The holiday season is upon us, and it's the perfect time to spread cheer and warm wishes through the timeless tradition of sending holiday cards. As a photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to receive beautiful cards from my clients over the years. Since I’ve gotten to see many different styles of cards, I wanted to share some tips on holiday card etiquette along with some design advice to help you create your best card yet!

Holiday Card Etiquette

Sending holiday cards is a wonderful way to reconnect with loved ones and express your well wishes. When it comes to holiday card etiquette, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Timeliness: Aim to send your holiday cards early enough for them to arrive before the holiday season ends. This ensures your recipients have plenty of time to enjoy them.
Personalization: Handwrite a warm, heartfelt message in each card whenever possible. Personalized messages convey your genuine sentiments and make your cards more meaningful.
Respect Traditions: Be mindful of the recipient's religious or cultural traditions. Choose cards and messages that are inclusive and respectful of their beliefs.

Choosing the Right Photo

Selecting the perfect photo for your holiday cards is essential. Here are a few tips to guide you:

Holiday Theme: Embrace the season with photos that feature elements like twinkling lights, cozy scarves, or even a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the background. Or if you did a mini session with me, then your photos with fall foliage would be perfect.
Family Focus: Family photos are a holiday card classic. Highlight your loved ones and the joy of being together during this special time of year.
Consider Space for Text: If your card design has a text overlay, then make sure you choose a photo that has space at the top or bottom to account for the text.
Portrait or Landscape: Make sure you choose the right photo orientation for your card. This helps make sure the image isn’t blurry or that there isn’t blank space surrounding the photo.

I love using Minted when designing my holiday cards. The design process is so easy and the cards turn out amazing. You can use code HOLPHOTONKB for 25% off your holiday card order!

Addressing Your Holiday Cards

Addressing your holiday cards adds a personal touch that shows you've put thought into each one. Here are some holiday card etiquette tips to make sure you do it right:

Handwriting: Whenever possible, handwrite the recipient's address. Handwritten addresses add a personal, heartfelt feel to your cards.
Include Titles: Address the card with the appropriate titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.), and ensure you have the correct spelling of the recipient's name.
Consider Grammar Rules: If you’re sending a card to a family, think about how you want to address the envelope. You could write “The Smith Family” or you could write “The Smiths”. Here are the grammar rules for making a family’s last name (or yours) plural:
If your last name ends in -s, -x, -z, a soft -ch, or -sh, you add -es to your last name to make it plural.
If your name does NOT end in -s, -z, a soft -ch, -sh, or -x, you add -s to make it plural.

Mom and dad holding toddler in holiday photos

Mom, dad, and toddler sitting on bench in front of holiday wreaths

Return Labels

Return labels can save time and provide a polished look to your holiday cards. Here's how to use them effectively:

Customize Return Labels: Create personalized return labels that match the theme or style of your holiday cards for a cohesive and appealing look.
Double-Check Accuracy: Ensure your return labels have the correct address and any necessary contact information.
Placement: Position the return label on the top left corner or the center back of the envelope for a neat and organized appearance.

Sending holiday cards is a wonderful way to share the joy of the season with your friends and family. By following these tips on holiday card etiquette, your holiday cards will not only brighten someone's day but also leave a lasting impression. Happy card-sending, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and love! And if you need help designing your holiday cards, reach out to set up a design session!