This year, send personalised Christmas cards with some extra thoughtful touches.
In recent times we’ve all had to get used to seeing less of our loved ones but there’s no doubt that they’ve been in our thoughts. Christmas is a time to reach out and show friends and family we care, and Christmas cards are a brilliant way to do it.
But how can you make sure your Christmas cards are thoughtful, personal and don’t just feel like another chore on your to-do list? Here are our secrets to making Christmas cards mean something, both for you and for those you want to connect with this Christmas.
Personalise your cards with stunning family photos
It’s wonderful to receive any sort of Christmas card, but the ones that really make us feel loved are the cards that are personal and unique.
Personalised Christmas cards with family photos are the perfect window for your loved ones to feel part of your life. Whether you choose a single family photo or a collage of photos to introduce a new addition to the family, send out a big family smile or simply show off your Christmas jumpers, a photo Christmas card means more.
Traditional Christmas cards have a shelf life — people enjoy them in their homes for the festive period but then recycle them or worse, they end up in landfill. However, photo upload cards offer so much more and have longevity because they won’t fade and can be kept and framed, meaning you can reuse your card after the festive season and do your bit for the environment.
It’s super easy to customise and order photo Christmas cards online, choosing single or multiple photos and a template that suits you and your family.
Whether you go for a selection of your favourite photos from throughout the year or capture the moment with a specially taken family photo you can be sure it will mean the world when it smiles out of its envelope.
Pop in a personal letter to go with your Christmas card
Family and friends can be spread across the globe. While some may have had a glimpse of your world on social media, they will relish the gift of real insight into what’s been happening in your life.
So, take the time to write a personal Christmas newsletter to give a meaningful update on your year. Not sure where to start? Here are our top tips:
- Be yourself — it’s you people want to hear from, so be authentic and write in your own voice — imagine you’re talking to them. Write about important events that have happened in your life this year and don’t be afraid to say how you feel about them.
- Keep your reader in mind — if you’re including your letter in every Christmas card, bear in mind you may need to adjust its content depending on where it’s going. Your work colleague, great aunt, and best friend from university may not all need to hear the same spin.
- Keep it short and easy to read — we live in a time where people are used to scanning short text on screens. So, a letter will be a particularly thoughtful touch, but keep it to no more than one page and write in short paragraphs. If possible, type it — this makes it easier to read and quicker for you to edit and re-produce.
- Get the family involved — if your letter is from the whole family, get them all to contribute. Perhaps the kids can write or suggest a paragraph each or simply sign their own names.
- Try a different format — for a change from the traditional Christmas letter template, why not try a different format? You could write a ‘Top 10’ or a ‘Highlights’ list to sum up your year.
- Include an anecdote — if you’d rather avoid a list of events, instead focus on a funny story, or tell an interesting tale of something memorable that’s happened in your family’s year.
Slip in a mini photo as a thoughtful extra
We take more photos than any generation before us, but so often these visual gems get lost in our digital pockets. Christmas is the ideal time to bring photos to life and give them a real home.
You can print little, fun-sized mini photo prints directly from Instagram and Facebook, and pop them in with your Christmas cards.
Just the right size to slip into a Christmas card, friends and family will also love receiving Polaroid style mini retro prints . Turn a cute photo into a warm piece of nostalgia personalised with a short message and even emoji’s. It will be a great little memento – just perfect for grandma’s purse or displaying on the fridge door.
Write a meaningful message
While a personal letter tucked into your Christmas card goes a long way for family and close friends, your child’s teacher, your boss, or your next-door neighbour may not need the complete family run-down.
But it’s still important to write a thoughtful message that makes those people feel valued. A personalised Christmas card can be an opportunity to say thank you to someone who’s gone that extra mile over the course of the year, who has helped you or has simply been a good friend.
When writing your message, think about who the card is for and what they mean to you — Christmas is a great time to share gratitude, memories, and let people know they’re important to you. If you’re struggling find the words, find a thoughtful quote instead.
For a memorable moment that was caught on camera — that hilarious work-do, your child’s big moment in the school play or old friends getting together.
Start now!
Christmas has a habit of creeping up on us, but it’s no fun rushing around trying to organise things at the last minute. If you really want to give your loved ones the meaningful cards and gifts they deserve (and save yourself a whole lot of pre-Christmas stress) give yourself plenty of time to plan, order and post those festive thoughts.
Feeling inspired? Bring your year to the hearts of your family and friends and give them something memorable and meaningful this Christmas. Order your photo Christmas cards and unique mini photo prints today!