is a busy time of year, we recommend preparing them early.

For business New Year's cards, it is important to use more formal expressions. Also, by clearly stating the company logo, address, and phone number, you can provide information that is easy for the recipient to understand. The following are example sentences for business use.

Happy New Year
Thank you very much for your special kindness last year.
We look forward to your continued patronage this year.
We sincerely pray for your company's continued growth and prosperity.

How to write an effective New Year's card

• Handwritten message: If possible, adding a handwritten message will convey warmth.
• Individual message: It is a good idea to think of an individual message to suit the recipient.
• Attach a photo: By adding a photo of your family or pet, you can show your personality and make the recipient happy.

In recent years, the exchange of New Year's cards via email and SNS has also increased. It is important to create digital New Year's cards with the same care as paper New Year's cards. Put effort into the design and message to convey your gratitude and blessings to the recipient.

New Year's cards are an important culture when welcoming the new year, and are a good opportunity to convey your gratitude to the other person and your new year's aspirations. Put effort into writing and designing effective New Year's cards and send heartfelt messages. In 2024, we hope you will welcome the new year with wonderful New Year's cards and deepen your bonds with everyone.