Sending Christmas Cards isn’t as common as it used to be. But in these difficult times, rarity is all the more important. Connect with your loved ones this year by following Beyond the Shelf’s guide to a complete 2020 Christmas card list. For the uninitiated, or even for the seasoned Christmas card pro, this guide offers something for everyone.
- Get started early
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are heartfelt messages. Get prepared to give yourself the time to think of what you want to say – there’s nothing worse than the perfect card with a generic message ( don’t worry, we’ll also help you with your message!)
- Get your Christmas cards together by the end first week of December at the absolute latest. This will give you enough time to put together an address list and your message.
- Know your Christmas card ideas
Your goal, as a Christmas card sender, is to have your recipient stumble across your card a couple of years from now and be filled with memories of Christmas 2020. We do not want it to be recycled at the first opportunity!
Let’s take a look at the best Christmas card ideas:
- The Traditional
We all know these cards. There is a huge variance in the level of quality, from the generic Santa, to the religious scene, from the robin, to the snow-covered field. We recommend staying away from glitter to avoid your card becoming a nuisance and to ensure the card has colour, ideally Christmas colours: the #1 rule is, make sure your Christmas card pops!
- The Customised
The customised seems to tick all the boxes: it is specific to the recipient and it shows effort. However, we find that Christmas card senders see the customise option as the limit of their efforts: they just enter the person’s name and that’s the job done! Customised cards often come with a hefty price tag too. Consider this a warning against customised cards: simply typing out a name is not enough to stave off the recycle bin.
- The ‘Different’
Often used as a synonym for ‘weird’, the ‘different’ can mean a number of things. However, for better or worse, the ‘different’ stands out for other cards and is a good way to keep your cards alive for another year. The key is to make sure ‘different’ is a purely positive adjective. Send a card that reflects you or the recipient’s personality. If you are feeling brave you can even make your own.
As book- lovers, we love book-based Christmas cards, such as those available at Beyond the Shelf. Signing up to our mailing list will give you 50% off our cards!
Otherwise, we'd ask for Christmas cards that we find interesting, such as Victorian Christmas cards – you should take a look at these if you aren’t in a hurry, they truly something
- Family photos
This is not for the faint-hearted and is a high risk - high reward play. Your card will likely be kept – but, it may be used to torture you for years to come. Take this path wisely, and ensure your photos are authentic. If you/someone/dog isn’t smiling or looks a bit weird that’s fine. I’d rather be teased for looking goofy than for looking like I’m trying too hard. If you go this route, matching outfits/jumpers are a must. All or nothing!
- E-cards
This is a dark-horse within the Christmas card world. Although often overlooked. An E-card is actually a great way to send your seasonal message. You avoid postage, costs, and the bin. And the E-card means you are obliged to send a heartfelt message in order to demonstrate the value of your card. You can’t hide behind a pretty image for this.
You or your recipient could even print the E-card. This is the ultimate challenge of the Christmas card season. If you manage this, then you know your card is something special.
Now you have your idea, excellent. Go out and get your card and move on to the next section.
- Set the Scene
You will love this step depending on your level of organisation. For myself, someone the opposite of “hyper-organised,” I am fine with skipping this step. However, by skipping you may make some errors. Like sending your cards to the wrong people… like in 2016. Don’t be like me, don’t send your cards to the wrong people.
- Who do I send a Christmas card to?
Send your card to as few or as many people as you like. However, there is one rule: do your best to send your card to anyone who has sent you one in the past.
- Set the scene
Christmas music, Christmas jumper, Christmas colours. It may seem trivial but it matters.
- Enlist Christmas helpers
Many hands make light work. Ensure different people sign and contribute to the card’s message if sending from a household.
- Equipment and time
Work from a list of people and have stamps, pens and envelopes at the ready. Spread the work over multiple sessions if possible – it’s no good if your friend Zach gets a diluted Christmas message due to Christmas fatigue.
- The Message
A quick google search will show you greetings and message to use. Avoid this. These answers are generic and a one-way trip to the recycle bin. Remember, this is your card being sent to someone you know. Make you message specific and memorable. This is something to be read back years from now.
Whilst daunting, this approach guarantees your card will be appreciated. Here are some tips:
- Most people will be too polite to let you know but we humans are great at detecting insincerity. Be authentic in your message.
- Use the card as a way to celebrate and share news. Include life milestones, or even interesting stories that have happened throughout the year. If you are truly stuck, then refer to the Christmas card writing process,
- Answer the question “why are you writing a card to this person?” This will ensure your recipient knows you are thinking of and care for them.
- Act as a teaser for presents. If you are buying the recipient a present, use the card as an opportunity to build anticipation. Remember, avoid price-tags and the materialistic! Make sure this teaser speaks to why you got them that present over anything else. Importantly, don’t give too much away and spoil the present!
- If you truly need inspiration, look at a photo of the recipient and start a sentence with, “Remember when”. This prompt will ensure your card is specific and contains the nostalgia difficult to throw in the bin.
- Finally, it’s always nice to receive an unexpected bonus present. Include a gift-voucher or discount code for your recipient to use. Remember to support small business where possible – Beyond the Shelf is a good place to start…
Together, we have gotten rid of the scourge of Christmas cards, the dreaded
Dear x,
Merry Christmas.
Love, Y
- Send your cards!
They are done. But you are not done. Simply put, a late Christmas card is less good than an on-time Christmas card. Remember to send your cards at least ten days before Christmas if shipping domestically and at least 14 days internationally.
Bonus step!
As The Christmas card master with eager fans awaiting cards each year we cannot have you display your cards haphazardly. It will not do. A well displayed set of Christmas cards may even make for an interesting photo for next year’s design!
Display your cards:
- On A Christmas card holder
Yes, they exist and no, we don’t have any for sale. Check Etsy, for the handmade or even for ideas on creating your own.
- Hanging from festive ribbon
This is the approach we recommend if possible. A bit of work but worth it in the end.
- Attached to a door
Takes a bit of work, but attaching Christmas cards to a door is a unique approach to your display
- On the mantelpiece
A true classic and timeless… if you have one.
- On windowsills
A true classic and timeless… for those without a mantelpiece. But, just as good!
And there you have it. The steps to inspire joy with your Christmas cards this year Bookmark this page and come back to it throughout your Christmas card journey. Send it to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of sending the best Christmas cards – we all know one.
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As a Christmas gift, the first 200 to sign-up will receive 50% off our Christmas cards along with free delivery!.
Please note that the scientific consensus is that shipping times usually ensure that Covid is not transmitted through delivery of Christmas cards. We recommend you follow guidance and not to let Covid stop you from sending Christmas cards. In fact, it’s all the more reason to make this year a great year for Christmas Cards!