Last-Minute Christmas Cards: Print or Send Today

If it’s mid-December (or later), keep it simple: one good photo, fast print/pickup, or digital with a personal line.

Fastest paths

• Same-day pickup: Walgreens/CVS/Walmart—upload, choose a clean template, pick up in hours.
• In-store Costco: Next-day at many locations; low cost.
• Digital now: Send the image with a 1–2 sentence note to your list; add a short invite (“Call us this Sunday?”).

Get the photo ready in minutes

• Take one window-lit shot; turn off overheads.
• Upload and generate 18 print-ready scenes in 60 seconds—export 5x7, 300 DPI; also save a smaller (1080–2048px) version for digital.
• Pick one version; don’t overthink.

Print tips under time pressure

• Keep the design minimal—one photo, short greeting, readable font.
• Matte/satin if available; otherwise whatever same-day offers.
• Check total cost (cards + rush); choose pickup to skip shipping delays.

Mailing vs digital

• Domestic mail cutoff is tight after Dec 10; consider digital for most, print for a few VIPs.
• International: go digital or New Year’s framing.
• Hand-deliver local cards if possible.

Message templates

• “Card’s late, gratitude isn’t. Thank you for being part of our year—Merry Christmas!”
• “Saved by tech: one photo, instant card. Wishing you rest and light.”

Checklist

• Export sRGB, 300 DPI (print); keep faces/text 0.25" inside edges.
• Small digital file under ~2 MB for easy sending.
• Buy stamps while picking up prints; label and drop same day.

Late is fine. One honest photo + a real line beats no card—and AI can handle the backdrop so you can hit send today.