Holiday Card Guide 2026
Tips for sending holiday cards
Holiday cards are one of the most cherished seasonal traditions, but sometimes sending one can feel daunting — especially amid all the holiday hubbub. Here are some of our favorite holiday card tips, in hopes of making this year's process even a tiny bit smoother:
How to choose holiday cards
There are virtually unlimited card choices out there — and nice ones available at almost any price point.
- Big-Box Stores — Big-box stores and pharmacy chains often have resources for creating custom-printed cards, with or without the option of including a family photo or a photo collage.
- Online Vendors — Custom-printed cards can also be designed and ordered online, with lots of styles and fonts to pick from, and with templates for personal greetings. Some of these providers will address and stuff the envelopes, affix the stamps, even do the mailing if you’d like.
- Shop Local — Your neighborhood bookshops, stationery stores, and even coffee shops likely feature cards made in small batches by creative crafters.
Take note: If you'd like to include a professional family portrait with your card, it’s best to book an appointment well before the holidays!
What to write in holiday cards
The content for your holiday cards can be as simple or as detailed as you'd like. You can handwrite a greeting card for each recipient, create a printed card with an image and a broad message for everyone, or do some combination of both. If you're going the printed route (as many do these days!), including a short holiday newsletter or adding a handwritten note can make for a nice touch. A simple line like “Congrats on the new baby!” or "Hope to see you in the new year!" goes a long way.
Addressing holiday cards
Consolidating recipients’ addresses ahead of time makes the card-sending process much easier. Consider keeping a running list from year to year, updating for the following season as you note cards you've received and remove those with whom you may have fallen out of touch.
You might want to address each envelope by hand, or you can use a spreadsheet to create mailing labels at home. Alternatively, you can upload your address list to an online card vendor who, for an added fee, can use it to prepare your mailing. It's always best to have a few extra cards and envelopes on hand for last-minute additions — like when you’re surprised by a card from a long-lost friend or a new coworker. Also, be sure your envelopes include your return address, so people can send cards back to you!
Take note: When pluralizing last names, avoid using apostrophes (e.g., use "The Smiths" instead of "The Smith's"). For last names ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, add an -es (e.g., "The Joneses").
Choosing stamps for holiday cards
Stamps are part of your card’s first impression — a visual “pop” the moment your card arrives. USPS always offers a variety of seasonal stamps and many others representing a range of tastes and interests. Ask your local Post Office™ location which holiday stamps they carry, or shop a wider variety online.
- Choosing the right stamp: A standard Forever® stamp is sufficient for most rectangular envelopes weighing up to an ounce. Cards in square envelopes and mail pieces that don’t bend easily require extra postage — a non-machineable surcharge — because they require special attention and handling. For international mail, use the round Global stamps or any combination of stamps equaling the Global rate (currently $1.75).
When to send holiday cards
Mailing your cards in early December means your recipients have time to display them, and it ensures they arrive before the peak holiday rush. At the latest, for expected delivery before Dec. 25, the Postal Service encourages the following "send-by" dates: December 17 for the contiguous U.S. (lower 48 states) and TK for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.
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Sending holiday cards doesn't have to be stressful. By choosing your cards early, organizing your address list, purchasing the proper postage, and mailing before peak mail deadlines, you can enjoy one of the season's most meaningful traditions.
