When is the best time to send Christmas cards? Here’s what the experts say

When is the best time to send Christmas cards? Here’s what the experts say
(Image credit: Getty)

The countdown is on, and Christmas 2020 is within sight. Holiday season is the perfect excuse to send a card and show someone you care, which is especially important if you’ve not been able to see them as much as you’d want in 2020 due to the coronavirus and nationwide lockdowns. Nobody wants their Christmas cards to arrive late, but it often doesn’t occur to people when the best time to send their cards is to make sure they arrive in a timely fashion.

Send Holiday cards at least two weeks before Christmas 2020

The short answer to the question is that the best time to send Christmas cards in 2020 is right now. That’s right - if you’ve already got the cards, it’s time to write them and send them in the mail so they can be opened and enjoyed in plenty of time before Christmas 2020. 

According to Shutterfly, you should “send out Christmas cards to family and friends two-three weeks before Christmas day” if you want to bypass the rush and delays that can come with the holidays. We all know that Christmas 2020 isn’t going the way that many people planned, which means that more people will be depending on the postal service to transport the cards and presents they’d usually have delivered in person. To be on the safe side, send well within two weeks of December 25th. 

Is it too late to order photo cards? 

Best Photo Cards

(Image credit: Mixbook)

The best photo cards online offer brilliant options for personalizing Christmas cards. Shutterfly is great for this, because it allows you to mail your card directly from its website. That means you can customize your photo card, add all your own photos and words, and address it to your loved ones direct from the site. If you do this, it’s not too late to order a photo card and have it delivered in time for Christmas 2020.

What about those sites that don’t offer direct shipping to your friends and family? Well, that’s where it gets a little trickier. Mixbook photo cards ship in one to two business days if you pay extra for it, which means you can make your cards right now and have them in time to write and send before we hit that two-week window. 

Don’t forget, you can also buy one of the best photo books when ordering a photo card online, which gives you the option of buying a gift alongside a greeting card when you buy now.  

How to make photo cards in time for Christmas

Christmas

(Image credit: Getty)

There are some alternative solutions if you’re unable to order photo cards in time for Christmas 2020. Making your own Christmas photo cards can actually be very straightforward if you use the best greeting card software. It becomes straightforward to add your own photos and custom text to pre-made photo card templates with this software, and it’s a cheaper option than ordering custom cards online. You can buy card to print these custom designs on, and pair with one of the best all-in-one printers to make your own Christmas card factory from home, or if you’re seriously committed, opt for one of the best photo printers for clear and professional colors. This option means you can create a personal touch for multiple recipients, changing the photos you use on your cards or adjusting the text for friends, family, and co-workers. 

If you’re lacking in fabulous photos to use in your photo cards (homemade or ordered online), check out our guide on how to do a family photo shoot for the Holidays.

Millie Fender
Head of Reviews

Millie Fender is Head of Reviews at Top Ten Reviews. She also works on our sister sites: Real Homes, Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, and Livingetc. As Head of Reviews, Millie is on a mission to make sure that we are reviewing all of the latest and greatest products for you and your home, whether it's a vacuum cleaner or an inflatable hot tub.