Let’s be real. When I finally remember to send out holiday cards, it’s usually after Christmas and New Year’s have made their grand entrances. While a “Happy New Year” greeting is perfectly acceptable – and even encouraged – I’m left staring at a pile of photos, wondering how to properly address all those envelopes.

Some folks might suggest I switch to digital holiday cards, but that’s a big ‘ole ‘no’ in my family. We’ve got this cherished tradition of holding on to those cards so we can track how our friends and family have evolved over the years. Plus, I want our smiling faces to grace the fridges of our loved ones, offering daily doses of our (rather, my) presence in their beautiful kitchens. Trust me, paper packs a punch that digital just can’t match, and it stands the test of time.

I’m an unabashed stationery enthusiast, and I’ve scoured every nook and cranny in my quest for the ultimate, *chef’s kiss* Christmas cards. You know the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Well, I’ve found a treasure trove.

Each year, the holiday card geniuses at Dogwood Hill team up with different tastemakers such as Holly Hollon, Inslee Fariss, Riley Sheehey, etc., curating a delectable array of options that caters to every taste. It’s as if you’ve wandered into a Christmas card candy store, and you’re the kid in a candy shop, but with beautiful stationery instead of sweets. And let’s not forget about the quality. These cards don’t just look good; they feel good. Trust. (Side note – not is not sponsored). I’m just here to share the love and spread the word about this stationery find because, let’s face it, no one should miss out on the chance to have the snazziest holiday cards decking their halls this festive season.

I’ve got a soft spot for the fact that Dogwood Hill is a small business, crafting each product with more TLC than I pour into a meticulously frothed cup of cocoa. Now, as for my design preferences, I’m a tad particular. I want all that charming, nostalgic Christmas feel, but if there aren’t bows and ribbons involved, I may just get my tinsel in a tangle (and nobody wants to see that).

Sure, the tried-and-true red and green designs are like your favorite cozy winter sweater – always a safe bet. But hey, sometimes you’ve gotta spice things up a bit with some unexpected pink or blue hues, or any color from the Crayola box, for that matter, because variety is the spice of life, amirite? Because deep down, nobody’s aiming for their annual holiday card to become the unsung ornament tucked away within the thick pine needles on the backside of the Christmas tree.

As for font preference, I’m all about that classic, elegant vibe, but let’s not go so stuffy that it feels like an elf stuck in a corporate meeting during a snowball fight.

Well, thank goodness for Dogwood Hill and their extensive options, because it took me mere moments to find the card that screamed ‘perfect.’ I went with the ‘En Pointe‘ design by the talented Riley Sheehey. These cards are so thick you’d think they could double as sleds, the printing is drop-dead gorgeous, and the design is as classic as Santa’s Red Suit. Dogwood Hill’s cards are like a warm, cozy holiday blanket, and I just know I’ll look back on this year’s card with a heart full of fondness.

History of the Holiday Card

The tradition of sending holiday cards spans generations. In fact, it goes way back to the early 19th century. In 1822, the U.S. Superintendent of Mails had to hire a whopping sixteen additional carriers just to handle the December deliveries. It got so wild that he even petitioned Congress to try and limit the practice. But did that stop the holiday card enthusiasts? Fat chance! People were clearly in the festive spirit even back then.

But let’s not forget our friends across the pond in Britain, who can proudly claim the first commercially printed card. This masterpiece was commissioned in 1843 from artist John Calcott Horsley by Sir Henry Cole, who was on the hunt for a tasteful card to send to his buddies. The card featured the warm wishes, “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You,” and a thousand copies were printed. Clearly, the idea was a hit, and by the 1860s, printed cards were big business, featuring both seasonal and religious themes.

So, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, one thing’s for sure: the tradition of sending warm wishes and spreading holiday cheer through cards has deep roots and continues to brighten mailboxes and email boxes worldwide.

Why Send Christmas Cards?

Because it’s the warm and fuzzy gift that keeps on giving – for both you and the lucky folks who get these treasures.

Crafting these tangible tokens of affection is like an emotional yoga session for your soul. It’s your heart’s way of saying, ‘Hey, I love you,’ and your brain’s way of doing a happy dance. It’s a bit like an annual festive boot camp for your inner gratitude guru – you’ve got to reflect, feel the love, and whip up something special for the VIPs in your life.

So, why not amp up your Christmas spirit by sprinkling more love into the world? Grab that trusty pen, cue up Mariah Carey, pour a merry elixir, and let’s get cozy with the lovey-dovey vibes.

When to Send Christmas Cards

Take a quick jaunt to the U.S. Postal Service website for the freshest update on your holiday card delivery schedule.

• Now, in the world of card-sending, timing is like the mistletoe – it matters. For domestic destinations, playing it cool with First Class mail about two weeks before Santa’s big night is a safe bet.
• But, if your holiday cheer has a global reach or is jetting off to a military address, you’ll want to mail those cards at least three weeks ahead, just to be a jolly good sport.
• Feeling like you’re racing against the North Pole clock? Priority Mail is the fast lane – it’ll have your card dashing to its destination in 1-3 business days.

The real deal here, though? The answer’s in the air – send your cards whenever it feels right. Nobody’s going to be a ‘Grinch’ about getting a holiday card from you, whether it’s fashionably early, fashionably late, or even as an unexpected Christmas-in-July surprise

How to Make Your Holiday Card List

Welcome to the “Getting Your Act Together” drill. We’re all about making your holiday card mission a breeze. Here’s the gist:

1. Pick a Number: Pick your magic number – how many cards are you spreading your love to this year?
2. In Circles, We Go: Break your people down by social circles – it’s way less dizzying than it sounds, promise.
3. Trim the Tree (& Your List): Time to tighten the reins on your holiday card list.
4. Find Your People: It’s time to gather your loved ones and their addresses. We’re about to create a love map!
5. Get your Ducks in a Row: Keeping things in shipshape is where the real holiday magic happens.

If you’ve already got your holiday ship in tip-top shape, well done! Still, there’s no harm in picking up an extra strategy or two for an even more merry card-sending experience.

What to Write

Ah, the joy of perching down during the festive frenzy and trying to conjure something brilliant for the folks who’ve sprinkled joy in your life all year! Wouldn’t it be even jollier if the ideas flowed like hot cocoa at a Christmas party?

Enter this guide, your ticket to inspiration, whether you’re scribbling away at three cards or managing a holiday correspondence that rivals Santa’s list. Consider these Christmas wishes and message ideas your trusty festive companions, suited to make any holiday card, newsletter, or even a custom photo spectacle sparkle with the spirit of the season.

For Friends

1. “Wishing you a Christmas season full of laughter, love, and endless good times with the ones who matter most.”
2. “May your holidays be a delightful blend of cherished moments, genuine smiles, and cozy evenings by the fire.”
3. “In the spirit of the season, may your Christmas be wrapped in warmth, sprinkled with joy, and filled with unforgettable moments.”
4. “Here’s to a festive season brimming with heartwarming conversations, shared laughter, and unforgettable memories.”
5. “Wishing you a Christmas filled with the company of loved ones, the taste of delicious treats, and the magic of the holiday spirit.”
6. “May your holiday be a time of true connection, heartwarming moments, and the simple joys of the season.”
7. “To a friend who brightens my days all year round, may your Christmas be as wonderful and memorable as you are.”
8. “In this season of togetherness, may your heart be as full as your calendar, and your Christmas as cheerful as our friendship.”
9. “Warmest wishes for a Christmas that’s brimming with the happiness of shared moments, genuine laughter, and heartfelt conversations.”
10. “Here’s to a festive season that’s as remarkable as your friendship. May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and memorable experiences.”

For Family

1. “Wishing your amazing family a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and all the warmth of the season. Sending warm wishes and big hugs your way.”
2. “May our family’s Christmas be as cozy as our home, as delightful as our memories, and as bright as our smiles.”
3. “Here’s to a holiday season with the family we cherish most – may it be filled with shared moments, heartfelt conversations, and lots of love.”
4. “To my incredible family, may our Christmas be a perfect blend of togetherness, delicious treats, and the pure joy of the season.”
5. “Wishing our family a Christmas season as unique and wonderful as each one of us. Let’s celebrate our one-of-a-kind bond this holiday.”
6. “May our family’s Christmas be a time of creating new traditions, cherishing old ones, and celebrating the beautiful gift of being together.”
7. “To the ones who make Christmas truly special – our family. May this holiday be filled with the love, laughter, and happiness we share.”
8. “Here’s to a Christmas that’s filled with the love of family, the joy of being together, and the warmth of the season. Happy holidays!”
9. “Wishing our family a Christmas season that’s as extraordinary as the love we have for each other. Let’s make every moment count.”
10. “To our remarkable family, may your Christmas be a reflection of the love, unity, and beautiful bond we share. Here’s to many more magical holidays together!”

For Your Person

1. “My favorite thing about Christmas is getting to spend it with you.”
2. “There’s no one else I’d rather make Christmas memories with.”
3. “Nobody does the holidays like us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
4. “My favorite thing about Christmas is getting to spend it with you.”
5. “Getting to love you is the best gift I’ve ever been given. Love you so much.”
6. “Merry Christmas! Now let’s find some mistletoe.”
7. “I fa-la-la-la love you.”
8. “You make my heart go pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.”
9. “Sharing this life with you is all my heart could ever want.”
10. “You’re on my nice list. (But feel free to try for the naughty list if you want.)”
11. “Another Christmas, and still nothing warms my heart like you.”
12. “I’m so thankful for another year of making memories, creating new traditions, and enjoying all the best parts of the holidays with you.”

For Those Who Are Far Away

1. “Missing you even more at this joyful time of year.”
2. “Really, really wish you were here!”
3. “We may not be together in person on Christmas morning, but you’ll be in my mind and in my heart. You always are.”
4. “I’ll sure miss being together for Christmas this year. Eat a few extra tamales for me, OK?”
5. “Christmas won’t feel the same without you here, but we wish you a wonderful holiday time with Emma’s family. Miss you already!”
6. “Wish we could be together this holiday season, but since we can’t, I’m sending good wishes your way.”
7. “Just can’t believe it has been so long since we’ve seen each other. TOO long!”
8. This Christmas, know that you’re missed, loved, and cherished. May your holiday be filled with the magic of the season.”
9. “Wishing you a Christmas that brings you joy and the warmth of cherished memories, no matter how far apart we are.”
10. “Though the miles stretch between us, the spirit of Christmas brings us close in heart. Wishing you a joyful holiday season from afar.”

For Professional Relationships

1. “Happy Holidays and all the best to you in the year to come!”
2. “It’s a pleasure to work with you and a joy to wish you a merry Christmas!”
3. “The holidays are a perfect time to remind you how much I appreciate your business. I hope you enjoy a wonderful season filled with the people and traditions that mean the most.”
4. “You make work a lot less like work and more like a caring community. Merry Christmas, with thanks for all you do!”
5. “Holiday time and all the time, I so appreciate the great work you do.”
6. “Wishing you some well-deserved downtime over the holidays. You’ve earned it!”
7. “Merry Christmas to my totally talented stylist! Thank you for keeping me looking good all year.”
8. “Wishing you the beauty, blessings and joy this season brings.”
9. “Hoping that the new year brings you new opportunities and new possibilities.”
10. “Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season.”

Religious

1. “Blessings to you this Christmas season.”
2. “Celebrating the good news of Christmas and the blessing of knowing good people like you.”
3. “Christmas is here and He is born! Hope your Christmas is blessed.”
4. “Wishing joy to your world and peace to your heart this Christmas.”
5. “So thankful for the blessing you are in my life. Merry Christmas.”
6. “Glory to the newborn King! Merry Christmas to you and yours.”
7. “Jesus is born! Have a merry Christmas.”
8. “Hope you feel all the blessings and love sent down from heaven on that first Christmas.”
9. “O come let us adore Him! Wishing lots of joy and love to you and yours this Christmas.”
10. “Rejoicing with you in the birth of our Savior this Christmas season.”
11. “May your spirit rejoice in the wonder of His birth. Wishing you a joy-filled Christmas season.”
12. “Wishing you hope, peace, joy, and love as you celebrate Christmas.”

Difficult Circumstances

1. “I know this probably won’t go down as your best Christmas ever. I hope it helps a little to be reminded how much I care about you and wish you a brighter new year.”
2. “You’ve had more than your share of challenges this year. Wishing you peace and hope at Christmas and a new year full of better days.”
3. “I hope the holidays are extra gentle and sweet to you and give you lots of reasons to smile and lots of time to rest.”
4. “Hoping that the new year brings you new possibilities.”
5. “Our hearts are with you and your family. All our love,”
6. “It’s hard when Christmas comes during a difficult time. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you.”
7. “Sending you hugs this Christmas. Take good care of you.”
8. “Sometimes the holidays only seem to remind us of what we have lost. But you will never lose the love and caring of those who know you and want the best for you.”

Warm Closings

1. Warmly,
2. Love,
3. With love,
4. Lots of love,
5. Love always,
6. Much love to you,
7. All my love,
8. Best wishes!
9. Warmest wishes at Christmas and always,
10. Merry Christmas!
11. Hope and peace to you and yours,
12. Wishing you joy,
13. Best regards,
14. Warmest wishes,
15. Gratefully,
16. Happy holidays,
17. Cozy wishes,
18. Heavenly peace,
19. Wishing joy to your world,
20. Blessings,
21. Christmas blessings,
22. God bless,
23. Hugs and kisses,