When to Send Christmas Cards + Etiquette 2025

Sending Christmas cards is a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer and keep in touch with loved ones. However, knowing the right time to send them and understanding proper holiday card etiquette can help ensure your cards arrive at just the right moment, and are received with joy. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday card sender or a first-timer, here’s your guide to when to send Christmas cards and some key etiquette tips for 2025.

When to Send Christmas Cards in 2025

For 2025, aim to send your Christmas cards between December 1st and December 10th. This timeline allows your cards to arrive before the holiday rush while giving recipients time to enjoy them throughout the season. Sending them too early may make your cards feel out of sync with the season, while sending them too late risks your cards not arriving until after Christmas. If you’re mailing internationally, be sure to send your holiday cards even earlier—typically by mid-November—to account for longer delivery times and potential postal delays.

Early vs. Late Christmas Card Senders

Early Senders: Some people prefer to get a head start and mail their cards right after Thanksgiving, which is perfectly fine. Early mailing ensures your cards reach recipients well before the busyness of the season takes over.
Late Senders: If you’re running behind, don’t worry! You can send holiday cards up until Christmas Eve and still spread cheer. You might even choose to send New Year’s cards as a festive alternative if you miss the Christmas deadline.

Christmas Card Etiquette

Sending Christmas cards comes with its own set of etiquette tips, ensuring your holiday greetings are thoughtful and considerate. Here’s how to keep it festive and polite this year.

1. Personalize Your Christmas Cards

While it’s easy to buy pre-made cards, adding a personal touch makes your greeting more meaningful. Customize your Christmas cards with family photos, personalized messages, and even handwritten notes to show your thoughtfulness. For close family and friends, you might include an update on your year or holiday wishes tailored to them.

2. Send Cards to Everyone Who Sends You One

If you receive a Christmas card from someone you didn’t send one to, it’s polite to reciprocate. Keep a few extra cards on hand to make sure you can send a quick, thoughtful greeting in return.

3. Address Cards Properly

Be mindful of how you address your Christmas cards. For couples, it’s customary to include both names (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and for families, address the card to the whole family (e.g., The Johnson Family). If you know the family well, you can include first names, but if not, formal last names work best. This small detail shows attention to etiquette and personal consideration.

4. Consider Including a Return Address

Including your return address on the envelope ensures your card arrives even if there’s a mailing issue, and it makes it easier for the recipient to send one back if they choose to do so. You can also use customized return address labels or stamps to add a polished touch to your envelopes.

5. Choose the Right Timing

As mentioned, timing matters when sending Christmas cards. Aim for early December, but don’t stress if you fall behind. Keep in mind, if your card is likely to arrive after Christmas, consider tweaking your message to something more general like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.”

How Many Christmas Cards Should You Send Out?

The number of Christmas cards you send out can vary depending on your personal traditions, the size of your social circle, and how many people you want to include in your holiday greetings. On average, most people send around 20 to 50 Christmas cards each year. However, there are a few factors that can influence how many you’ll send in 2024:

Family Size: If you have a large extended family, you may want to send cards to distant relatives, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, which could significantly increase your list.
Friends & Social Circle: Consider your closest friends, neighbors, and even people you regularly interact with, such as colleagues or members of your community.
Workplace Etiquette: Some people choose to send holiday cards to coworkers or professional connections. If you work in a larger office, you may want to keep this in mind when planning how many cards to order.
Personal Preferences: Some people love the tradition of sending Christmas cards and aim to include everyone in their circle, while others may choose to send fewer cards, focusing on close family and friends.

To ensure you have enough cards, it’s a good idea to create a list of recipients before ordering. You might even want to order a few extra cards in case you receive unexpected holiday greetings and want to reciprocate. Whether you’re sending out a few cards or a larger batch, Shutterfly makes it easy to design and personalize Christmas cards that will bring holiday cheer to everyone on your list.

Helpful Tips for Sending Holiday Cards

As you get ready for the holiday season, it’s always helpful to have a few extra tricks up your sleeve to make sending Christmas cards even easier. We’ve gathered some handy tips to help you stay organized, eco-conscious, and stress-free while preparing your 2025 Christmas cards. From ordering early to updating your mailing list, these tips will ensure your holiday greetings go off without a hitch!

1. Order Cards Early

To avoid any last-minute stress, order your custom Christmas cards well ahead of time. With Shutterfly, you can design personalized cards online, choosing from a variety of festive templates that suit your style. Ordering early ensures your cards are printed, delivered, and ready to send before the holiday season is in full swing.

2. Consider Recyclable Options

If you want to make your holiday season a bit greener, opt for 100% recycled paper for your greetings. Shutterfly offers recycled paper Christmas card cardstock options, so you can send beautiful cards while being mindful of the environment.

3. Organize Your Mailing List

Before you send out your Christmas cards, update your mailing list. Double-check addresses, add any new friends or colleagues, and remove anyone who may have moved. This will make the process smoother and ensure that your cards arrive on time. Use our free online address book and address printing service to make sending your Christmas cards seamless.

Wrapping Up on Christmas Card Etiquette

Sending Christmas cards is a festive and thoughtful way to connect with loved ones during the holidays. By timing your cards properly and following a few simple etiquette rules, you can make sure your holiday greetings are warmly received. Whether you’re sending out a few cards or a big batch, Shutterfly has everything you need to create personalized, meaningful Christmas cards for 2024 that your friends and family will love. Additional Resources: