when is too early to send christmas cards
Sending Christmas cards too early, such as in October or before, can feel premature and out of season to most recipients. A general guideline is to wait until early December, which allows time for them to arrive before Christmas Day while keeping the festive spirit timely. If mailing internationally, consider sending in late November to account for potential delivery delays. Ultimately, it's about cultural norms—some people start in mid-November, but anything earlier might come across as overly eager.
when to send christmas cards overseas
To ensure Christmas cards reach overseas recipients on time, factor in international mailing delays, which can range from 1 to 3 weeks or more depending on the destination, postal service, and holiday season congestion. For most countries, send cards by early December—ideally late November—for reliable delivery before December 25. Always check with services like the USPS, Royal Mail, or your local post for estimated transit times to specific locations, such as 1-2 weeks to Europe or 2-3 weeks to Asia or Australia, and account for potential customs delays or peak postal volumes.
christmas card etiquette
When sending Christmas cards, aim to mail them in early to mid-December to ensure they arrive before the holiday, allowing recipients time to enjoy them. Address envelopes formally with the recipient's full name and title if appropriate, such as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith," and double-check addresses for accuracy. Include a personal, handwritten message inside to add warmth, like expressing appreciation for the relationship or sharing a brief update, but keep it concise and sincere. Opt for inclusive greetings such as "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" if you're unsure of the recipient's religious preferences. For photos, choose tasteful images that reflect positively on you. In professional contexts, keep messages brief and business-appropriate, avoiding overly personal details. If you receive a card, a thank-you response isn't always required but can be a nice gesture if the sender is close. Always use high-quality cards and stamps, and consider eco-friendly options if possible.
when to send holiday cards
For Christmas cards, send them in early to mid-December (around the first or second week) to allow time for delivery, especially if mailing internationally. For Hanukkah, aim for early December as well, depending on the dates. New Year's cards can be sent in late December. For Thanksgiving or other fall holidays, mail them about 1-2 weeks in advance. Always factor in postal service times and consider sending earlier for distant recipients to ensure arrival before the holiday. If using digital cards, you can send them closer to the date.
how to address christmas cards plural
When addressing Christmas cards to multiple people, such as a couple or a family, use these guidelines in English:
For a married couple, write on the envelope: "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]", like "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith". For a same-sex couple, use: "[Title] [First Name] [Last Name] and [Title] [First Name] [Last Name]", such as "Mr. John Smith and Mr. David Johnson".
For a family, address the envelope to the parents and add "and Family", for example: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family" or "The Smith Family".
Inside the card, use a greeting like "Dear John and Jane" for a couple, or "Dear Smith Family" for a family group. Always verify names, titles, and spellings for politeness and accuracy.
how to politely stop sending christmas cards
To politely stop sending Christmas cards, begin by notifying the recipients well in advance, such as in a final card or a brief email, to avoid surprising them. Keep your message warm and appreciative, for example: "I've enjoyed our tradition of exchanging cards over the years, but I'm simplifying my holiday routine this season and won't be sending them anymore. I value our connection and hope we stay in touch through other ways." If appropriate, suggest alternatives like a phone call, video chat, or social media message to maintain the relationship. Express gratitude for their past cards to end on a positive note, and be consistent by not resuming without clear intent.
when to send christmas messages
Christmas messages are typically sent between early December and December 25th. For physical cards, aim to send them at least two weeks in advance to ensure timely delivery, especially for international recipients. Digital messages, like emails or texts, can be sent anytime in December but are most appropriate from mid-December onward to keep the festive spirit timely. Avoid sending them too early, such as in November, unless it's part of a broader holiday greeting. In some cultures, messages extend into early January for New Year's, but for Christmas specifically, focus on the lead-up to December 25th.
do people still send christmas cards
Yes, many people still send Christmas cards, though the practice has declined in recent years due to digital alternatives like emails and social media. In countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, it's a tradition for some to exchange cards with family, friends, and colleagues to share holiday greetings and maintain personal connections. Factors like nostalgia, the tactile appeal of physical cards, and cultural customs keep it alive, especially among older generations, but overall participation has decreased with the convenience of online options.