8 Reasons to Send Personalized Holiday Cards In 2024

IIn the blink of an eye, the holiday season is almost here again. If you clicked on this post, you’re probably wondering what are the reasons to send holiday cards? And I get it — the process itself can be time-consuming and there are etiquette factors that come into play.

Here’s the short answer: handwritten cards with a custom message are much more personal. 

Throughout my life, I’ve kept cards that I received from family and friends for just about every occasion. There’s a box in my room filled with holiday cards, birthday cards, congratulations cards, New Year’s cards, and even “just because” cards.

The designs and notes inside are, in a way, like mini time portals that transport me back to a memory with the person who sent it. 

Custom holiday cards are an easy yet great way to share a heartfelt message and spread holiday cheer. It can also express your gratitude, strengthen bonds, boost creativity, and support businesses that create the cards.

Just like last year, I stocked up on cards by Papyrus. Each one of the brand’s designs is made with craftsmanship and leaves a lasting impression — the card is also a special keepsake in itself!

Read on for more reasons to send holiday cards and tips.

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8 Reasons to Send Holiday Cards In 2024

1. Spread Warm Wishes and Holiday Spirit

What’s the purpose of someone sending a holiday card? Like many other traditions around this time of year: it’s to spread the season’s greetings. 

There’s nothing like old-fashioned snail mail that can brighten someone’s day. 

This year, I picked up a few Papyrus cards with embellished snowflakes and a silver foil design. I also got a few with ornate Christmas tree motifs. Every style comes with a gold hummingbird sticker that symbolizes love, joy, and celebration. 

Holiday cards are also a visual delight and many come in seasonal designs and you can also add a favorite photo inside. This can instantly uplift someone’s mood and let them know you were thinking of them. 

2. Strengthen Bonds

Holiday cards are a perfect way to let you connect (or reconnect) with family and friends. Although e-cards are efficient and nice in their own way, tangible cards feel more special.

It shows that you took the time to write a thoughtful note, add a stamp, and drop it off at the mailbox.

In our digital age, sending holiday cards with your best wishes is like a forgotten art. It lets someone know that you were thinking of them and can strengthen a bond — especially if you haven’t seen that person in a while. 

Sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness that mean the most.

Holding greeting cards captures a sense of warmth and connection. It’s something you can touch, which brings a feeling of care.

When someone opens up an envelope, it gives an element of surprise and delight.

3. Cards Serve as Keepsakes

A card can give someone that warm and fuzzy feeling, especially if it’s a good design that’s also meaningful. Some people also use the cards they receive as part of their holiday decor.

For instance, a Mother’s Day card I gave my mom earlier this year is still in her living room, next to all the framed photos of my family (there are a lot!). 

Holiday cards serve as small gifts and some people also use them as bookmarks throughout the year.

4. Boosts Creativity

The process of choosing holiday cards is also a way to boost your creativity, whether it be picking a graphic that’s specifically for one person relating to an inside joke or moment only you two will get or picking out a boxed set of bulk Christmas cards everyone will love.

You can even design your own online with Artifact Uprising’s holiday photo cards where you add your own image and holiday greetings. 

If you want to give more of a personal touch, you can DIY a unique style greeting card. Similar to putting together a junk journal, you can make it tailored to your relationship with the person getting the card. 

Here’s your chance to have fun expressing your artistic skills with custom fonts, colors, and materials. From bright photo cards to eco-friendly holiday cards, the sky’s the limit when you design your own.

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5. Prompts Reflection

Just like any form of writing, adding heartfelt wishes to a card prompts reflection. Coming up with custom greetings makes you think about your bond with that person.

Writing in a holiday card also lets you reflect on the past year and memorable moments.

If you’ve sent holiday cards to the same people for years and years, you may notice patterns or changes. Maybe you’ve deepened your bond, or maybe you drifted apart.

Sending a card may seem like a small act but it can also serve as a reminder of the people in your life, and inspire you to take action to nurture the relationships that are important to you. 

6. Express Gratitude

After making it a habit to write in a gratitude journal, I’ve realized the importance of feeling thankful.

I like to think of gratitude as a natural remedy for negativity — it’s hard to be grateful and upset at the same time. In the end, gratitude always wins. And saying “thank you” in a card not only boosts your happiness but someone else’s, too. 

Whether you’re planning to say thanks for being there for someone who supported you or just to let them know they’re important in your life, you can do so in a holiday card.

7. Update Your Family Photo

Holiday cards give you a reason to update your family photo. It’s the season for strengthening bonds and celebration, after all, so take a snapshot to include in a card to add to its value.

If you’re into this idea, you’ll also love holiday photo books, which can hold even more of your favorite pictures to look back on.

8. Connect With Clients

If you have a business, there are many reasons to send holiday cards to clients. It acts as a chance to connect on a personal level and not just talk about business.

Sending a card marks a reminder to celebrate your working relationship, and can be fun yet professional.

Business cards don’t have to be boring, either. It can be a moment to show your personality outside of work while you spread those seasonal greetings!

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Tips for Sending Holiday Cards

1. Make A List (And Check It Twice)

Before sending your card out, be sure to check with your recipient for their current address in case they moved. This also gives them a heads-up that the card is on its way. 

And even though sending cards is done through, well, the mail, reaching out via a call, text, or email to your recipient for their address can start a convo and chance to connect.

2. Choose A Fitting Design

Is your recipient’s style bold and colorful or do they love neutral colors? Make it personal by choosing a design that fits with your recipient’s personality. 

3. Write Drafts

There are no rules to word count when it comes to your note inside. Remember: it’s the thought that counts! 

I usually write my message on a piece of scrap paper before writing in the card to make sure I don’t mess up the final draft. Doing this can also let you see how much space is needed for the text depending on the size of your card.

4. Use A Good Pen

When writing your card, using a good pen is key. Make sure the one you choose has quality ink that doesn’t bleed.

Some ballpoint pens need a bit of time to dry, so take a look after writing to see if it’s set before closing the card.

5. Add A Festive Stamp

Stamps are another chance for personalization.

The post office usually has festive designs this time of year so it doubles as a decorative sticker. Just be sure the monetary value covers the price of your card weight.

Forever stamps are issued by the USPS and are valid “forever” to mail a one-ounce envelope, even if the rate inflates in the future.

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6. Send Early 

The holiday season is usually a busy time of year, so writing your cards early can give you time to think about a thoughtful message to include. Plus, it allows time in case there’s a delay at the post office. 

When Are Holiday Cards Sent? 

Usually holiday cards are sent sometime between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Depending on the holiday, dates vary, but it’s nice to send it before the actual date you’re celebrating.

Overall, the ideal time to send the card is a couple of weeks before the holiday.

Photos by Studio By Sehee

For more stories, check out…

• The Prettiest Christmas Nails To Recreate
• 19 Thoughtful Small Gift Ideas for Women in 2024
• The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Junk Journal