when is too early to send christmas cards
Sending Christmas cards too early can make them feel out of season or forgotten by the holidays. Generally, it's considered too early before mid-November, as people are still focused on events like Halloween or Thanksgiving. A safer starting point is late November or early December, allowing cards to arrive just before or during the festive period for maximum impact. Customs may vary by region, but this aligns with common practices in English-speaking countries. If you're mailing internationally, factor in delivery times to avoid them arriving prematurely.
when to send christmas cards overseas
To ensure Christmas cards arrive overseas in time for the holiday, send them 4 to 6 weeks before December 25th. This accounts for international mail delays, customs processing, and varying delivery times based on the destination:
- For Europe or nearby regions, aim to send by early December to allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
- For farther destinations like Asia, Australia, or the Americas, send by late November to account for 3-5 weeks of transit.
- Factor in potential delays from peak holiday seasons, unreliable postal services, or additional processing in some countries—consider using tracked or express services for reliability.
Always check with your postal service (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail) for estimated delivery times to specific countries and avoid sending too close to December 1st to minimize risks.
how to address christmas cards plural
When addressing Christmas cards to multiple recipients in English, follow these guidelines based on common etiquette:
- For a married couple: Use "Mr. and Mrs. [Husband's Full Name]" (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. John Smith). If they prefer, you can use "Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Smith" for a more modern approach.
- For an unmarried couple living together: Address as "[First Name] and [First Name] [Last Name]" (e.g., Jane and Alex Johnson).
- For a family: Options include "The [Last Name] Family" (e.g., The Smith Family), or "Mr. and Mrs. [Parents' Names] and Family" (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family). If children have different last names, list them individually.
- For multiple individuals not in a family or couple: List names on separate lines for formality, such as:
Ms. Emily Davis
Mr. Robert Lee
Always use titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr. where appropriate, and double-check spellings and preferences for inclusivity. If sending to a household with no specific names, "The [Last Name] Household" can work in informal cases.
christmas card etiquette
When sending Christmas cards, aim to mail them in early December to ensure they arrive before the holiday. Choose cards that are tasteful and appropriate for the recipient's preferences, such as avoiding overly religious themes if you're unsure of their beliefs.
Personalize the message inside with a handwritten note, keeping it sincere and brief—include warm greetings, well-wishes, and a reference to shared memories if relevant. Sign with your full name or family names for clarity.
Address envelopes formally, using titles like "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms." followed by the full name and correct address to show respect. If including a photo, select a recent, appropriate image that complements the card.
For recipients, it's thoughtful to send cards to family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, but prioritize those you haven't seen recently. If you receive a card, you don't need to reciprocate unless it's customary in your relationship, but displaying received cards can show appreciation.
Be mindful of inclusivity; opt for secular greetings like "Happy Holidays" if the recipient celebrates differently. Avoid overdoing it—quality and thoughtfulness matter more than quantity.
last day to mail christmas cards
The last day to mail Christmas cards for delivery by December 25 varies by country, service, and destination. For the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2023:
- First-Class Mail: December 18
- Priority Mail: December 21
- Priority Mail Express: December 22
Always check the official USPS website or your local postal service for the most current dates, as they can change based on volume and other factors. For other countries, such as the UK (Royal Mail) or Canada (Canada Post), deadlines are typically around mid-December—consult their sites for specifics.
when to mail christmas cards usps
To ensure Christmas cards arrive on time via USPS, mail them based on the service you're using and the destination. For domestic First-Class Mail, aim to send by mid-December (typically around December 14-18, depending on the year) to reach most U.S. addresses by December 25. For Priority Mail, you can wait until about December 18-21. International mailing requires even earlier sending—often by early to mid-December or earlier—to account for customs and potential delays.
Factors like your location, weather, and USPS volume can affect delivery, so always check the official USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines on their website for the current year. Use tools like the USPS postage calculator to estimate arrival dates. Mailing early, such as in late November or early December, helps avoid holiday rush delays.
do people still send christmas cards
People still send Christmas cards, though it's become less common due to digital alternatives like emails and social media. Many, especially older generations, continue the tradition for personal or sentimental reasons, such as maintaining family connections or sending greetings to distant relatives. In some cultures and professional contexts, physical cards remain a popular way to express holiday wishes. However, the overall trend shows a decline, with e-cards and online messages dominating modern celebrations.
shutterfly christmas cards
Shutterfly Christmas cards are customizable photo cards designed for holiday greetings, allowing users to upload personal photos and add text, layouts, and designs. The platform offers a variety of styles, including traditional, modern, and themed options like family, pets, or humorous designs. Cards come in different sizes, paper types, and finishes, with pricing starting around $1 per card depending on quantity and features. Users can order through the Shutterfly website, where tools help preview and edit designs before purchase, and options for envelopes, stamps, and expedited shipping are available.