Today (December 9) is Christmas Card Day, a reminder to take part in a timeless tradition that brings joy to both senders and recipients. Christmas cards are more than just pieces of paper—they’re a way to connect, express gratitude, and spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re a fan of traditional designs or prefer a creative twist, there’s no better time to start sending your holiday greetings.
Christmas cards date back to 1843 when Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned the first commercially printed Christmas card. Designed by artist John Callcott Horsley, it featured a festive scene and the words “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Cole’s goal was to reach out to his many friends in a quick and easy way. By the late 19th century, Christmas cards became a popular tradition worldwide. Source: Smithsonian Magazine.
Today, this tradition endures as a heartfelt way to share the spirit of the season and connect with friends and family through personalized holiday cards.
Holiday cards are a perfect canvas to showcase your unique personality. Here are some ideas to make your cards stand out:
Humorous Touch: Include funny family photos or captions that reflect your sense of humor. For example, a “nailed it” recreation of a classic holiday scene can bring smiles.
Themed Designs: Dress your family in matching pajamas or showcase a shared hobby, like baking or hiking, for a fun theme.
Year in Review: Share highlights from the past year with a cheerful and creative update—think bullet points, a playful rhyme, or even a mini newsletter.
DIY Flair: Add handwritten notes, sketches, or custom embellishments to printed cards for a handmade feel.
Adding a personal touch makes your card more memorable and meaningful for recipients while showcasing your holiday creativity.
Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and sometimes the season gets too busy for cards. If you are feeling overwhelmed with adding the task of sending cards during this busy holiday season, greetings would be welcome any time of year. Consider sending:
New Year’s Greetings: Welcome the new year with messages of hope and fresh beginnings.
Valentine’s Cards: Share love and appreciation with friends and family.
Seasonal Cards: Mark Thanksgiving, springtime, or summer with themed greetings.
Just-Because Notes: Surprise someone with a thoughtful card any time of year.
The act of reaching out doesn’t need a specific occasion to be impactful. Non-seasonal greetings can also help you stay connected year-round.
Creating and sending cards doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips:
Plan Early: Start organizing your addresses and choosing your design ahead of time.
Use Photos: Include a favorite family picture or a snapshot from a recent event to make the card feel personal. Most of us think we have to schedule a family photo shoot, but you can use snapshots too.
Batch Your Work: Dedicate time to write and prepare your cards so the task feels manageable.
Streamlining your process ensures you enjoy the experience and avoid last-minute stress. Organized holiday planning will keep your cards meaningful and timely.
If you’re looking for high-quality, custom-made cards, FOREVER makes the process easy and enjoyable. With user-friendly templates, you can design cards that feature your favorite photos and perfectly match your style. Printing through FOREVER ensures vibrant colors, durable materials, and a touch of professionalism—all without sacrificing the warmth of a personalized greeting.
Explore the possibilities of card printing with FOREVER to create something truly special for your loved ones. Holiday card printing can simplify your preparations and enhance the joy of giving.
Christmas Card Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and spread joy. Whether you choose a traditional Christmas card, a New Year’s greeting, or a creative design that reflects your personality, the effort you put into your card will be cherished by those who receive it.
Ready to get started? Check out FOREVER’s card printing options and make this year’s holiday greetings unforgettable. Brighten someone’s day with a heartfelt card and share the joy of the season!
Skye Cranor
Skye Cranor is a dedicated photo coach and FOREVER ambassador with over 24 years of experience helping people organize, preserve, and celebrate their cherished memories. Passionate about memory-keeping, Skye guides clients through the process of digitizing old media, organizing digital photo collections, and creating beautiful photo projects. With a background in genealogy and a master's degree in Counseling, Skye brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of the importance of preserving family stories for generations to come.