I was a reading specialist prior to staying home with my children and getting into interior decorating. I loved that job and am still a book nerd. At any given time you will find me reading about 4 books at the same time. I think my husband thought when I quit my job to be a stay at home mom that my book obsession would level out. Well I don’t have to buy student books anymore, but if anything my book obsession has grown even stronger. With the holidays right around the corner I thought I would give a little lesson in how to address your Christmas cards correctly. I’m sure you don’t need it. However, your neighbor might.
WHEN YOU ARE WRITING NAMES ON CARDS YOU ARE NOT MAKING THEM POSSESSIVE OR A CONTRACTION. DO NOT USE ANY ‘S.
If your name ends in: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, T. U, V, W, Y Then just add the letter s to the end of your name. So my addressed envelope would look like:
Elys
1113 Kyle court
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Here are some exceptions to this rule. If your name ends in S, X, CH, Z, and SH, then add -es to the end of your name. For example:
Hernandez Hernandezes
Curtis Curtises DO NOT DO THIS. (CURTIS’)
Jones Joneses
O’Riley O’Rileys
Hersh Hershes
There is an exception to this rule. If you have a name that ends in CH, but it makes the /k/ sound, just add -s, not -es.
For example, take the last name Monarch. It has -ch at the end of the name, but it makes the /k/ sound. When writing their card you would just add -s because they are the exception to the rule.
If in doubt you can always write The Ely Family. This sounds great and looks beautiful on a Christmas Card. It is even more formal than the other way and you know you aren’t making any grammar mistakes.
I hope this was helpful. It is a little confusing, but it’s not too hard once you know you will never use the ‘s on your cards. Just remember, you are not using contractions or making the name possessive. I know your cards will be gorgeous and the recipients will be excited to receive them. You can check out tips for a great family Christmas photo here.
