Sending Christmas cards is one of the most meaningful holiday traditions, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re juggling photos, addresses, holiday shopping, and a busy schedule. Use this Christmas card mailing checklist to stay organized and make sure your cards are ready to send before the holiday season is in full swing.
Create Your Christmas Card List
Start by making a list of everyone you’d like to send a holiday card to this year. Begin with close family and friends, then add neighbors, coworkers, teachers, coaches, and anyone else you’d like to remember during the holidays.
If you sent cards last year, use that list as a starting point and make updates as needed. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide on who to send Christmas cards to for ideas on building your recipient list and making sure no one gets overlooked.
Checklist:
- Add family and relatives
- Add friends and neighbors
- Add coworkers or professional contacts
- Add any new recipients from the past year
- Remove outdated addresses or duplicate contacts
Update Mailing Addresses
Before ordering your Christmas cards, take a few minutes to verify addresses. A current mailing list helps avoid returned mail and ensures your cards arrive where they’re supposed to.
Shutterfly’s free online address book makes it easy to store, update, and organize addresses all in one place.
Checklist:
- Confirm mailing addresses
- Update recent moves or address changes
- Add missing zip codes or apartment numbers
- Organize contacts in your address book
Organize Your Address Labels
If you use address labels, now is a great time to review your information and order any updates before the holiday rush. Custom holiday address labels can help streamline the mailing process while adding a personalized finishing touch to your Christmas cards.
Checklist:
- Review your current address labels
- Update names or addresses if needed
- Order new labels before the holiday season
- Keep extra labels on hand for future mailings
Choose Your Christmas Card Design
Once your list is ready, it’s time to select a card design. Think about the style, photos, and message you’d like to share this year.
Some families prefer traditional Christmas cards, while others choose holiday cards, year-in-review designs, photo collages, or New Year’s cards.
Checklist:
- Choose your card style
- Select a card size and format
- Decide between a single photo or multiple photos
- Review colors, layouts, and design details
Select Your Photos
The right photos help tell your family’s story from the past year. Professional family portraits are always a great option, but candid moments, vacations, milestone celebrations, and everyday memories can be just as meaningful.
Checklist:
- Gather favorite photos from the year
- Choose high-quality images
- Select a cover photo
- Decide if you want a photo collage or multiple images
Write Your Christmas Card Message
A personalized message helps make your Christmas card feel special. Some families keep it short with a simple holiday greeting, while others include a family update or year-in-review recap.
Checklist:
- Add your holiday greeting
- Include family names
- Write a personal message or update
- Proofread names, dates, and spelling
Choose Your Envelope Addressing Option
When ordering your Christmas cards, decide how you’d like your envelopes addressed. You can leave envelopes blank, add a return address, print recipient addresses, or choose Mail For Me if you’d like Shutterfly to address, stamp, and mail your cards for you. Recipient address printing is free on custom envelopes, making it easy to save time when sending cards to family and friends.
Checklist:
- Select your addressing option
- Add a return address if desired
- Upload or review recipient addresses
- Consider Mail For Me for added convenience
Review Your Order
Before checking out, take one final look at your card design, photos, message, and recipient information.
Checklist:
- Review photos for quality and placement
- Double-check spelling and punctuation
- Confirm names and dates
- Verify envelope addressing details
- Review your order quantity
Mail Your Christmas Cards
Once your cards arrive, all that’s left is getting them into the mail. If you’re hoping for delivery before Christmas, mailing your cards in early December is usually a good rule of thumb.
Checklist:
- Stuff and seal envelopes
- Add postage if needed
- Double-check recipient addresses
- Drop cards in the mail
- Cross “send Christmas cards” off your holiday to-do list
Make Christmas Card Season Easier
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to holiday cards. By organizing your recipient list, choosing photos early, and checking off each step along the way, you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the season. With your cards sent and your holiday greetings on their way, you’ll be ready to focus on everything else that makes this time of year special.
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