One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when creating Christmas cards is whether to include a photo. While photo Christmas cards have become a beloved holiday tradition for many families, traditional Christmas cards remain just as popular for their timeless style, festive artwork, and classic holiday charm.
When we talk about traditional Christmas cards, we’re typically referring to non-photo designs featuring seasonal greenery, elegant typography, winter scenes, religious imagery, or other holiday-inspired artwork. Photo Christmas cards, on the other hand, use your favorite pictures as part of the design, helping you share memories, milestones, and family updates alongside your holiday greeting.
Both options allow you to send personalized Christmas cards with custom messages, family names, and festive designs. The difference comes down to what you want to take center stage: your photos or the artwork itself.
If you’re deciding between photo and traditional Christmas cards this year, here’s how to choose the design that best fits your style, your holiday traditions, and the story you want to share with friends and family.
Choose a Photo Christmas Card for a More Personal Touch
Photo Christmas cards are a popular choice because they allow you to share a little piece of your year with friends and family. Whether it’s a favorite family portrait, a snapshot from a memorable vacation, pictures of the kids, or even photos of your pets, images add a personal element that makes your card uniquely yours.
Many families enjoy sending photo cards because they feel like both a holiday greeting and a yearly update. Loved ones get to see how much children have grown, celebrate milestones alongside you, and feel connected even from afar.
Photo Christmas cards are especially meaningful if you’ve had a big year, such as:
- Welcoming a new baby
- Getting married or engaged
- Moving into a new home
- Adopting a pet
- Celebrating a graduation
- Taking a memorable family trip
And today’s photo card designs offer much more than just a picture. Many layouts include space for custom messages, year-in-review updates, holiday greetings, family names, and multiple photos. You can still choose elegant typography, seasonal artwork, foil accents, and festive design details while making your photos part of the story.
Choose a Traditional Christmas Card for a Timeless Holiday Greeting
If you love classic holiday cards, a non-photo design may be the perfect fit.
Rather than focusing on personal photos, non-photo Christmas cards put the spotlight on beautiful artwork, seasonal colors, festive illustrations, religious themes, and thoughtfully designed holiday greetings. These cards often have a timeless feel and can be a great choice if you prefer a more traditional Christmas card style.
A non-photo card may be right for you if:
- You love classic holiday designs
- You prefer artwork to be the focal point
- You don’t have recent photos you’d like to share
- You want a traditional Christmas card look
- You’re sending religious holiday greetings
- You’re creating holiday cards for a business
Many people also appreciate the simplicity of choosing a design they love without worrying about selecting photos.
What’s the Difference Between Photo and Traditional Christmas Cards?
The biggest difference isn’t the message. Both photo and non-photo Christmas cards can include personalized greetings, family names, holiday wishes, and custom text.
The difference is what takes center stage.
With a photo Christmas card, your favorite memories become part of the design. The card tells your story through photos, while still incorporating holiday artwork, custom messaging, and seasonal design elements.
With a non-photo Christmas card, the artwork and design become the focal point. Beautiful illustrations, elegant typography, and festive details create the overall look and feel of the card.
Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?
Absolutely.
At Shutterfly, choosing a photo Christmas card doesn’t mean giving up the elegant holiday designs you love. Many of our Christmas card templates combine one or more photos with festive artwork, seasonal color palettes, foil accents, and sophisticated typography. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional, modern, rustic, or minimalist style, you can find photo card designs that feel just as polished and design-forward as non-photo cards.
You can also use the back of your Christmas card to add even more personality. Share a family update, highlight favorite moments from the year, include a longer holiday message, or create a year-in-review layout with additional photos. This extra space makes it easy to combine meaningful memories with the holiday greetings your friends and family look forward to receiving each season.
If you love sharing photos but don’t want to sacrifice beautiful design, Shutterfly’s photo Christmas cards let you do both.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Card for Your Family
When deciding between a photo and traditional Christmas card, think about what you want recipients to experience when they open your envelope.
If sharing memories, milestones, and personal moments feels most important, a photo Christmas card may be the perfect choice.
If you’re drawn to beautiful holiday artwork, timeless design, and traditional Christmas card styles, a non-photo card may be the better fit.
No matter which option you choose, the most memorable Christmas cards are the ones that reflect your personality, your traditions, and the spirit of the season.
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