Quintessentially British: the birthday card tradition

Mums Tips

Get Creative

Published on Monday, 27 September 2021 19:39

Last Updated on 28 September 2021

Monica Costa

0 Comments

When it comes to family birthdays, everyone wants to express their well-wishes in a memorable manner.

The appeal of the birthday card is still as strong as ever, and many people still feel compelled to send them to cherished people in their lives. Still, some people likely think that they’re little more than an obligatory gesture. Even recipients may simply give them a shake to see if any money drops out and then promptly dispose of them.

However, birthday cards can be an exceedingly touching gesture for a variety of reasons. The significance of the tradition can become more poignant in family life as well.

So, why are so birthday cards so important in British family life? Read on for some insights.

A Personalised Message

You should let your creativity run wild when signing a birthday card. It’s an excellent opportunity to offer something completely unforgettable. 

After all, some people simply address the recipient, let a pre-written message grant the well-wishes, and then sign their name. Try to put more effort in than this.  For example, you could include:

• More detail – An insightful account of your feelings is a great way to show how much you care. You could mention your personal history or how proud you are of them.
• Inside jokes – If you prefer to chronicle a meaningful bond shortly and sweetly, inside jokes can do this perfectly.
• P. – A charming little tagline may be a great way to make your birthday card more sweet and endearing.
• Drawings – Should you be an artist or love to doodle, some exclusive artwork from you could go a long way. Funny cartoons or cool monsters can feature, depending on the age and interests of the recipient.
• Creative writing – A small poem or a punchy short story could put an interesting twist on the birthday card and make it stand out from the rest.

Birthday cards can sometimes risk being a little generic. However, you can add some unique appeal to yours, as well as a stronger sense of your character.

A Group Effort

A birthday card is a great opportunity to showcase the unity of your family.

Some people will typically include their household’s well wishes in a birthday card. Pets names can also feature as well! Doing this can be an exchange between ‘clans’ rather than individuals alone and create a stronger feeling of togetherness.

Group cards will also prevent clutter in the recipient’s home! After all, while dozens and dozens of cards may be touching at first, the question of what to do with them all afterwards may be slightly more complicated. Sometimes a group card is best from a logistical standpoint and saves you all time and pennies in the process.

Of course, people can be forgetful and sometimes people’s birthdays may slip the mind. Everybody’s human, but instances such as these can be very hurtful or at least disappointing for the one celebrating their big day. However, a group card can include the signatures of the forgetful one, avoiding any future tensions. They’ll likely appreciate you having their back, which may strengthen your bond with them too.

A Universal Language

Birthdays can be a stressful time for the ones supplying gifts. Often, there’s no real way to know whether a family member will appreciate what you’ve offered.

Kids can be even harder to please. They may have strict demands as to what they want and throw tantrums when they do not receive it. However, receiving a thoughtful birthday card is forever heartwarming and is now part of the fabric of the special day.

Remember, sometimes the simplest birthdays can be among the best birthdays too. The day doesn’t always need to be elaborate and flashy, and after many years, cards still retain their charm. You can’t say that about every other type of gift out there. Toys and video games go out of fashion eventually, as do certain types of cars if you’re thinking of buying one for your teenager. Cards have never lost their appeal and indeed never will. 

An Engaging Decoration

A simple point that shouldn’t be underestimated is that birthday cards can simply look nice.

They can be a charming addition to a home. For example, if you want to find delightful birthday cards online in the U.K., you can find a plethora of great designs at cardgallery.co.uk/. The designs can be funny or thoughtful, and you can also browse their themed offerings by age or relation. Better yet, if you see something you like, your card can be dispatched from London today if you order before 5pm.

Why not gift a card that’s a little bolder in nature? It may lend some extra character and flair to your family member’s home. Of course, it’s a win-win situation if you happen to live with the family member too. Try to gauge their interests and see what type of card will resonate with them best. You could also opt for something that will make them laugh if you think your family member needs to be playfully humbled somewhat on their special day.

A Written Record

Some people put their birthday cards in the bin a few days after the celebrations. However, if yours includes thoughtful messages, the recipient may just hold onto your card forever.

Your birthday card is a chance to make some much-cherished memories. Perhaps the recipient will one day go through them all a few years down the line and recall you fondly? They can feature wonderfully in scrapbooks and personal journals. In the end, birthday cards are essentially a marker of time, and for that reason, they can be genuinely touching to receive.

It’s also worth mentioning that birthday cards are something tangible. After all, many people will simply leave a Facebook post or send a text message, but a card is a piece of you that your family member can hold in their hands and display in their homes proudly. For many people, that can count for a lot more than a brief digital message.

Staying in Touch

When families flee the nest, communication between you may dwindle. Fortunately, birthday cards can be a sure-fire way to reestablish contact after so long.

Last year, Christmas cards were deemed as being ‘more poignant due to the long bouts of separation incurred by coronavirus lockdowns. Some attested at the time that “when you see something that’s handwritten, it’s as close as you’re going to get to seeing someone”, which highlights just how powerful they can be too. If circumstances separate you and a family, they may also look back on the cards when they miss your company.

Your card may also start a conversation after being out of touch for so long. After all, it’s quite common for people to send ‘thank you’ messages to those who sent them cards. Perhaps the recipient of yours will too? If they do, you can hopefully pick your relationship up right from where you left off.

Conclusion

Birthday cards can have a broad range of benefits in a family dynamic. From providing a thoughtful gesture to the recipient to covering for a forgetful loved one, these gifts will stand the test of time for a long while yet. Try to appreciate the full magnitude of their value and how they can facilitate a positive relationship with your family in profound ways. Ultimately, the more effort you put into them, the more meaningful they shall be.