Addressing Christmas Cards Etiquette
Christmas cards are personal. They’re not formal invitations, and they don’t need to follow rigid rules. But a little etiquette goes a long way in making your recipients feel appreciated.
How to Address Christmas Cards
- Use full names when appropriate: “John and Mary Smith” is clear and friendly. It’s a safe choice for acquaintances or distant relatives.
- Go casual for close connections: For friends and family, “The Smith Family” or “John, Mary, Emma & Jake” feels warm and inclusive.
- Respect individual identities: For couples with different last names, write both: “Alex Martinez and Jamie Chen.” No need to guess at titles.
- Unmarried couples or roommates: Just list their names. “Taylor Brooks and Jordan Lee” works perfectly.
- Single recipients: Use their full name. If you’re close, you can personalize the card inside, but keep the envelope respectful.
Titles: Use Them When They Add Value
- Mr./Mrs./Ms.: Use if you know the recipient prefers it or if it feels right for the relationship.
- Dr., Rev., Capt., etc.: Always use professional or honorific titles when appropriate.
- Skip the formality when it’s not needed: Christmas cards are about warmth, not stiffness. If you’re unsure, default to names over titles.
The goal is to make your recipients feel seen—not to stress over perfection.
Creative Ways to Address Your Christmas Card Envelopes
Once the names are sorted, it’s time to make your envelopes festive. This is your first impression—why not make it delightful?
Hand Lettering & Calligraphy
If you enjoy crafting, hand-lettering your envelopes adds a personal touch. You don’t need to be a calligraphy expert—just use a fine-tip pen and take your time. Faux calligraphy (writing in cursive and thickening the downstrokes) is a great beginner-friendly option.
Custom Address Labels
Shutterfly offers personalized Christmas address labels that match your card design. These are perfect if you’re sending a large batch and want a polished look without handwriting every envelope. Choose from festive themes, monograms, or even photo labels.
Festive Coordinating Envelopes
Match your envelope to your card for a cohesive look. If your card features gold foil, consider a deep red or navy envelope with a gold liner. If your card is playful and bright, go with a colorful envelope that complements the design. Shutterfly makes it easy to select envelope colors and liners that coordinate with your card style.
Let Shutterfly Address & Send Christmas Cards for You
If you’re short on time or want a more streamlined process, Shutterfly’s free address printing service is a smart solution.
How It Works
- Upload your address list: Import from a spreadsheet, enter addresses manually, or request addresses from recipients.
- Choose your style: Select printed addressing that matches your card design.
- Preview and approve: Review how everything looks before printing.
- Let Shutterfly do the rest: They’ll print addresses directly on the envelopes—no handwriting required.
For even more convenience, Shutterfly’s Mail For Me service will address, stamp, and mail your cards for you. You can also use their free digital address book to store and manage your contacts year-round.
Why It’s Worth It
- Saves time and effort
- Ensures accuracy
- Looks polished and coordinated
- Ideal for large mailing lists or busy schedules
Resources Related to Sending Christmas Cards
Sending Christmas cards is more than a seasonal task—it’s a way to share joy, stay connected, and celebrate the people who matter most. Whether you’re hand-lettering each envelope or using Shutterfly’s addressing service, the care you put into it makes a difference.
So take a moment, turn on some holiday music, and enjoy the process. Your cards are more than paper—they’re a reflection of your warmth, creativity, and holiday spirit.
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