Holiday & Christmas Cards Etiquette

What is holiday card etiquette?

Holiday card etiquette refers to the guidelines for choosing, writing, addressing, and sending holiday cards in a way that is thoughtful, appropriate, and aligned with your relationship to the recipient.

It includes:

• Choosing the right tone (formal vs informal)
• Using appropriate wording
• Addressing recipients correctly
• Sending cards at the right time

For businesses, it also includes maintaining professionalism, brand consistency, and inclusivity.

When should you send holiday cards?

The best time to send holiday cards is between late November to mid-December. 

• U.S. delivery: Send by late November or early December
• International delivery: Send in early November
• Business Holiday Cards: Send earlier to avoid holiday mail congestion
• Christmas Cards: Should arrive by 12/24
• New Year Cards: These can be sent through January.

Sending cards too late can reduce their impact, while sending too early can feel out of place.

What is the difference between formal and informal holiday cards?

The difference comes down to tone, audience, and design. 

Formal holiday cards:

• Used for business relationships or acquaintances
• Use professional language like “Season’s Greetings”
• Feature clean, minimal, or elegant designs

Informal holiday cards:

• Used for friends, family, and close relationships
• Allow personal messages, humor, and photos
• Use warmer, conversational language
• Often include family updates or milestones

What should you write in a holiday card?

What you write depends on the recipient. Holiday card sayings add personality to your card, turning a simple message into something more meaningful

For personal holiday cards:

• Share updates or memories
• Express gratitude
• Keep it warm and personal
  • Example: “Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with love and laughter. We are so grateful for you this year.”
    
    

For business holiday cards:

• Thank the recipient
• Keep messaging concise and professional
• Avoid sales language
  • Example:  “Thank you for your continued partnership. We appreciate working with you and look forward to the year ahead.”
    
    

How do you address a holiday card correctly?

Proper addressing depends on formality.

Formal addressing:

Use titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.)
Use full names
Example: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Informal addressing:

Use first names or family names
Example: The Johnson Family
When unsure, it is best to lean slightly formal—especially for business or new relationships.

How do you sign a holiday card?

Your sign-off should match your tone.

Formal sign-offs:

Sincerely
Best regards
Warmest wishes
Informal sign-offs:

Love
Cheers
With warmth
Family signatures:

“Love, The Smith Family”
Business signatures:

Company name or team name
Optional handwritten signature for a personal touch

Are physical holiday cards still important?

Yes, physical holiday cards are more meaningful than digital messages, especially for important relationships.

Benefits of physical cards:

• Feel more personal and intentional
• Stand out compared to digital communication
• Create a lasting impression

Are holiday cards still relevant?

Yes, holiday cards are more relevant than ever because they stand out in a digital-first world.

They offer:

• A physical keepsake of family and friends
• A way to build emotional connection
• A non-digital touchpoint that feels intentional and much more genuine than a digital greeting or text

For businesses, holiday and Christmas cards remain a powerful relationship-building tool.

Popular holiday card trends include:

• Photo cards with storytelling
• QR codes linking to digital experiences
• Year-in-review highlights
• Choosing sustainable materials
• Funny photos for personal holiday cards

Why does sustainability matter for holiday cards?

Sustainability is increasingly important for both consumers and businesses.

Paper Culture eco-friendly Christmas and holiday cards feature:

• 100% post-consumer recycled paper
• Carbon-neutral production
• A tree planted with every order

For businesses, sustainable cards also reinforce brand values and corporate responsibility.