Designing your own custom Christmas card is one of the most joyful ways to kick off the holiday season. It’s a time-honored tradition, a little dose of creative expression, and a heartfelt way to connect with friends and family near and far. But let’s be real: designing a holiday card from scratch can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this helpful and fun checklist of Christmas card design tips, plus a few common Christmas card mistakes to avoid.
Whether it’s your first time sending cards or you’re a seasoned holiday-card-sending pro, this guide will help you make sure your card turns out picture-perfect.
Why Designing a Custom Christmas Card Is So Much Fun
There’s something magical about turning your favorite memories into a piece of holiday mail. You get to pick the perfect photos, play with colors, add personalized messages, and maybe even toss in some sparkle (hello, foil!). Your holiday card becomes a reflection of you — your family, your style, and your holiday vibe.
So grab a cozy drink, fire up those festive tunes, and let’s dive into our official Christmas Card Checklist.
The Ultimate Christmas Card Checklist
Avoid those face-palm moments and design regrets with these do’s and don’ts.
DO: Make Sure You Love the Colors
Christmas card design tip #1: the colors matter more than you think! If the card you love has default colors that don’t quite vibe with your photos, don’t worry. You can change the colors. At Pear Tree, most designs allow you to swap in new hues so you can go with:
- Traditional Christmas colors (reds, greens, golds)
- Bright & bold pops of color
- Modern minimal tones (think taupe, slate, soft blush)
DO: Customize Both Sides of Your Card
Most custom Christmas cards are double-sided — and the back is prime real estate!
Some fun ideas for the back of your card:
- A short and sweet family update
- A “year in review” holiday letter
- A collage of extra photos that didn’t make the front
- A silly outtake or holiday blooper
- A note from the kids or pets
Don’t let that space go to waste!
DON’T: Forget to Check Fonts and Placement
Each card design is created by our designer, who’s already nailed the font pairings and layout. If you love it as-is, no need to change a thing. But if you do want to make changes, go for it — just do it thoughtfully.
Key things to check:
- Fonts are legible and match your vibe
- Text isn’t too small or too close to the edges
- Nothing important is overlapping your photos
- Everything is within the safe print area (nothing will get cut off!)
DON’T: Leave Placeholder Text
This is a big one. Before hitting that order button, double (or triple) check every part of your card for placeholder text.
It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to miss:
- Your family name
- Any date or year references
- Custom messages or captions
You don’t want to be the person who accidentally sends out a card that says, “Love, The Johnson Family” when your last name is Martinez. Yikes.
DO: Check Your Last Name (And Skip the Apostrophe!)
Let’s clear this up once and for all: your last name doesn’t need an apostrophe on your Christmas card.
If your last name is Smith, your card should read: “Love, The Smiths.” NOT “Love, The Smith’s.”
Why? Because you’re not showing possession — you’re simply pluralizing your family name.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- The Williams family = The Williamses
- The Fox family = The Foxes
- The Garcia family = The Garcias
Need help? Check out our full guide: Your Last Name Doesn’t Need an Apostrophe
DO: Order Early
We can’t stress this enough. Custom holiday cards take a little time to design, print and ship. Give yourself time to:
- Create the card
- Proofread carefully
- Wait for delivery
- Add address labels and stamps
- Pop them in the mail
Pro tip: Aim to order before Thanksgiving to avoid shipping stress and last-minute scrambling.
BONUS DO: Let Your Personality Shine
The best Christmas cards are the ones that reflect you. Whether you go for a heartfelt vibe, a dose of humor, or a glam family photoshoot, your custom card should feel like an extension of your holiday spirit.
Some fun ways to personalize:
- Include a favorite family quote or saying
- Add a pet cameo
- Create a theme (pajama party? snow day? ugly sweater?)
Proper Etiquette for Christmas Cards
Beyond design, a few etiquette tips to keep things classy:
- Don’t send cards to people you haven’t contacted in years. Make sure your list is warm and current.
- Be inclusive. If your card will be sent to a diverse group, opt for a general holiday greeting like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.”
- Address your envelopes with care. Handwritten is personal, but printed address labels look clean and polished.
- Sign every card. Even if it’s just a first name.
And…You’re Ready to Design Your Card!
Remember: custom Christmas card design should be fun, not stressful. With this checklist and a few helpful tips, you’re well on your way to creating a holiday card that’s heartfelt, beautiful, and totally you.
