The holiday season is soooo busy. The hustle and bustle is r-e-a-l.

From gift giving to office holiday parties to school Christmas programs…sigh. The list goes on and on. Don’t get me wrong, I love it all! But, it does often feel like this – the season of love, joy and togetherness – is also the season of total disconnection.

I want to see all my loved ones and really connect with each and every family member and friend. But, it’s often hard to find the time. That’s why during this busy season of life, I make it a point to create a family Christmas card that’s personal, unique and lets me share my family in a genuine and heartfelt way.

After all, who doesn’t love getting a beautiful Christmas card in the mail? It’s so much more personal than a social media post or text message. My holiday motto: long live the Christmas card!

There is, however, an art to creating a unique and personal Christmas card. Here are my best tips making a holiday greeting that makes each recipient feel the love…

1. Include Photos From Your Year

I often hear from friends that creating a picture-perfect Christmas card is overwhelming. They don’t have time for a family photoshoot and the thought of getting all the kids dressed and smiling for the camera sounds impossible.

The answer to this dilemma lies on your camera roll. Don’t take special photos just for your Christmas card. Instead, choose candid pictures from throughout the year and upload them to a collage-style card. I adore these cards because they’re basically a scrapbook of your year.

2. Share a Joyful Message

Kind words can make even the biggest holiday Grinch feeling the Christmas spirit. A lot of our cards have room for you to type a custom message of your own, but if you’re not feeling creative, we’ve got your back.

Our collection of Christmas cards with quotes and heartfelt sayings are absolutely beautiful. With phrases like “believe in the magic of Christmas” and “treasure the moments”, you’re sure to find a card that fits your family.

3. Send a Christmas Card That Can be Displayed

Fact: I love displaying Christmas cards. And I LOVE creating a Christmas card that’s unique and lets my friends and family display it in a fun way.

My favorite types of unique formats to give and receive are:

Trifold Christmas Cards

These fun cards have three panels that fold and stand up on their own for easy, adorable displaying.

Ornament Christmas Cards

Paper ornaments cards can be displayed year after year. I love the idea of making these cards an annual tradition to create an entire collection for your family.

Hanging Christmas Cards

These are similar to ornament cards, but a bit larger. They are so cute hanging from doorknobs or coat hooks!

 

4. Share Your Family Photoshoot

Okay, yes…I know I sang the praises of candid photos in my #1 tip, however I do LOVE a beautifully styled family photoshoot. If you spent the time and money (and tears, I’m a mom too and know there were tears), then show off those gorgeous photos!

 

5. Write a Christmas Letter

There’s nothing quite like getting a Christmas card that includes a thoughtful letter. If you want to write your own, but feel overwhelmed, we have lots of examples of what to include in your Christmas letter.

My best tips to writing a genuine letter is to touch on:

  • Life Changes: If you’ve moved, had a job change or welcomed a new family member, share it!
  • The Little Things: Everyone will love hearing about life’s small moments too. Did you learn to make the world’s best chocolate cake from scratch? Tell everyone! Did your child give themselves a home haircut? Include that too; you’ll get bonus points for keeping it real.
  • Even the Hard Things: Understatement of the year: life isn’t easy. Don’t feel like you have to bright-side your holiday letter. Sharing struggles – job loss, illness and even the death of a family member – is appropriate if it feels right for you.

We have examples of how to write about big life events, good and not-so-good, as well.

 

6. Share Your News (Big and Small!)

If writing an entire holiday letter seems daunting, no worries. Instead of penning a whole recap, add in small snippets of your year. Choosing a Christmas card that has room for quick updates is fun and easy to customize.

Newsletter Christmas cards have room for photos and room for a sentence or two spread throughout the design. So cute, right?!

Here are my favorite ideas of things to include in your family newsletter:

  • School Recap: Include the grades your children are in and mention their favorite (and even least-favorite!) subjects.
  • Sports: Have a family full of little athletes? This is the place to brag about it.
  • Milestones: From baby’s first steps to your teenager’s first time behind the wheel.
  • Birthdays & Ages: It’s up to you if you want to include the adults too!
  • Vacations: Share your vacation photos and any tidbits about your adventure.
  • Future Plans: Have anything big planned in the New Year? Tell everyone about it!

Merry Christmas, all!

 

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