Essential Christmas Card Etiquette: Who to Send, What to Write, and When

Everyone loves Christmas cards. It has a way of connecting hearts. It is a quiet way of saying: “I remember you”, “I appreciate your presence”, and “You matter”.

When it comes to etiquette, the silent question, Who should get a card always resounds. Other questions are: What should you write without sounding weird? How early is too early? And when are you too late? A little etiquette does not hurt, and you want to be thoughtful, warm, and stress-free.

Who Should Receive a Christmas Card?

You want to start with the people closest to you. Your family members, close friends, neighbors, mentors, and longtime colleagues. Also, people you have exchanged Christmas greetings with for more than five years will make the list. If the card is for work colleagues, send it to the coworkers you interact with often, the clients you want to appreciate, and the bosses you respect. Let the tone be neutral, professional, and warm. You cannot send to everyone you have met, so you do not get overwhelmed. A smaller list with heartfelt messages is better than obligatory messages. It is the thought that counts.

What to Write in the Card

This can be confusing. Here’s the thing: You don’t need to write a whole lot; simple, sincere words are what good Christmas etiquette is about. For your close friends, you can personalize the message, mention something you accomplished together, express gratitude for their support, and say you are looking forward to another amazing year with them. Your wording does not need to be perfect; your heart just needs to be in the right place.

For acquaintances and coworkers, be friendly and respectful. A short message where you wish them joy in the season and success in the coming year works just fine. Don’t share anything they could misinterpret. If you are sharing a card, be thoughtful of the recipient’s religion. You want them to feel comfortable, not boxed in.

When to Send Christmas Cards

When it comes to the timeline, the Christmas card etiquette general rule is to send it in late November and mid-December so you can avoid the holiday rush. If you send too early, it might feel rushed, while sending them after Christmas seems like you forgot them, except if it is a New Year card you are sending. If you are mailing cards internationally, send them earlier to account for any delay. If a card arrives after Christmas, it is better than not sending at all.​

A Few Extra Etiquette Tips

Some extra tips you may need to remember are to double-check the names and addresses. Misspelling names makes your good intentions null. If you receive a Christmas card from someone you did not send any to, it is polite to respond with a short note or message.

Conclusion

Christmas cards are about connection. So if you use a store-bought or homemade card, the real etiquette is to be sincere in the message you share. In the end, a card can leave a great impression on the heart of the receiver. Follow the basic etiquette of knowing who to send to, what to write, and when to send it. Merry Christmas!