Meet Miss Stephanie, the Shutterfly Card Stylist, here to demystify holiday card etiquette and diminish your seasonal stress.

Dear Miss Shutterfly:

When should I mail my holiday cards?
Ideally, the first two weeks of December, but anytime after Thanksgiving through New Years is fine. If you miss the holidays, no worries. People love hearing from you—even if it’s a New Year’s card or if you’re really good at procrastinating, a Valentine’s Day card.

Is it okay to send my Jewish/Muslim/Hindu friends Christmas cards?
Why not create two versions of the same holiday card—a traditional holiday card and a non-religious card for your friends of different faiths.

Just how do you spell Hanukkah?
You’ll find Hanukkah spelled about as many ways as there are candles on the menorah. We prefer Hanukkah, but Hannukah, Hanukah, Hannukkah, Chanukah, and Channukah are all acceptable.

Do I need to sign my last name?
If you’re sending holiday cards to people you don’t know well, then sign your last name. You don’t want someone holding your card wondering, who are these people?

Do I need to write my name again if it’s already pre-printed in the greeting?
It’s a good idea to sign your own name to personalize your holiday cards.

Do I need to write a personal note with each card or is the person’s first name enough?
If you have the time, a short greeting is ideal or at least your own signature. Get the kids in on the action and have them stuff the envelopes and lick the stamps while you’re writing the greetings.

Should we include my daughter’s fiancée in our holiday card photo?
If he’s a fiancé, he’s a keeper—definitely get him in the photo. If he’s just the boyfriend, you may want to wait until next holiday season.

Do we just include the kids or should the entire family be in the holiday photo?
We see photos with only the kids (after all, they’re the ones who’ve changed from last year’s photo) and also the entire family. With a family portrait you’ll need to find someone to take the photo.

How do I address our holiday cards if the family has different last names?
Address the card to Jennifer Smith and Jeff Thomas. If there are kids, Jennifer Smith, Jeff Thomas and family.