Christmas Card Checklist
Christmas Card Checklist
The tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the 19th century and has evolved into a heartwarming and festive custom that brings joy and connection during the holiday season. The practice is credited to Sir Henry Cole, a prominent British civil servant, who commissioned the first Christmas card in 1843. The card featured a charming illustration of a family enjoying Christmas festivities and carried the greeting, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
Initially, the sending of Christmas cards was primarily a privilege of the wealthy and elite due to the expense involved in producing them. However, as printing technology advanced and costs decreased, the tradition became more accessible to people from various social backgrounds.
The Hasty Family’s 2023 Christmas Card
Over the years, Christmas cards have become a delightful means of spreading holiday cheer and goodwill. They often feature festive imagery, including snowflakes, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, nativity scenes, and winter landscapes. Some cards also incorporate family photos and personal messages, adding a unique and intimate touch.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Christmas cards serve as a way to reconnect with distant friends and family members. As the year draws to a close, the act of sending and receiving these cards creates a sense of warmth and togetherness, fostering a spirit of generosity and gratitude.
The Hasty Family’s 2022 Christmas Card
In the digital age, the tradition has adapted to include e-cards and virtual greetings, providing a convenient way to share holiday wishes across the globe. However, the tangible and personalized nature of physical Christmas cards continues to hold a special place in many hearts, emphasizing the importance of tradition and connection during the festive season.
In essence, the tradition of sending Christmas cards transcends mere pieces of paper; it encapsulates the sentiment of love, goodwill, and the joy of sharing special moments with those we hold dear, making it a cherished part of the holiday season for people around the world.
The Hasty Family’s 2021 Christmas Card
Christmas Card Checklist
October:
Week 1-2: Decide on a Design and Theme
Browse online or visit local stores for Christmas card designs.
Choose a theme that reflects your style or a personalized touch.
If I’m being honest, I start thinking about next year’s theme as soon as I send my Christmas cards. I don’t make any final decisions until around October, but I do start turning around ideas in my head almost immediately.
Week 3-4: Create a Recipient List
Compile a list of recipients including family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else you want to send cards to.
Collect updated addresses, if necessary.
Don’t wait until the last minute to do this! It is frustratingly anti-climactic to receive your cards and then have to wait to send them until you collect updated addresses.
The Hasty Family’s 2020 Christmas Card
November:
Week 1: Take Family Photos
If you plan to include family photos, schedule a photoshoot or choose existing photos.
This is my favorite part of the process, when my vision starts to come together. I like deciding on a location, booking a photographer, figuring out a color scheme. I get overwhelmed when trying to decide what everyone should wear, but often my photographer will weigh in and make the decision a bit easier.
Week 2: Order Stamps
Take a look to see if there are new Holiday stamps available to order from the USPS website
Choose Stamps that match your theme
Week 3: Design the Cards
Use online tools or software to create your Christmas card.
Incorporate your chosen theme and personalize the message.
I almost always use Minted because they have free recipient addressing and all of my addresses are saved there from year to year. But I’ve been paying attention to the cards I receive, and some of the most beautiful ones are from Shutterfly.
Week 4: Review and Finalize Designs
Review the design for any errors or adjustments.
Finalize the design and ensure it's ready for printing.
Check and double-check that everything looks how you want it to look. Ask someone else to look over them just to be sure. And when you’re sure you’re ready, PRINT!
The Hasty Family’s 2019 Christmas Card
December:
Week 1: Order the Cards
Place the order for the Christmas cards.
Check for any discounts or promotions to save on costs.
The first week of December is the latest I would want to order cards. I often place my order in November so that I can send cards out right after Thanksgiving. In my mind, this allows friends and family to enjoy the card longer!
Week 2-3: Receive and Address Cards
Once the cards arrive, check them for quality.
Address the envelopes and personalize each card.
If you reached out to friends and family back In October to get updated addresses, and if you use Minted’s free addressing service, this step should be very easy!
Week 4: Stamp and Send
Add postage to each envelope.
Mail the cards, keeping in mind the recommended mailing deadlines for Christmas delivery.
Week 4 (Before Christmas): Confirm Delivery
Track the delivery status of your cards if possible.
Follow up with recipients to confirm they received the cards.
The Hasty Family’s 2018 Christmas Card
Post-Christmas:
Week 1 (After Christmas): Send Digital Greetings
For those you may have missed, consider sending digital greetings via email or social media.
Week 2: Reflect and Plan for Next Year
Reflect on the process and make notes on what worked well and what could be improved.
Consider starting a list for next year to make the process even smoother.
The Hasty Family’s 2017 Christmas Card
