The last day to mail Christmas cards: All FAQs covered!

It’s that time of year when the joy of sending Christmas cards quickly turns into panic mode. You’re not alone if you’re sitting there thinking, When’s the last day to mail these? Did I get their address right? Should I add a little gift or just my signature?

The holiday card struggle is real, but fear not! We’re here to clear up the confusion and save your sanity. Here’s everything you need to know about mailing those holiday greetings with no more last-minute worries, no more second-guessing.

Why mail Christmas cards?

Sending a physical card through the mail feels like a rare treasure. There’s something magical about opening an envelope during the holiday season and finding a beautifully crafted card inside.

• A handwritten message in a Christmas card feels intimate and personal in ways digital messages just can’t match.

• Unlike an email or a text, Christmas cards often get displayed on mantels or desks. They become part of the holiday décor and sometimes are saved for years, turning into cherished memories.

• Mailing cards forces us to slow down and think about the people we love.

• It’s a way to honor old-school charm while still keeping in touch with loved ones in a meaningful way.

• You can choose a card that reflects your personality or craft a DIY version.

Who should you mail Christmas cards to?

Who makes the cut? While you could technically send cards to everyone you’ve ever met, that’s not really practical or personal! Christmas cards are about spreading joy and showing people they matter. So, who deserves a spot on your holiday card list?

• Family members: A Christmas card is a way to stay connected, especially with those you don’t see often.

• Close friends: Your ride-or-die crew? Absolutely! Christmas cards let your closest friends know you’re thinking of them, even during the busiest season.

• Colleagues & bosses: You see them every day (or Zoom with them!), so why not spread a little festive cheer to your coworkers? It doesn’t have to be overly personal, instead, a simple “Happy Holidays” will do.

• Neighbors: Even if it’s just a friendly wave from across the yard, your neighbors help create that sense of community. A Christmas card can be a nice gesture, and who knows, and maybe it’ll spark more neighborly chats in the new year.

• Old friends & long-lost contacts: We all have those friends we don’t talk to regularly but still think about. Christmas cards can rekindle those connections without the pressure of a full-on conversation. It’s like saying, Hey, I haven’t forgotten about you, and I hope you’re doing well!

• Teachers & mentors: Whether it’s your child’s favorite teacher or someone who’s helped guide you, sending a Christmas card to a mentor is able to show appreciation.

• People going through tough times: The holidays aren’t easy for everyone. If you know someone who’s had a rough year, a Christmas card can be a little light in their darkness.

   

• Service providers: Don’t forget about the people who help make your daily life easie, and your mail carrier, hairdresser, or even your regular barista.

When is the last day to mail Christmas cards?

Still holding onto those Christmas cards and wondering when to mail them? Let’s clear it up so you can avoid the dreaded “too-late-to-arrive” fiasco and keep your holiday spirit intact.

Domestic (U.S.) cards:

If you’re mailing within the U.S., the magic date to remember is December 17 for standard First-Class type mail. That’s your safe zone to ensure cards make it before Christmas without any stress.

If you’re cutting it closer, you can stretch it to December 18 if using Priority Mail. And if you’re in a real bind, December 20 is your last shot for Priority Mail Express but be prepared for that last-minute hustle.

International cards:

Sending cards across the globe? You’ve got to be a bit speedier. For many countries, mail should go out by about December 9 to have a good shot at arriving before the holiday. For some regions (Central & South America) you might need to aim even earlier (around December 2). Always check the specific country’s mailing deadlines so you don’t miss the boat (or the flight!).

Procrastinator’s backup plan:

If you’re really on the edge of time, skip the stamp-and-envelope stress: there are online services that let you design & send personalized holiday cards digitally (or hybrid print-and-mail) so it still shows you put in some effort.

So if you’ve still got a pile of cards staring at you, you should get them in the mail now! You’ve got this, and your holiday cheer will arrive just in time!

How late is too late to mail Christmas cards?

There’s always that moment when you stare at the stack of unsent cards and think, Can I still pull this off? The answer: Maybe, but you’ve got to act fast!

For Domestic Cards (U.S.)

If it’s already past December 17, you’re officially entering the “uh-oh” zone for standard mail. Cards might still make it, but it’s no longer a sure thing.

Still okay to upgrade?

• Priority Mail buys you a little more time, giving you until around December 18 to send cards with a decent chance of arrival before Christmas.

• Priority Mail Express is your absolute last-minute lifeline because you can push it to about December 20, but that’s cutting it razor-thin, and you’ll pay for the speed boost.

At that point, it’s basically a Christmas miracle delivery.

For International Cards

Sending holiday cheer across borders? Then you need to be even quicker.

If it’s after December 9, most international cards are unlikely to arrive by Christmas unless you choose express-level shipping. Some regions require even earlier deadlines, so once you’re in mid-December, consider it “late,” but not impossible with faster services.

Even if your card arrives after the holiday, it’s still a thoughtful surprise and nobody complains about bonus mail in January.

Worst-Case Scenario

Missed every deadline? Don’t stress, you still have options:

• Send a New Year’s card (nobody’s ever late for those).

• Switch to a digital card for instant delivery.

• Or send the physical card anyway, late holiday mail still spreads joy!

What to write in Christmas cards?

Not sure what to write in your Christmas cards? You don’t have to be a poet to make your message memorable!

1. A warm greeting

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!”

“Wishing you peace, joy, and all the best this holiday season!”

2. A personal touch

Reference a memory you shared from the past year: “I’ll never forget our fun summer BBQ, let’s make more memories next year!”

Mention their family or loved ones: “Hope you and the kids have an amazing Christmas filled with laughter and love.”

3. Express gratitude

“Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. I’m so grateful to have you in my life!”

“Your support this year has meant the world to me. Here’s to many more moments together.”

4. Share holiday wishes

“May your home be filled with warmth, love, and Christmas cheer.”

“Wishing you a holiday season as magical as you are!”

5. Include a touch of humor (If appropriate)

“All I want for Christmas is for you to eat too many cookies and nap on the couch, just like me!”

“Hope Santa brings you everything you’ve asked for especially if it’s peace and quiet!”

6. Send well wishes for the new year

“Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024, full of new adventures!”

“Wishing you success, joy, and all good things in the year ahead.”

7. End with a heartfelt closing

“With love and warm wishes,”

“Cheers to a wonderful holiday season,”

“Warmest Christmas wishes,”

Is it good to sign your name in Christmas cards?

Absolutely, signing your name in a Christmas card adds that personal touch that makes the message feel more sincere and heartfelt. While the printed sentiment inside the card is nice, your signature shows that you’ve taken the time to make the greeting uniquely yours.

How to address envelopes for Christmas?

First, you can use the recipient’s proper name and title, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” for a couple, or “The Johnson Family” for the entire household. If you’re sending a card to someone you’re close to, feel free to be more informal, like “Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe.” For added holiday flair, you could even use festive pens in red or green to make the writing pop!

Next, ensure the address is clear and properly formatted: street number, apartment or unit (if applicable), city, state, and zip code. Don’t forget the return address, either handwritten in the top left corner or on the back of the envelope.

Is it recommended to mail while sending Christmas gifts?

Yes, mailing your Christmas gifts is highly recommended especially if your loved ones live far away or you can’t celebrate together in person. Mailing gifts brings an element of surprise and excitement to the holidays, as nothing beats the joy of receiving a package in the mail during the festive season.

Not only does mailing gifts make they arrive on time, but it also gives you the chance to add a little extra love to the experience. You can wrap the gift with care and add a handwritten note or card, and maybe even including small holiday touches like a festive ribbon or a sprig of greenery. Read up to some of the best last-minute Christmas gifts.

How many Christmas cards does a person send on average?

On average, a person sends around 15 to 30 Christmas cards each holiday season. This number can vary widely depending on the person’s social circle, family size, and traditions.

Some people love to send cards to everyone from close friends to distant relatives and even coworkers, while others keep it more intimate, focusing on just family and a few close friends. For those who enjoy staying connected, the annual Christmas card ritual can turn into quite a list.

To bring it all together

Mailing Christmas cards is a way to connect with loved ones and spread a little joy during the holiday season. And if you’re still looking for that surprising gift to send along with your cards, try something practical, like a Laifen hair dryer or an electric toothbrush. So get those cards in the mail, and let your holiday cheer travel with them!

Kaedryn Thornvale

Kaedryn’s journey started behind the salon chair and evolved into a keyboard. With firsthand experience in styling and product testing, she brings a real-world edge to everything she writes. Her content is practical, personal, and always on-point.