In a season filled with lights and laughter, few traditions carry as much quiet meaning as the act of writing and sending a Christmas card! It may seem like a small act, just some ink on paper, or a few heartfelt digital words, but behind every card is the thought that someone out there is thinking of you this holiday season.
So, whether you’re continuing a family tradition or sending your very first Christmas card, your love makes the season a little warmer and brighter, one card at a time. In this article, you’ll be guided through the ins-and-outs of holiday cards with ease – it’s your all-in-one companion for creating cards this season! Ready to share some Christmas cheer? Let’s unwrap some tips and tricks for creating your Christmas cards together!
Creating Your Christmas Card Recipient List (and Checking It Twice)
Before we begin sticking stamps, writing messages, or even picking your card design, the first step is to draw up a recipient list. Start with your close circle, next check immediate family off the list, then expand it to others you’d like to appreciate this season. Don’t be afraid to gently evaluate your list as relationships evolve. If you haven’t stayed in touch, you can still choose to send a card, but don’t feel obligated to keep every name on the list forever.
We’d recommend preparing a few extra cards too – because the last thing anyone needs during the Christmas period is to be scrabbling around for a card for last-minute additions to your list… who may have been (accidentally!) forgotten in the first round.
Choosing a Christmas Card Format That Jingles All the Way
Picking a card format can be tough with so many available options these days – from traditional printed holiday cards to digital downloads, each has its own magic! So how do you choose? Start with what feels most you, then consider how you want your message to travel. Will it be sealed with a stamp and sent on its merry way, or pop up with a ping in someone’s inbox to bring a seasonal glow to their screen? There’s no right or wrong answer; both options are wonderful!
Physical cards are nostalgic for sure! They’re tangible and personal – a tactile experience that gives you a moment of pause in a fast-moving time. Whether it’s a foil-stamped holiday card or a cheery photo card, physical mail feels intentional! On the other hand, digital cards provide a sense of immediacy and accessibility that’s hard to beat. Digital downloads are also a budget-conscious option for those with a long list of loved ones, as they can be perfected online and printed at home!
Making It Merry with Christmas Card Designs That Deliver
Now that you have your card format, it’s time to talk about card design! It’s the first pop of festive glee your lucky recipients will see when opening your envelope, so let’s brainstorm some ideas to make it memorable! For classic cheer, consider elements like snowflakes, candles, and carolers with splashes of red, greens, and gold. For a modern touch, try bold typography, stylized illustrations, or silhouetted designs for a sleek, minimalistic look.
Want a more personal approach? Well, nothing’s more personal than a matching sweater photo shoot! Alternatively, add a photo collage of your memories throughout the year, a hand-drawn piece of art, or a meaningful quote. Tell a story with your card design, and let it evoke memories that last way beyond the season!
Penmanship Tips Yule Love for Christmas Cards
For physical cards, take your time writing your holiday wishes! Go slowly – you don’t want to ruin your thoughtful note with smudges. Don’t be afraid to practice on a scrap page first! A good pen, like a gel or a ballpoint, in a fun and festive color (or metallic ink to really make the message shine) makes your words stand out on the paper.
Digital cards offer endless options, from handwritten-style fonts to even uploading an image of your own signature to sign off in style! It’s easy for physical cards to seem personal, given you’re putting your calligraphy skills to the test, but you can achieve an equally personal feel on digital designs with a message personalized for each recipient.
Festive Phrases to Brighten Every Christmas Card
Now, let’s draft up that message! Finding the right words can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to strike the best balance between festive and personal. There’s no need to worry, though, because we have some great examples for you.
- Friendly: “Sending love, smiles, and a whole lot of cheer your way this Christmas!”
- Grateful: “Christmas reminds me of how lucky I am to have someone like you in my life. Thank you for being a light through every season!”
- Joyful: “Hope your holiday sparkles with joy and laughter. Have a holly, jolly Christmas and a wonderful New Year!”
- Playful: “May your holidays be full of cookies, cozy pajamas, just the right amount of family chaos, and everything from your Christmas list – and none of the receipts.”
- Short and Sweet: “Joy to you and yours this festive season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
Special Christmas Card Phrases for Those Who Mean the Most
The secret tip for personalization is to start with a general festive greeting and then add in some personal phrases to tailor it to your recipient. Know a tidbit about the recipient (like a recent wedding, promotion, or new addition to the family)? Then mention it to add an extra touch of sincerity. Let’s get you started!
- To Parents: “Thank you for every tradition, memory, and warm moment that made the holidays feel so magical growing up!”
- To Siblings: “No matter how many Christmases go by, I’ll always be grateful to have grown up with you by my side.”
- To Friends: “Sleigh, bestie! Cheers to another year of cherished memories, enduring friendship, and being on the naughty list… again!”
- To Colleagues: “It’s been such a pleasure working with you this year! Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday.”
- To Those Far Away (But Close in Heart): “Even though we’re not sharing cocoa and carols in person this year, you’re right here with me in spirit.”
Signing off Your Christmas Card with a Jolly Goodbye
When it comes to signing off your Christmas cards, this is your chance to leave a lasting impression! Tailor your sign-off to the recipient: wholesome for family, playful for close friends, and gracious for coworkers. Try fun phrases like “Keep Calm And Jingle On,” or “With Joy, Love, and Candy Canes,” or shout out the good and bad household members from the past year: “From The Naughty (Cat) and The Nice (The Rest Of The Clan)!”
If you’re signing off from the whole family, options like “The Johnson Family” or “Olivia, Jake, and the kids” are very popular! If you’re looking for some dazzling recommendations for addressing your envelopes in style, jingle your way over to “Make It Merry: Unique and Creative Ways to Address Christmas Card Envelopes” for all the best ways to wrap up your cards.
Sending Tips to Seal and Sleigh the Season
Now, let’s talk timing. To beat the holiday postal rush, get your cards stamped and sent off by the first or second week of December. That sweet spot ensures your greetings arrive before the big day without getting caught in the flurry of last-minute mail! Our postal workers are the stars of the show during the season, but they’re not mind-readers, so don’t forget to include full names and up-to-date addresses to ensure prompt delivery.
But here’s a secret: not all cards have to arrive before Christmas. Sending after-Christmas cards is just as meaningful, especially if you include a note reflecting on the season or sharing a favorite memory from your celebrations. This is a lovely way to keep the festive spirits up, even after the tree is down!
Whether you’re sending warm greetings to family on the other side of the sea or saying a cheerful hello to an old friend, each Christmas card is sure to brighten someone’s day.
We’d love to hear your best Christmas card tips, so drop them in the comments and share that holiday magic with us!
Lily is a Content Specialist at Zazzle from Galway, Ireland. Before she could even walk, she was begging her parents to read her fantastical stories filled with great adventures. To this day, just give her a cup of tea and a good book to cozy up with, and she will be happily lost for hours! If she doesn’t have her nose in a book, then she will probably whipping up something delicious in the kitchen for her friends and family, or, negotiating with her house plants to stay alive.
Read more from Lily.
