When should I order holiday cards?

Ordering holiday cards early gives you more time to write personal notes, address envelopes, and send cards before the season gets busy.

How do I choose holiday cards?

Choose holiday cards by considering the recipient list, tone, faith or seasonal language, design style, quantity, and how much room you need for handwritten notes.

Holiday Cards Guide | Christmas Cards, Seasonal Notes & Sets

List planning

The best holiday card choice starts with the recipient list.

A family card, customer card, teacher card, faith-based Christmas card, and general seasonal greeting can all be right in different contexts. Before choosing a design, think about who will receive it.

Family and friends

Choose cards with room for a personal update, warm note, or shared memory.

Customers and clients

Choose polished cards that express gratitude without feeling too sales-heavy.

Teachers and neighbors

Choose friendly cards that feel thoughtful, easy to sign, and appropriate for mixed audiences.

Tone

Holiday cards can be festive without being generic.

Some cards lean joyful and colorful. Others feel calm, elegant, religious, wintery, funny, or gratitude-focused. The tone should match both the sender and the people receiving the card.

Christmas cards: Best when the recipient list shares or welcomes Christmas-specific language.
Holiday cards: Best for mixed audiences, workplaces, clients, and broad seasonal greetings.
New Year cards: Best when the message is about gratitude, reflection, fresh starts, or the year ahead.
Winter cards: Best for a softer seasonal tone that can work beyond one specific holiday.

Business

Business holiday cards should feel grateful and human.

A business holiday card works best when it thanks customers, clients, partners, vendors, or employees without sounding like an advertisement. A short handwritten line can make the card feel much warmer.

Business card prompt

Thank you for being part of our year. We are grateful for your trust, support, and the chance to serve you.

Timing

Holiday cards need time for ordering, writing, and mailing.

The busiest season is not the best time to make every decision. Choosing cards early gives customers more time to write, address, stamp, and send without rushing.

Build the recipient list before choosing quantity.
Order extra cards for last-minute names.
Use a return address plan before envelope writing begins.
Set aside more writing time for cards that need personal notes.

FAQ

Common holiday card questions

Should I choose Christmas cards or holiday cards?

Choose Christmas cards when the wording fits your recipient list. Choose broader holiday cards for mixed audiences, workplaces, clients, or inclusive seasonal greetings.

How many holiday cards should I order?

Start with your full recipient list, then add extras for last-minute names, mistakes, keepsakes, and business contacts.

What should I write in a holiday card?

A good holiday card note can include gratitude, a short update, a warm wish, or one personal detail about the relationship.

Choose holiday cards that make the season feel personal