The holiday season seems far away — until it isn’t. Every year, Christmas cards sneak up faster than we expect, and if you’ve ever found yourself frantically addressing envelopes in December, you know the feeling! Here’s your guide to making this year’s holiday cards stress-free, personal, and beautifully on time.
When Should You Order Your Holiday Cards?
Turnaround time:
- Design + proofing: 1 weeks
- Printing + production: 1–2 weeks
- Shipping: about 1 week (depending on location)
That means you’ll want to place your order no later than mid November to ensure you’re signing, sealing, and sending with plenty of time to spare.
Best Practices for Placing Your Order
- Plan your list first. Know how many cards you’ll need before you order — it’s always smart to add at least 10–15 extras for last-minute recipients.
- Choose your photos early. Selecting your favorite family or event photos ahead of time makes the design process seamless.
- Decide on personal touches. Will you include a handwritten note? A printed message? Return address printing? Making these decisions upfront saves you from last-minute changes.
Add-On: Recipient Address Printing
Skip the handwriting marathon! We now offer recipient address printing to save you hours of time and give your envelopes a polished, coordinated look.
Here’s how it works:
- Download our address list template → Recipient Address Template
- Fill it out with your recipients’ names and addresses — no formatting required, we handle that for you.
- Send it back with your order or email it directly to us and we’ll print your envelopes to match your Christmas cards perfectly.
Not only does this speed up the mailing process, but it also gives your holiday cards an elevated, ready-to-send finish.
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Which Layout Works Best?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all,” but here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Vertical layouts are ideal for full-body or portrait-style photos and create a clean, modern look. They also stand out because many holiday cards are horizontal by default.
- Horizontal layouts work beautifully for group shots or landscape photos where everyone fits naturally side-by-side. This format also provides more room for longer greetings or family updates.
- Pro tip: Think about how you’ll display them! Vertical cards often look striking on mantels or bulletin boards, while horizontal cards fit traditional frames more easily.
Why Send Holiday Cards in 2025?
- Celebrate connection. A holiday card is more than paper — it’s a tangible reminder to friends and family that you’re thinking of them.
- Preserve memories. Whether it’s showcasing milestones or sharing favorite photos, cards capture a year in a single snapshot.
- Create a keepsake. Many families save holiday cards to look back on year after year — they become a visual family album over time.
- Spread joy. In a digital world, receiving real mail feels extra special (and a little magical).
Ready to Start Your 2025 Christmas Cards?
Get ahead of the holiday rush by ordering early. Whether you choose a vertical or horizontal layout, we’ll help you create cards that are personal, timeless, and stress-free — so you can enjoy the season instead of racing against the clock.