When Should You Send Christmas Cards?
For most households, the ideal time to send Christmas cards is during the first two weeks of December. Mailing cards during the first week of the month gives recipients plenty of time to enjoy them throughout the holiday season while helping you avoid the busiest mailing periods.
While some people mail cards immediately after Thanksgiving, early December is generally considered the traditional sweet spot. If you’re sending cards internationally, plan to mail them earlier to allow for additional delivery time.
Running behind? Don’t worry. Cards sent later in December are still appreciated, and New Year’s cards remain a popular alternative after Christmas has passed.
Is It Okay to Send Christmas Cards to Friends of Other Faiths?
In most cases, yes.
The purpose of a holiday card is to show someone you’re thinking of them, and many people appreciate receiving a thoughtful greeting regardless of their religious beliefs. If you’re unsure what a recipient celebrates, consider choosing a winter-themed design or using a greeting such as “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings,” or “Warm Wishes.”
If you know someone celebrates another holiday, you can also acknowledge that holiday directly. The most important etiquette rule is simply being respectful and thoughtful of the recipient.
Do You Need to Send a Christmas Card to Everyone?
Not at all.
Your Christmas card list can change from year to year based on your relationships, budget, and personal preferences. Some people send cards to dozens of friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers, while others focus only on close family and friends.
Rather than worrying about who “should” receive a card, focus on the people you’d like to stay connected with during the holiday season.
Should You Send a Christmas Card If Someone Sent You One?
Receiving an unexpected Christmas card doesn’t automatically create an obligation to send one in return.
That said, many people choose to reciprocate, especially if they expect to stay in touch with that person moving forward. Keeping a few extra cards on hand can make it easy to send a thoughtful greeting if a surprise card arrives in your mailbox.
Is It Okay to Send Christmas Cards After Christmas?
Yes.
Life gets busy during the holidays, and late cards are far more common than most people realize. If your cards won’t arrive until after Christmas, you can still send them with a warm holiday message or update your greeting to wish recipients a Happy New Year.
Most people are simply happy to hear from friends and family, regardless of the exact date the card arrives.
Should You Handwrite a Christmas Card Message?
A handwritten note isn’t required on a Christmas card, but it’s often appreciated.
Even a short personal message can make your card feel more meaningful. A sentence or two referencing a shared memory, expressing gratitude, or wishing someone well in the coming year can help your card stand out.
For larger mailing lists, it’s perfectly acceptable to use a printed greeting and add handwritten notes only to close friends and family.
Is It Okay to Send Photo Christmas Cards?
Absolutely.
Photo Christmas cards have become one of the most popular holiday card styles because they allow recipients to see how your family has grown and changed throughout the year. Family portraits, candid moments, travel photos, pictures of children, and even pet photos are all common choices.
When selecting photos, choose images that feel authentic and appropriate for the audience receiving the card.
Should You Include a Family Update on Christmas Cards?
Family updates can be a wonderful addition to Christmas and holiday cards, especially when you’re sending cards to relatives or friends you don’t see often.
The best updates are brief, warm, and focused on meaningful moments from the year. Major milestones, new family members, travels, accomplishments, and life changes are all common topics.
Try to keep the tone conversational and avoid turning your update into a lengthy list of achievements. A short recap often feels more personal and enjoyable to read.
Can You Send Christmas Cards to Coworkers or Professional Contacts?
Yes, provided you keep the tone appropriate for the relationship.
Many people send holiday cards to coworkers, clients, mentors, and professional connections as a way to express appreciation and maintain relationships. For professional recipients, a simple holiday greeting or New Year’s wish is often the safest approach.
If you’re unsure whether a religious greeting is appropriate, a general holiday message is usually a good choice.
Christmas Card Etiquette Tips
A few simple guidelines can help make holiday card season easier:
- Double-check addresses before mailing.
- Include a return address on your envelopes.
- Order a few extra cards in case you forget someone.
- Personalize your cards when possible.
- Send cards early if you’re mailing internationally.
- Focus on thoughtfulness rather than perfection.
Most etiquette questions have the same answer: people appreciate being remembered. A sincere holiday greeting matters far more than following every rule perfectly.
Wrapping Up on Christmas Card Etiquette
Holiday cards are about connection, not perfection. Whether you’re sending photo Christmas cards, sharing a family update, mailing cards to friends of different faiths, or sending greetings a little later than planned, the gesture itself is what matters most. By focusing on kindness, thoughtfulness, and authenticity, you can create holiday cards that are warmly received and remembered long after the season ends.
