Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the holiday season is officially upon us! If you’re planning to send holiday cards this year, now is the perfect time to start. Whether you’re sharing newborn photos, family portraits, or favorite memories, this guide will help you prepare beautiful holiday cards. Learn when to order, when to mail, and how to make sure your holiday cards are beautifully worded and ready for loved ones to enjoy.
When to order your cards
To ensure you have plenty of time for printing, personalizing, and shipping, aim to order your holiday cards by mid-November. Here’s a timeline to keep in mind:
Early November to Mid-November: Choose your favorite photos and design. Many companies offer customizable templates that make it easy to add a personal touch.
Mid-November to Late November: Place your order, especially if you’re customizing with family names, unique fonts, or extra embellishments. Ordering early can help you avoid the holiday rush and ensure your cards arrive in plenty of time for mailing.
Don’t worry if you don’t follow this timeline exactly. Some printers may take less time to ship your order or will offer expedited shipping to speed up the process. If you’re sending general holiday cards or cards for New Year’s this timeline is more flexible.
When to mail holiday cards
To help cards reach family and friends in time for the celebrations, try to send them between Thanksgiving and mid-December. If you’re sending cards across large distances, like overseas, send those cards soonest to ensure they arrive on time. This window ensures your cards will arrive with plenty of time for people to enjoy them throughout the season.
How to pluralize your family’s last name
When it comes to pluralizing last names, keep it simple! Avoid using an apostrophe, as it isn’t needed when referring to multiple people. Here’s a quick guide:
For most last names, just add an -s (e.g., “The Smiths” or “The Taylors”).
If your last name ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, add -es (e.g., “The Joneses” or “The Hernandezes”).
If you don’t like how your name looks pluralized or you aren’t sure about how to pluralize, you can always stick with The _______ Family (e.g., “The Cruz Family” or “The Stein Family”).
Make it extra special
Consider adding a handwritten note or including a favorite holiday recipe or memory! These small touches can make your cards feel even more personal.
We hope this holiday card guide makes it a bit easier to share the season’s warmth with family and friends. Remember, if you’re running behind on prep your family & friends will appreciate the card even if it arrives a little late.
For more holiday prep, check out Tips for Traveling with Kids This Holiday Season & Here Comes the Holiday Season: Health & Safety Tips.
