Have you made your list and checked it twice? Not your gift list, but your Christmas card mailing list! As you prepare to send out your cards, join us as we explore how to properly send Christmas cards.

The sending of Christmas cards is an anticipated and loved tradition that dates back to 1843, when the very first Christmas card was designed by Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley in London. Since that time, people have been sending and receiving millions of Christmas cards each year in a gesture of friendship and goodwill.

One of my favorite Christmastime traditions is sending out Christmas cards to family and friends. I look forward to the time of year when I get to send my Christmas cards out, which has been a family tradition for many years. It’s the perfect time for me to pen a simple note to the people I love.

Many of you have your own traditions when it comes to sending out Christmas cards, but if you’re looking to add a little extra holiday cheer to this year’s card, join me as I explore everything you need to know on how to properly send Christmas cards!

When Should You Send Your Christmas Cards?

When it comes to sending your Christmas cards out, it is a great idea to mail them out as early as possible. With that said, it is best to wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday has passed.

Ideally, your Christmas cards should reach their recipients sometime during the second week of December. In order for this to happen, be sure to mail your cards out either right after Thanksgiving or sometime during the first week of December.

Keep in mind that the post office gets extremely busy during the holiday season, so be sure to plan accordingly. You certainly don’t want your Christmas cards arriving at their destination after Christmas day.

Should I Add A Personal Message To My Christmas Card?

Whether it’s simply just signing your name or adding a small note, be sure to always send a Christmas card with your own, unique signature and personal note. This shows the recipient that you actually took the time to personally acknowledge them.

A lot of times the message already displayed on the inside of a Christmas card doesn’t adequately reflect the emotions of the sender. Adding a sincere message in the card will make the recipient feel special. When sending a Christmas card to family and friends, write a more personal message that speaks to that specific person.

Be sure to keep the message original and relatable to each person. Many people like to recall the past and relive old memories through these Christmas card messages.

How Should You Sign Your Card?

If possible, you should sign your Christmas card with your own handwritten signature. This gesture will show that you personally took the time to attend to this card and will project a sense of warmth and care to the recipient.

The etiquette for signing Christmas cards is different from that of sending other cards. Usually, Dad’s name is listed first, followed by Mom’s and then the children’s names come after, listed from oldest to youngest.

Be sure to have everyone in the family sign the card in their own handwriting, if possible.

If you have some of your own Christmas card etiquette, traditions, or ideas, we want to hear them! Please, let us know about them in the comments below.