With so many different cards and envelope sizes out there, we’re sharing this complete guide on Christmas card sizes. Whether it’s a photo Christmas card, a small thank you card, or a holiday party invitation, you’re sure to find what you need. Keep reading for tips on how to put together and mail your holiday greetings. From what to wear to when to book a photographer, our tips will help you set the right timeline to plan out your Christmas cards and photos.
Christmas Card Sizes Chart
| Card Size (in) | Envelope Size (in) | Great for: |
| 9 x 6 | 9 ¼ x 6 ¼ (A10) | Greeting cards, photo cards, large invitations |
| 8 x 6 | 8 ¼ x 6 ¼ | Greeting cards, photo cards, invitations |
| 8 ½ x 5 ½ | 8 ⅝ x 5 ⅝ (A9) | Greeting cards, photo cards, invitations |
| 8 x 5 | 8 ½ x 5 ½ (A8) | Greeting cards, photo cards, invitations |
| 8 x 4 | 8 ¼ x 4 ¼ | Greeting cards, photo cards, invitations |
| 7 x 5 | 7 ¼ x 5 ¼ (A7) | Greeting cards, photo cards, invitations |
| 6 ¼ x 4 ⅝ | 6 ½ x 4 ¾ (A6) | Greeting cards, enclosure cards, thank you cards |
| 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ | 5 ½ x 5 ½ | Square invitations, greeting cards, thank you cards |
| 5 x 5 | 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ | Square invitations, greeting cards, thank you cards |
| 5 ½ x 4 ¼ | 5 ¾ x 4 ⅜ (A2) | Greeting cards, enclosure cards, thank you cards, RSVP cards |
| 5 x 3 ½ | 5 ¼ x 3 ½ (4-bar) | RSVP cards, thank you cards |
Find The Right Christmas Card Size
As you can see from our chart above, there are plenty of options to choose from for your holiday cards. To help you decide, below are some of the most popular choices this year based on the purpose of your card.
1. 9 x 6
This size is perfect for a large, show-stopping Christmas card. Whether it’s your baby’s first Christmas or you just want to add a few different photos to your card, this size will do the trick. An A10 envelope is the best fit for this card.
2. 8 x 5
The standard for Christmas card size is 8×5. This size will check all your basic needs. It’s perfect to fit one or two photos and a note to wish your friends and family happy holidays. Be sure to choose an A8 envelope with this card size.
3. 7 x 5
A more compact option but nevertheless perfect for a holiday party invitation or Christmas card. It has enough room to add a photo of your family’s latest adventure and a brief message or details of your event. An A7 envelope is the best fit for this card.
4. 5 x 5
For a more modern Christmas card, go for a square sized card. This size and shape also make a great thank you card or invitation. To complete your card, add a cute holiday quote and a bold colored envelope.
5. 5 x 3.5
One of the smallest standard card sizes, this card is ideal for thank you notes and RSVP cards. If you’ll be gifting any gift cards or cash this holiday season, add this small card along with your gift and package them in a festive envelope for a simple yet polished present. Make sure to pair with a standard 4-bar envelope.
Plan Your Christmas Photo Card
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s always a good idea to start planning early for gifts, festive home decor, and Christmas cards. So if you’re starting to plan your family Christmas card, read some of our tips below to help you get the perfect shot. We include everything from budget-friendly alternatives to how to pick the right time of day.
1. Book Your Photographer Early
When booking a photographer, it’s important to keep in mind the season you’d like to have your photos taken. Most photographers are busiest during the fall season so booking early is key. If you’d like to shoot your photos during the winter or snowfall, make sure you have enough time to mail your cards before the holidays.
2. Coordinate Your Attire
We recommend focusing on clothes you and your family feel confident and comfortable in first, and then consider adding patterns, textures and colors. Make sure not to choose garments that your kids will constantly feel the need to fidget in, so be sure it’s soft, breathable and movable fabric.
For patterns and color, it’s always best to go for solid colors like red, green, blue and white mixed with one or two fun patterns.
3. Choose A Festive Location
Nothing says holidays more than an orange background of fallen leaves or mounds of snow. Pick a beautiful location with plenty of spots for various poses and angles. A unique location or non-traditional background like a beach is always fun, so don’t be discouraged to think outside the box.
If you’re unsure, ask your photographer. They’ll know plenty of locations that can capture what you envision.
4. Pick The Right Time
Your photographer will be able to recommend the right time of day to take your photographs. Typically early morning or evening help capture the best light, as well as provide the ideal weather to shoot comfortably in.
We also recommend keeping your family’s schedule in mind. You don’t want to feel rushed or tired so choose a time that works with your work schedule and outside of your kid’s nap time.
5. Mail Them On Time
The best time to send out your photo Christmas cards is two to three weeks before Christmas Day or during the first week of December. For relatives outside the country, try sending them out during the last two weeks of November.
6. Keep A Few Extra Prints
Keep a few copies of your Christmas cards handy in case you miss a certain friend or family member on your mailing list. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or hosting one, having some extra cards for those who ask will be easier than having to make copies later.
7. Go Digital
For a budget-friendly and time-saving option, sending your Christmas card digitally is a great alternative. Since digital Christmas cards can be sent instantaneously, you’ll have more time to book your photographer in case you haven’t already.
8. Choose The Right Style
Many photographers specialize in either traditional, posed photography or more lifestyle and candid shots. A good rule of thumb is to go with a style that works best with your family and a photographer who can do a balanced mix of both.
9. Include Your Furry Family Members
Including your pets in your Christmas card is a must, so plan ahead and ask your photographer for cute ways to incorporate them into your photos. If you are buying them an outfit, try it on before the photoshoot to make sure they’ll feel comfortable in it. Hanging a funny sign or prop on your pet is also a great way to include your furry loved ones.
10. Make It Fun
For a family with kids, making your Christmas card photography session fun is a must. Enlist your kid’s help and make a few DIY props and signs. Having a few leaf piles to play with or a snowball fight is great for some awesome candid shots.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Cards
Christmas photo cards are a great way to send family and friends well wishes during the holidays and capture some sweet moments with your spouse and kids. Once you’ve shot the perfect Christmas photo, you’re ready to choose the right size and layout of your card.
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