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.
how to address christmas cards plural
When addressing Christmas cards, use the recipients' full names and appropriate titles on the envelope for a formal touch. For individuals, write "Mr. John Smith" or "Ms. Jane Doe." For couples, options include "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" for traditional addressing, or "Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doe" for a more contemporary style. For families, use plural forms like "The Smith Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family" to include all members. Always check for correct spelling, use formal titles if appropriate, and consider the relationship—informal nicknames might work for close friends but not for acquaintances. If sending multiple cards, personalize each one to make it feel special.
when is too early to send christmas cards
It's generally considered too early to send Christmas cards before early December, as this period allows time for them to arrive without feeling premature. Factors like mailing time and cultural norms suggest waiting until the first week of December for domestic sends, or even later in November for international ones, to align with the holiday season's buildup. Always check for any recipient-specific preferences.
christmas card etiquette
When sending Christmas cards, aim to mail them in early December so they arrive before the holiday. Address envelopes formally with the recipient's full name and title (e.g., Mr., Mrs., or Dr.), and include your return address clearly. Keep the message inside personal and sincere, starting with a warm greeting like "Dear [Name]," followed by a brief update, holiday wishes, and a closing such as "Best regards" or "Happy holidays."
Avoid generic messages; tailor them to the recipient, such as referencing shared memories or current events. If including photos or enclosures, ensure they are relevant and tasteful. For international recipients, check mailing deadlines and customs regulations. Finally, double-check for errors in spelling or addressing to show thoughtfulness and respect.
when to send holiday cards
The timing for sending holiday cards depends on the holiday and mailing method, but here are general guidelines:
- For Christmas: Send cards in early to mid-December to ensure they arrive before December 25. If mailing internationally, send by late November to account for delivery times.
- For New Year's: Cards can be sent in mid-December or right after Christmas, aiming for arrival by January 1.
- For Thanksgiving: Send cards in early to mid-November.
- For other holidays like Hanukkah or Easter: Send 1-2 weeks in advance.
Always factor in postal service delays, especially during peak seasons, and consider using priority mail for timely delivery. If sending electronically, you can be more flexible but still aim for a few days before the holiday.
last day to mail christmas cards
The last day to mail Christmas cards for timely delivery depends on the country, postal service, and shipping method. In the United States, the USPS generally recommends:
- First-Class Mail: About December 18-22 (for delivery by December 25, based on recent years).
- Priority Mail: Around December 21-22.
- International mail: Earlier, often by mid-December or before.
Always check the official USPS website or your local postal service for the current year's exact dates, as they can vary due to holidays and service disruptions. For other countries, services like Royal Mail in the UK suggest mailing by early December for international and mid-December for domestic.
how to politely stop sending christmas cards
To politely stop sending Christmas cards, begin by identifying the recipients and preparing a simple, sincere message. In your final card to each person, include a brief note expressing gratitude for the tradition while gently explaining your decision, such as: "I've enjoyed our yearly exchanges, but I'm simplifying my holidays and won't be sending cards going forward—let's stay in touch another way." If you have a closer relationship, consider following up with a phone call or email to reiterate your appreciation and suggest alternatives like occasional messages or social media. Always keep the tone positive and thankful to maintain goodwill. If needed, phase it out gradually by reducing the number of cards over a couple of years before stopping entirely.
shutterfly christmas cards
Shutterfly Christmas cards are customizable greeting cards designed for the holiday season, allowing users to upload personal photos, add custom text, and select from a variety of templates, designs, and themes. Available options include different sizes, paper types such as matte or glossy, and premium features like foil stamping or rounded corners. The platform provides online tools for easy editing, including photo filters, layouts, and font choices. Pricing starts around $1 to $2 per card depending on quantity and customizations, with bulk discounts often available. Orders can be placed through the Shutterfly website, with delivery options for both domestic and international shipping, and they are typically available from late summer through the end of the year.