Sending Christmas Cards 101

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas card time!

We all know how much fun it is to receive Christmas cards throughout the holiday season — and how good it feels to send Christmas cards, knowing you’re bringing that same kind of joy to others. So, of course, you want to make sure all the important people in your life get a Christmas card from you, right?

But how do you choose who’s on your list? And when should you send Christmas cards to ensure they arrive on time?

Below, we put together a quick guide for sending Christmas cards this holiday season.

Whom to Send Christmas Cards To

It’s easy to start with your annual list of close family and friends who will always get a card. But now is also a good time to think about who is important to you at this current stage of your life by looking back on the past year and asking yourself these questions:

Whom do I appreciate in my everyday life — for their help, for their service, for their kindness?
Are there any relationships I’d like to improve — or possibly reconnect?
Who would enjoy, or be pleasantly surprised, by a card from me/my family (even if I don’t get cards from them)?

Here are some suggestions to make sure you've thought of everyone:

Aunts/uncles
Nieces/nephews
Cousins
Friends
Neighbors
Co-workers/boss
School/daycare staff
Coaches
Babysitter/pet sitter
Hair stylist
Healthcare providers (primary care doctor, pediatrician, dentist, etc.)
Mail carrier

When to Send Christmas Cards

For printed greeting cards, it’s best to start selecting and customizing them a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving — before the holiday hustle truly begins. Aim to mail them during the first week of December, so they arrive with plenty of time and help lighten your to-do list as Christmas gets closer.

For digital cards, feel free to start sending them right after Thanksgiving and up to Christmas Day! They’re quick and easy to customize in just a few clicks and arrive instantly (or schedule in advance so you don’t forget). Spread holiday cheer your way, right on time!

Should You Send Digital or Printed Christmas Cards?

At American Greetings, you’ll find a wide variety of Christmas cards to fit every holiday style, from quick and festive Christmas ecards to customizable Creatacards. Each option has its own special benefits:

Digital: Sending Christmas ecards or Creatacards is fast, easy and perfect for last-minute moments. You can send unlimited cards at an affordable price, and they’re eco-friendly, too — saving paper and trees. No need for a physical address; all you need is an email, social media connection or a phone number to text.
Printed: There’s something timeless about sending a printed Christmas card. You’re supporting the USPS and postal workers, and the recipient gets a keepsake they can display on a mantel, desk or fridge. Printed cards bring a warm, tangible feel that’s perfect for sharing heartfelt holiday wishes.

How to Send Christmas Cards

Sending Online

Send ecards instantly online via email, text or social media post. Or schedule in advance by email!

Sending By Mail

To print and send Christmas Creatacards in the mail, follow the printout instructions (printer settings, card layout and more) and then print from home and send them in your own envelopes, preferably with your favorite holiday stamps!

Hopefully, this guide will help make the daunting task of sending Christmas cards a little easier! If you need help writing the perfect Christmas message, we have lots of helpful tips here.

Have a very happy holiday and thank you for making the world a merrier place by sharing your kindness and love!