How to Send Christmas Cards

Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 References

The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in the early 1800s and is stronger than ever today.^{[1]
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Research source} They are a great way of giving a little cheer to far-away relatives, as receiving a Christmas card instantly puts people into the holiday mood. Plus, they are inexpensive and simple ways of remembering loved ones during this season.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Christmas Card

1
Make a list of people to send cards to. Like Santa, you'll want to make a list and check it twice. This way you'll buy enough cards at the store and won't forget anyone. You can also check off people's names as you finish each card.
- It's a good idea to double-check the addresses of people on your list during this stage.
2
Choose an appropriate card design. Select a Christmas card that fits with the holiday or appeals to your loved ones. You could get a card with a Christmas tree, angel, Santa, or red robin on it.
- If you know your recipient is not religious, then nativity Christmas cards aren't a good idea.
- There are also humorous cards available, if you have loved ones with a funny bone.
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3
Order a custom printed card. Many custom print shops offer holiday themed cards for less than a local printer.^{[2]
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Research source} These sites typically allow you to select your quantity, cardstock, images, even a family photo, and write a nice message inside.
- Many shops have a minimum number of cards they need to print.
- Make sure to order your custom cards several weeks ahead of the holidays. This gives the printer plenty of time to get the order made and sent to you.
- Take a holiday themed family photo with yourself and loved ones wearing Christmas sweaters. You can upload this to use as the cover image on a photo card.
4
Make a homemade Christmas card. Purchase some blank cardstock and holiday themed craft supplies to experiment with your own holiday cards. You can use an ink stamp with the words, "Merry Christmas," on it to make a message inside the card.
- Create paper cutouts of holiday items by using simple templates to cut images from recycled paper.^{[3]
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  Research source} You can take images from magazines and turn them into Christmas trees, ornaments, and snowmen. Use a glue stick to adhere the images to your cardstock.
- Decorate the card with some white, red, green, or silver glitter to enhance your design.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Filing Out Christmas Cards

1
Write a greeting. Write "Dear," or "To," and then, the addressee's name. This should go near the top of the inside of the card. Some people like to place the greeting above any pre-printed messages in the card.
2
Write a salutation in the middle of the card. You don't have to include this if the card already has a pre-printed message. However, it helps to personalize the card with a short holiday themed salutation.
- It can be something as simple as "Merry Christmas!"
- If you want, write a little passage just below the salutation! Something like a poem, a short message, or a passage about the person works.
3
Finish it off with a closing statement. These are short phrases or words that signal the end of your message within the card. You'll also place your name directly after or below the closing.
- For example, you can use, "From, Your Name", as a closing statement.
- Other closing statements to try include: love, yours sincerely, yours faithfully, best wishes, season's blessings, or even a few X's and O's, which mean "Hugs and Kisses".^{[4]
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4
Add a memento or gift item. People often include small things, such as photographs, with annual Christmas cards. This serves to update others on how your family has changed and provide more in-depth information that can't be written in the card itself.
- Collect together a few family photos or school photos of your children to place inside the cards.
- You may also want to purchase a gift card to a restaurant or store where the addressee lives to include as a more substantial item.
- You can also write a "Christmas Letter" with more information about what has happened during the year. Most letters reference positive events, such as awards, family trips, or new jobs.^{[5]
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  Research source} Save some time by writing the letter in a word processing document and printing out multiple copies for each of the Christmas cards you'll send.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Mailing Christmas Cards

1
Address the envelope to your addressee. Most store-bought cards come with an envelope, if not, you can buy one separate. Write the address on the center of the front of the envelope.^{[6]
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- The address should include the person's name, street and house or apartment number, city, state, and zip code.
- For formal Christmas cards, make sure to address your recipient with the appropriate title.
2
Write a return address on the envelope. If the post office has trouble delivering your card, they'll be able to send it back to you at this address.
- You can write the return address on the upper left corner of the envelope or on the top center of the back flap.
3
Place your card inside the envelope. Most envelopes have pre-applied adhesive on the flap that you can activate by wetting. When you close the flap, press firmly along the edge to ensure a good seal.
- You can lick the adhesive on the envelope with your tongue.
- You may also use a slightly damp sponge, cotton swab, or an envelope moistener to wet the adhesive.^{[7]
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- Another option is to use a glue stick to seal the envelope. This works well when the adhesive isn't strong.
4
Put a stamp on the upper right corner of the envelope. The post office offers holiday themed stamps, if you want to use them on your Christmas Cards. Once the envelope is sealed and stamped you can place it in the nearest postal mailbox for delivery.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

Question

What kind of Christmas card should I make for my best friend?

Community Answer

For a very best friend, you should make something very special. Gluing on glitter, paper flowers, or cutouts of things they like would be nice. Also, use your best and neatest fancy handwriting. Don't forget to decorate the inside too.
Question

Where can I buy the stamp?

Community Answer

Stamps can be found at the post office close by, or you can order stamps-by-mail from usps.com. You can also find them at mailing services, and often at corner shops/markets.

Warnings

If sending a card to someone you don't know, don't put hugs and kisses. This is a rather informal and intimate closing. Send kisses only to people you know well (e.g. parents, grandparents, girlfriend/boyfriends, spouses, siblings, and friends)

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Remember to include a stamp with your letter! Otherwise, the post office may not deliver it.

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Don't write an offensive message, racist comment or negative thoughts on the cards. These are meant to spread well wishes and good tidings for the coming year. Although, offensive wording could be taken as a more serious insult than intended, even by a loved one who knows you.

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