COMPLETE GUIDE TO

CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTOS +

CHRISTMAS CARDS

This year, I suddenly got a desire to send out Christmas cards. We never have in the past, but maybe now it’s because we have sweet Ansel and our sweet girl on the way. We want to document our family and I want to connect and share with community. I’m all about traditions at home, so I figured it was time to send out holiday cards. Since this is our first time planning for this, I knew I needed to plan ahead. So to make your holiday card-sending process as seamless as possible, I created a complete guide to sending your own Christmas and Holiday cards.

How to Make Christmas Cards With Your Photos

Creating Christmas cards with recent photos is a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and share cherished moments with loved ones. Start by planning a relaxed, fun photoshoot that reflects your style. You can choose a cozy indoor setting or head outdoors for a scenic backdrop, like the desert or open field; where ever you have a vision for or haven’t taken pictures at yet. Make sure everyone is dressed in comfy and neutral clothes that you can move around in. The key is to capture your family's unique dynamic and connection.

During the photoshoot, focus on keeping the atmosphere natural and enjoyable. This helps everyone feel at ease in front of the camera, leading to more genuine and candid moments. Encourage interaction—playful laughter, exchanging hugs, or just exploring the scenery can result in beautiful, heartfelt shots. If you have young children, let them explore and be themselves; some of the best photos come from unposed, spontaneous moments that reflect their joy and energy.

I love shooting in natural light, especially during the "golden hour" just before sunset for a soft, warm glow, especially during the winter time. I like to experiment with different angles and compositions, and I’m not afraid to take lots of shots so you have a variety to choose from later. Once I’ve captured the perfect images, you can use them to create personalized Christmas cards, adding a festive greeting and sharing a little piece of your family’s holiday joy with friends and family.

Christmas Card Etiquette

CHRISTMAS CARD ETIQUETTE FAQs

Deciding who to send Christmas cards to can feel like a big task, but it’s a great way to stay connected with loved ones. Here's a helpful list to guide you:

Family – Start with close family members, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family like aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s a thoughtful way to remind them they’re in your heart during the holidays.

Friends – Include close friends, even if you haven’t spoken in a while. Sending a card is a nice way to reconnect and share holiday cheer, especially for long-distance friends you don’t see often.

Coworkers and Clients – If you want to keep it professional, consider sending cards to coworkers, clients, or business partners to express gratitude for working together throughout the year. This gesture can strengthen relationships going into the new year.

Neighbors – If you’re close with your neighbors, sending them a card shows your appreciation for the connection and community you share.

Teachers and Mentors – If you or your children have teachers, coaches, or mentors, sending them a holiday card is a kind way to acknowledge their impact throughout the year.

Service Providers – Consider sending cards to people who regularly provide services, like your mail carrier, hairstylist, or childcare provider, to express thanks for their work.

Ultimately, send Christmas cards to those who have made an impact in your life and whom you want to wish a happy holiday season! This year, I’m sending cards to client friends and family.

WHO SHOULD I SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS TO?

HOW MANY HOLIDAY CARDS DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON SEND?

The average person sends around 15 to 30 holiday cards each year, though this number can vary depending on personal and social factors. People with larger families or broader social circles may send upwards of 50 to 100 cards, especially if they’re also including colleagues, clients, or community members. On the other hand, some might only send cards to a close-knit group of family and friends, keeping the total number lower.

In general, the number of holiday cards someone sends depends on their personal traditions, social connections, and how much time they want to dedicate to sending greetings during the holiday season.

In general, it’s a good idea to include a warm holiday greeting, express appreciation or well-wishes, and add a personal touch if possible. You can also include a short update about your family or a special memory from the past year to make it more personal. For those planning to include a year-in-review letter with their holiday cards, here are some ideas of what you might include:

  • Highlights from family life

  • Updates on your children’s ages and school progress

  • New hobbies or family activities

  • Details about major purchases (like a new home, car, or renovation)

  • News about the family pet

  • Noteworthy work projects or accomplishments

  • Any important medical updates

I always love reading updates and year-in-reviews, but appreciate it when it’s short and sweet :)

WHAT SHOULD I WRITE IN A CHRISTMAS CARD?

Yes, signing holiday cards by hand is a thoughtful touch that adds a personal and heartfelt element to your greetings. Handwritten signatures or notes show that you took the time to personally address each card, which can make the recipient feel special and appreciated. It’s a small gesture that enhances the warmth and sincerity of your message, making your holiday cards more meaningful. If you’re sending a large number of cards and time is a concern, even a simple handwritten signature combined with a printed message can still convey a personal touch.

SHOULD I SIGN CARDS BY HAND?

Sending Christmas cards is generally considered timely if they arrive before or just after Christmas Day, ideally within the week before or immediately following. However, if you miss this window, it’s still okay to send them.

HOW LATE IS TOO LATE TO SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS?

RECAP OF BASIC CHRISTMAS CARD ETIQUETTE

Basic Christmas card etiquette involves sending greetings to family, close friends, colleagues, and anyone who has made an impact on your year. The average person sends between 15 to 30 cards, though this can vary widely. When writing your cards, include a warm holiday greeting, personal updates, and well-wishes for the recipient. Signing cards by hand adds a personal touch and shows you care. If you miss the traditional mailing window, it’s still appropriate to send cards into January, framing them as New Year’s greetings or belated holiday wishes.

Complete Timeline for Holiday Cards

Let’s get you set up for success and in the holiday mood without any stress. Turn this timeline into a fun holiday activity instead of trying to cross it off your to-do list. To ensure your cards make it to their destinations in time and with the right touch, it’s helpful to follow a well-organized timeline. By following this timeline, you’ll be well-prepared to send thoughtful and memorable holiday greetings that reflect the spirit of the season and reach your friends and family with plenty of holiday joy.

HOW TO SEND YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY CARDS

TODAY:

FIND YOUR CARD

Browse different photo printing websites like Arifact Uprising to get a feel for the vision you want for your photos and cards. Choosing a card ahead of time can help you budget overall; for the printing and taking photos with a photographer. It’ll get you excited about designing it once you have your photos and you’ll be prepared to just drag and drop your main selected photo.

8 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

TAKE PICTURES

It’s time to take your seasonal pictures and at the very least, schedule your photoshoot! My turnaround time for a full edited gallery is two weeks, so keep this in mind when scheduling. Aim for getting your photos back at least a month before Christmas.

6 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

GATHER ADDRESSES

Use this chance to create your recipient list, including family, friends, coworkers, and anyone you’d like to brighten with a holiday card. I suggest using Google Sheets for your list, as it’s easy to update year after year. Remember to check in with anyone who might have a new address!

5 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

ORDER CARDS

It’s go time to finalize everything. Complete your card design with your greeting, uploading your photos, and adding a brief note on the back. You could also summarize the year with a few typed sentences or add a handwritten note for each when your cards arrive. Next, handle the addressing. Some online photo printers include an envelope addressing service. While you wait, visit the post office to pick up your stamps or order them online.

3 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

MAIL DAY

Make stuffing and stamping a cozy tradition by lighting a candle, putting on vibey holiday music, and making some hot chocolate. Mail them off and soak in the season.

Using an online service is a straightforward process that offers convenience and professional-quality results. You can efficiently create and send beautifully designed Christmas and holiday cards without the hassle of in-house printing. Select an online service such as Artifact Uprising. Their service offers a range of card designs, customization options, and printing services.

Browse the available templates and choose one that fits your style. Many services offer themed designs, customizable layouts, and seasonal graphics. From there, you can upload your photos and add your personalized text. Most services provide an easy-to-use editor where you can adjust the layout, fonts, colors, and any other elements. Some services also offer envelope printing and return address options. Once your order is processed, your cards will be printed, packaged, and shipped to you. It’s like Christmas came early!

How to Print Your Christmas Cards

Sending Christmas cards is a cherished tradition that allows you to spread holiday cheer and connect with loved ones. To streamline your card-sending process and ensure you get the most out of your holiday greetings, I’ve gathered a selection of helpful links. These resources cover everything you need, from choosing the perfect card design and personalizing your message to understanding mailing deadlines and selecting the best printing options.

Design and print physical cards: Artifact Uprising, Minted, Canva

Design and send digital cards: Paperless Post

Summary of pricing, weight, size and shape requirements: USPS Guidelines

Order stamps: The Postal Store

Schedule a photoshoot with me: My contact form

Helpful Links For Christmas Cards