INSPO
A Holiday Heist Worth Studying: Cyber Command Joins Our Inspo Collection
Cyber Command’s latest mailer twists seasonal cheer into a clever cybersecurity warning. Learn why this postcard stands out and what marketers can “steal” from it.
Holiday mailers usually arrive wrapped in cheer—sparkling snowflakes, warm wishes, festive colors, and predictable greetings like “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.”
But every so often, a piece arrives that breaks the mold in a clever, strategic, and unforgettable way.
That’s exactly why the latest Cyber Command postcard has officially earned a place in our Inspo Collection.
A Holiday Greeting With a Twist
At first glance, the front of the postcard looks like a traditional holiday greeting card. But instead of offering warm cocoa vibes, it delivers a smart, relevant message:
“Wishing You a Safe and Happy Out of Office.”
That twist alone makes it stand out. It’s seasonal, yet on-brand. Festive, yet actionable. And most importantly—it’s memorable.
Why This Piece Made Our Inspo Collection
There are three main reasons this postcard rose to the top:
1. A Brilliant Fusion of Holiday Cheer + Cybersecurity Urgency
Rather than leaning on generic holiday tropes, Cyber Command uses the season to highlight a real and timely issue: increased cybercrime during the holidays.
The back of the postcard drops compelling—and slightly alarming—stats about the spike in cyberattacks when teams are out on vacation, understaffed, or distracted by end-of-year chaos.
It’s educational and strategic without feeling fear-mongering, and it ties perfectly into their offer of holiday security checkups.
2. Humor and Nostalgia Used Responsibly and Effectively
The postcard features illustrated versions of two very familiar bumbling burglars from a beloved holiday comedy classic. Even without naming them, anyone who grew up watching that film instantly recognizes the humorous nod.
This is nostalgia marketing done right—evoking emotion, memory, and delight without overshadowing the message. It stops the recipient mid-flip. It makes them smile. And then it drives them straight into the copy.
3. It Breaks the Pattern—And Pattern Interrupt Is Everything
Holiday mailboxes overflow with red, green, gold, poinsettias, snowmen, and glitter.
This piece doesn’t just zig where others zag—it flips the script entirely. By turning a holiday greeting into a cybersecurity warning, it earns attention, which is half the battle in direct mail.
What Marketers Can Learn (and Steal!) From This Campaign
If you’re looking to elevate your direct mail, here are the big takeaways from this piece:
✔ Mix Festive With Functional
A holiday theme doesn’t have to be fluff. Tie your seasonal creative back to a relevant issue, offer, or customer pain point.
✔ Leverage Nostalgia Carefully
Familiar imagery—especially holiday-specific nostalgia—can be extremely powerful. Just be thoughtful and avoid infringing on actual intellectual property.
✔ Use Humor to Humanize Your Brand
Security brands often sound serious or technical. A little levity makes them more approachable and memorable.
✔ Let Your Back Panel Do the Heavy Lifting
The stats and message on the reverse side strengthen the postcard’s purpose without overwhelming the playful holiday front.
✔ Pattern Interrupt Is a Superpower
When you can make someone pause, tilt their head, and say “Wait, what is this?” … you win.
A Fresh Example of Direct Mail Done Right
Cyber Command’s holiday postcard proves that direct mail doesn’t just have to be festive—it can be bold, unexpected, humorous, and highly strategic.
And that’s exactly why it now lives in the Who’s Mailing What! Inspo Collection.
It’s a reminder to all marketers:
Don’t just send a holiday greeting. Send something worth remembering.
