When to Send Christmas Cards: Dates, Deadlines, and Late-Stage Fixes

Timing saves money and stress. Here’s when to order, when to mail, and what to do if you’re late.

Key dates (U.S.)

• Order cards: By Nov 20 for calm; by Dec 7 with rush shipping/production.
• Mail domestic: Dec 7–10 to arrive before Christmas.
• Mail international: Aim for Nov 30; check country-specific cutoffs.
• Late? Switch to digital or New Year’s framing.

Ordering tips

• Use matte/satin 130–150 lb; 5x7 standard.
• Proof once if possible; order 10–15% extra.
• Compare shipping vs in-store pickup to save time/money.

If you’re behind

• Take one window-lit photo; turn off overheads.
• Upload and generate 18 print-ready scenes in 60 seconds—export 5x7, 300 DPI; grab a smaller digital version (1080–2048 px) too.
• Send digital immediately with a personal line; print/pickup same or next day for any physical cards.
• Use New Year’s wording if it won’t make Christmas mail.

Messaging for late sends

• “Card’s late, gratitude isn’t. Thank you for being part of our year—Happy New Year!”
• “Running behind, but thinking of you. Wishing you peace and warmth.”

Addressing and mailing

• Verify addresses; handwrite names for close recipients.
• Keep envelopes standard to avoid surcharges.
• Drop domestic by Dec 10; international earlier; hand-deliver local if possible.

Digital option

• Send a lightweight file (under 2 MB) for easy viewing; portrait/square for phones.
• Add a short personal line and optional QR to a brief video/album.

Mail early and relax. If you miss the window, use digital or New Year’s framing—one sincere line plus a clean photo (AI-polished if needed) still feels thoughtful.