We’ve been sending Christmas greeting cards to one another since the mid-19th century. Today, despite living in a digital age, it’s still a beloved tradition.
Sending Christmas cards is a special way to keep in touch and remind friends, family, and colleagues just how much they mean to you. It's a time to update them on all the happenings in your life and send them your good wishes and holiday cheer.
Follow this holiday card etiquette guide to elevate and inspire your Christmas cards this year. Plus, we have a little Christmas card inspiration and all the prettiest cards for everyone on your mailing list this year.
What to Write in Christmas Cards
Ready to sprinkle some holiday magic on your Christmas cards? Start with a cheerful greeting like "Merry Christmas" or "Season’s Greetings." But don’t stop there. Add a personal touch — share a sweet message, a fond memory, or a heartfelt quote.
Remember, your card is like a warm hug in paper form. So keep it short, but let it overflow with love. After all, it's the season for spreading joy! Your heartfelt words, however brief, can make someone's day merry and bright.
When scribbling to family, strike that balance between being concise and being thoughtful. Think of it as catching up with your favourite cousin: What would you tell them about your year? Will your story overflow from the limited space on the card? If you need more space for storytelling, insert a separate letter — and don’t forget a handful of personal photos.
How to sign Christmas cards
Signing your Christmas greeting cards by hand is always good etiquette. End with a closing sentiment, like:
- All the best
- Best wishes
- Hugs and kisses
- XOXO
- Cozy wishes
- Wishing you joy
- Much love to you
- Take care
- Lots of love
- Happy holiday
- Cheers
Then, sign the card. Your whole family should sign, starting with the adults. Kids’ names, from the eldest to the youngest, can be added afterwards. And don’t forget a woof or meow from the family pet.
Sending to a colleague or an acquaintance? You can also write the plural of your family’s surname or a line like “From the [last name] family.”
When to Send Out Christmas Cards
The general rule is to send your Christmas cards so they arrive three to five weeks before the big day. That gives the recipients plenty of time to display and admire the cards throughout the season.
A good rule of thumb is to send the cards just after Thanksgiving so they can arrive at their destinations by the second week of December.
If you are worried, give your local post office a ring. They can tell you the cut of days for all your holiday shipping, including when to send christmas cards to ensure they get there on time.
How to Display Christmas Cards
While you can place Christmas greeting cards on a holiday mantel, you can also make a more creative landing spot.
Here are the best ways to display holiday cards from your special someone:
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Arrange the cards in a tree shape on a blank wall. Place a bucket or basket underneath for party favours or gifts.
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Use a festive holiday garland and hang the cards on the string by your staircase, a window, or beneath the mantle.
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Make a hanger with yarn and driftwood, and hang the Christmas cards and trinkets from there.
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Go evergreen and place some cards in a pot with pinecones and branches.
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Make a Christmas card wreath with upholstery webbing, ribbons, and holiday trinkets.
Your Shopping List: The Best Christmas Greeting Cards
Look no further for the best holiday cards to spread some holiday cheer:
Llama Llama Ding Dong Card
The Llama Llama Ding Dong holiday card will surely put a smile on your loved one’s face. It’s handmade with love—as all our cards are.
The card is blank inside, so you have enough space to get creative and write a personalised, festive message.
$5.99
Llama llama ding dong!
Cedar Mountain Stationery
5" x 5" matte eggshell specialty card stock
Blank inside
Sealed in recycled cello card sleeve
Kraft envelope for mailing
Printed in Canada
… read moreStationery - Christmas Card - Llama Llama Ding Dong
Peace Deer card
A classic Christmas greeting option is the Peace Deer card. The reindeer, snow, and pine tree branches are black, white, and grey. It’s sure to be a stunning standout in any holiday card display.
$5.99
Cedar Mountain Stationery
5" x 5" matte eggshell specialty card stock
Blank inside
Sealed in recycled cello card sleeve
Kraft envelope for mailing
Printed in Canada
… read moreStationery - Christmas Card - Peace Deer
Let It Snow Penguin card
The Let It Snow Penguin card is super cute. The card stock is a matte eggshell. A Kraft envelope is included, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right-sized envelope before you mail it.
Stationery - Christmas Card - Let it Snow Penguin
$5.99
Let it snow!
Cedar Mountain Stationery
5" x 5" matte eggshell specialty card stock
Blank inside
Sealed in recycled cello card sleeve
Kraft envelope for mailing
Printed in Canada
… read more
Stationery - Christmas Card - Let it Snow Penguin
$5.99
Let it snow! Cedar Mountain Stationery 5" x 5" matte eggshell specialty card stock Blank inside Sealed in recycled cello card sleeve Kraft envelope for mailing Printed in Canada … read more
Winter Bird card
The image gracing the Winter Bird Christmas greeting card is a bird dressed for winter in a striped scarf and hat. The colourful display makes you feel the love with which it’s made.
$5.99
Happy holidays!
Cedar Mountain Stationery
5" x 5" matte eggshell specialty card stock
Blank inside
Sealed in recycled cello card sleeve
Kraft envelope for mailing
Printed in Canada
… read moreStationery - Christmas Card - Winter Bird
Joyeux Noel postcard
A postcard is something unique to send to your family and friends. This Joyeux Noel Postcard is printed on maple wood, making it ideal for a Christmas card display and a forever keepsake.
$5.50
Postcards remind us of writing quick notes off hello to faraway friends and family that later became cherished keepsakes. This is a tradition we hope to reinvigorate with our maple wood postcards. Size is 4" x 6" Printed on maple wood The… read moreWood Postcard - Joyeux Noel
Add Holiday Cheer With the Best Christmas Greeting Cards
Sending Christmas cards to your inner circle, neighbours, and coworkers is a wonderful way to let them know they are in your thoughts during the holiday season. It’s a tangible way to show you care and stay in touch.
What to write in Christmas cards is almost as important as choosing the brightest holiday card. See what Cedar Mountain has to offer and master the art of giving.
