How to Stand Out from the Christmas Card Crowd
Holiday cards are filling mailboxes far and wide – how do you ensure your message isn’t missed? We’ve got you.
We all have that one person who sends a holiday card every year… even though you haven’t spoken since 1982. You glance at it, smile politely (or roll your eyes a little), and move on.
The truth is simple: a card alone doesn’t mean much without the relationship behind it.
That’s why, in the POWER Program, our first rule is this: Reach out with a phone call before you send your card.
If the only thing your sphere gets from you all year is a holiday card, it won’t land as a sincere greeting — it will feel like a “check-the-box” tradition. A quick 30–60 second call, on the other hand, instantly deepens the connection.
If you already mailed your cards? No worries.
Make the call your follow-up.
It works just as well — sometimes even better.
Secondly, Send a New Year’s Card
Why? Because timing is everything.
Sending a greeting card a few weeks after the December avalanche lets you rise above the noise. While everyone else’s card gets buried under coupons, catalogs, and shipping boxes, your New Year message arrives calm, intentional, and perfectly timed.
Plus — it buys you more time to actually speak to people before January 1.
That is a major win-win.
Say Hello to Thanks.io for Holiday Cards
We’re huge advocates of appreciation marketing, and Thanks.io is one of our favorite tools to help you stay connected with past clients in a personal, meaningful way.
But here’s what’s even more important: Staying in touch isn’t optional — it’s everything.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®:
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86–89% of buyers and sellers say they would use their agent again
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But only a fraction actually do
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And repeat business + referrals typically account for only 20–40% of an agent’s annual production
Not because clients were unhappy.
Not because someone else did it better.
But because life moved fast… and the relationship faded.
Consumer research from OutboundEngine and PLACE backs this up: your past clients forget to call you — not because they don’t value you, but because they don’t hear from you.
This is why consistent touch points matter.
A card.
A phone call.
A New Year message.
A quick “thinking of you.”
Every single nudge reminds people that you’re still here — still helpful — and still their agent.
POWER AGENTS® Bonus: Get a complimentary 500-address farming list plus a $10 credit toward your first mailing.
A Different Perspective
New Year’s cards bring something fresh to the table — literally.
While holiday cards often focus on celebration and togetherness, New Year’s cards highlight new beginnings, hope, possibility, and forward momentum. Your clients will remember you as someone who looks ahead, not someone who’s simply closing out the year.
And since the new year is when people start thinking about buying, selling, investing, or making big financial moves, your timing couldn’t be better.
Personalization Is Key
A New Year’s card lands even stronger when it feels personal. Consider:
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Adding a short handwritten note
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Including a thoughtful message
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Sending a small treat like AM Cards’ delicious brownies
This extra step turns a simple card into a sincere connection — something people genuinely appreciate and remember.
Related reading: Shutterfly – 50 Sample Business Holiday Card Messages
If none strike your fancy, try this universal line:
“I want to wish you a happy new year! Next year is shaping up to be a year of change and opportunity. I want you to know that I’m here for you and just a phone call away. If I can help you in any way, please reach out. I appreciate you!”
It’s heartfelt, neutral, and perfect for every client — no matter when you last spoke.
Marketing Opportunities
Your New Year’s card can do double duty with soft, smart marketing. You can:
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Add upcoming events
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Share resources
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Offer a home-equity check
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Thank clients for their trust
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Highlight community projects
This keeps you top of mind while giving clients something useful — not salesy.
And here’s the timing advantage:
Once the holidays pass, buyers and sellers start planning. That means your New Year card arrives exactly when people are thinking about real estate again.
How to Reconnect with Past Clients
Worried you haven’t been in touch all year?
Good news — the holidays give you the perfect “permission slip” to reach out.
Call first.
Keep it simple.
No apologies needed.
“Hi! Just wanted to wish you a warm holiday season. With everything happening in the market, I’m checking in to see if you have any questions about the changes.”
Done.
Warm.
Human.
Helpful.
And it opens the door for deeper conversation.
Conclusion
As the year wraps up, consider switching things up by sending New Year cards instead of blending into the holiday-card crowd. You’ll stand out, reconnect more authentically, and position yourself as the agent who leads with care, intention, and forward-focused support.
You have nothing to lose — and a whole lot of relationships (and referrals) to gain.
➡️ POWER AGENT® TIP – Check out Thanks.io in the Vendor tab of the Classroom and grab your $10 gift credit and 500 free lead contacts! It’s the perfect time to take advantage of their awesome offer.
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