When it comes to sending Season’s Greetings, you can never go wrong with your own special touch. That’s why personalized printed cards are so popular for the holidays—the cards are as unique as the person who sends them. You have creative control over the style, color, sentiment, and what Christmas photos you want to showcase.
With so many options to personalize your printed holiday cards, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the many ways you can design your own Christmas and Hanukkah cards. From beautiful classic calligraphy to whimsical color, this guide will inspire you to create holiday cards you’ll be proud to drop in the mail.
Whether you’re looking to wish happy holidays or a Merry Christmas, deliver a smile to everyone on your mailing list by sending a personalized printed holiday card that comes straight from your heart.
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Elegant Calligraphy
When it comes to your own design of holiday photo cards, you can never go wrong with the use of a timeless script. The use of calligraphy, hand lettering, or script font is an elegant way to present your heartfelt holiday wishes. Words associated with the holiday season, like “Merry,” “Joy,” or “Peace,” make for an attention-grabbing headline when printed in script. A longer sentiment on your card gives them the look of a lovingly handwritten note.
Start by keeping it simple. When calligraphy is used as an overlay, choose a holiday picture that has a simple, clean background so the text will be legible. This allows you to make a statement with the text. Adding foil-stamped calligraphy is one way to really make your card outshine the rest! Don’t forget about legibility, though: When choosing your fonts, try not to use more than one script to keep things from getting too busy. Calligraphy is cleaner and more legible when combined with a simple font. Plus, typing your other text in a smaller font will help your calligraphy stand out.
Family Portrait
Mailing out custom holiday photo cards is one of the best ways to update everyone on your list with your latest family photo. Use this opportunity to share the happiness of the holiday season, show how much the kids have grown, or announce that your family is growing. You can take one large portrait or create a collage of different photos of the family, take a traditional posed Christmas photo, or opt for more candid shots of members of the family for your photo holiday cards. You might even choose to include your dog or cat in the portrait—pets are family, too!
There are lots of things to think about, but it shouldn’t make it difficult. Start by choosing one main color and a couple of accent colors for everyone to wear for a cohesive look. This is also a great time to think about your location—when it comes to your holiday family portrait, a tree farm, a warm fireplace, or a snowy field are all great choices for a beautiful backdrop. Once you have those things nailed down, you can design your card with your favorite shots in mind.
Depending on everyone’s outfits and the location, that will inform your text, border, and overall card choices. Finally, don’t forget to make a print for yourself! After you go to the trouble of taking a frame-worthy family photograph, order some prints to keep and give to family.
Vacation Memories
Who says the photo on your printed custom cards has to be Christmas themed? Don’t limit yourself to a portrait with a Christmas theme if that’s not your style. Some of the merriest times of all are those spent on vacation—and photos from your travels can be just as joyful on the cover of your Christmas cards. Greeting cards that feature photos from your travels pair well with messages like, “Joy to the World” and “All Is Bright.”
Be sure to pick a photo that showcases your location and have a little fun! The best vacation photos are the ones that show your family at their happiest, so choose a shot that helps you and your loved ones relive those happy moments. This should be fun and easy as well, so don’t overthink it. If you’re having a hard time narrowing it down to just one picture, make a collage of several of your favorites.
Classic Black And White
For a truly elegant look, consider black and white for this year’s cards. As a design, black and white is so versatile—it can even look polished and professional for your business holiday cards. Add a touch of shimmer and sparkle to classic matte cardstock and you’ll create impressive New Year’s cards.
This is a great option if you can’t decide on a bolder theme or like a simpler look. Black and white goes with everything, and when paired with a single photo, your holiday card will make a statement this season. Be sure to personalize your address labels and postage stamps for a cohesive and elegant look.
Pop Of Color
While traditional color combinations are classic and timeless, you might prefer a more whimsical approach to your personalized Christmas card ideas. Don’t limit yourself to red and green, but be open to a whole rainbow of color options. When you go with a wider color palette for your cards, you’ll open yourself up to more options when it comes to your photography, too.
If you love the black and white theme above, though, this is a great option as well to combine two ideas. A black and white photo with a colorful greeting will make an attention-grabbing statement without being too loud. You can create a similar effect with metallic foil stamping as well—this will also bring the elegance up a notch. Consider adding trim options like rounded corners, scalloped edges, or ticket corners to add even more visual interest. Get a little whimsical if you’re planning a party and add a fun border to your holiday invitations. Be sure to coordinate this look for your RSVP cards as well!
Other Holiday Card Ideas
Still not settled on a theme? There are so many routes to take and don’t feel like you’re obligated to stick with a traditional look. Whether you like to celebrate a religious holiday or prefer to spend it with friends, there are lots of ways to showcase your individuality this holiday season. Here are a few more ideas for your one-of-a-kind personalized printed custom holiday photo cards:
- Pets
- Sparkle and Shine
- Religious
- Snowflakes
- Feliz Navidad
- First Christmas
- Kids
- Happy Hanukkah
- Just Married
- Rustic
If you’re ready to ditch the boxed cards and create a truly unique greeting for friends and family, business holiday cards, or just your loved ones, you’re in the right place. Spread holiday cheer to everyone on your mailing list when you send them your very own personalized Christmas cards.
