Don't Delay!
Company Christmas Card Timeline: Mailing & Production
As the holiday season approaches, sending Christmas cards is a meaningful way to show appreciation for clients, express gratitude toward partners, and connect with employees. Cards bring warm wishes and holiday cheer in a simple yet memorable way—but their impact depends on timely delivery. With the busy holiday season quickly approaching, we know it’s easy to forget about Christmas cards until the last minute. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive Christmas card timeline to guide you through each phase of the process; from design to print, production, and mailing.
It’s not too late! While these dates are ideal, we’ve included some buffer time.
Monday, November 18
Design Starts
If you would like us to handle your Christmas card design, let us know by November 18. This allows enough time to create a unique card and envelope for your business, with time built in for revisions. A professionally designed card will create a stronger connection that leaves a lasting impression on the recipient.
We have four designs ready for customization with your company logo, colors, and message. At $2.60 per card, including mailing (minimum order of 50), you can add a unique, branded touch while keeping the process simple and cost-effective. Each card is A7 (5” x7”) in size, providing the perfect canvas for your holiday message.
Get started with design!
Monday, November 25
Approval for Print & Production
Whether we’re handling the design or you’re providing your own file, we recommend a proof or print approval by November 25. With our standard production turnaround of 5-7 business days and the Thanksgiving holiday, approving by this date gives enough time for printing, folding, inserting, sealing, and stamping to meet a December 6 mail-by date.
Friday, December 6
Mail-By Date
Standard-sized Christmas cards are mailed as First-Class Mail® and take 1-5 business days to be delivered.1 For arrival by December 14, we recommend a mail-by date of December 6.
Sat. Dec. 14
Arrive By Date
You want your Christmas cards to arrive with enough time for recipients to display them alongside their holiday decor. We recommend cards arrive by December 14, giving recipients the full 2 weeks before Christmas to enjoy the warm wishes and holiday cheer your card brings.
Tips
Signatures
If just the thought of signing each Christmas card giving you Carpel Tunnel? Don’t worry! Simply sign a blank sheet of paper, then take a photo, scan it, or bring it to our shop Our team can print your cards with signature(s) included.
Addressing
We can also print recipient names and addresses directly on your envelopes! Just send us an Excel or CSV file (easily exported from most CRM systems) organized with columns like Name, Street Address, and City State Zip. You can also include additional columns for details you’d like in the address, such as Company Name or Title.
Extra Cards & Blank Envelopes
We recommend ordering a few extra cards and blank envelopes, just in case you have last-minute additions after the initial print run.
Templates
If you’re designing your own card, please supply a print-ready PDF by November 25 to keep production and mailing on schedule. While we recommend A7 (5” x 7”) size for Christmas cards, other greeting card sizes are available in our templates.
Better Early Than Late!
Sending Christmas cards is a meaningful way to show appreciation and gratitude for your clients, partners, and employees. With our guided timeline, we’ll help you make sure your cards are ready and arrive on time. Don’t wait until the last minute—reach out today to get started on your Christmas cards and make this holiday season truly special for everyone involved!
- United States Postal Service. “First-Class Mail.” USPS, accessed November 1, 2024. https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm.
