How to Address Christmas Cards Properly

Sending custom Christmas cards remains a holiday tradition despite the prevalence of digital communications. Not only are they a wonderful way to connect with family, friends, and acquaintances, but they also allow you to express positive emotions such as love, admiration, and gratitude.

Properly address and sign your personalized Christmas cards and other holiday greeting cards to leave a lasting impression.

For Business and Formal Relationships

Formal relationships require a different communication etiquette, especially in written form. To avoid any social blunder, follow the tips explained below.

1. Use titles for associates and acquaintances like “Ms. Jane Doe” or “Mr. John Doe.”


2. Use formal titles when addressing elected officials, doctors, members of the clergy, etc.


3. For married couples, write “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe” if you want to stick to the traditional way. But if a woman prefers to use her maiden name, or the couple has two different last names, the address goes like this: “Ms. Anna Williams and Mr. John Smith.” And if they have children, you ca write “Anna Williams, John Smith, and Family.”


4. Use the family’s last name to address your card if it is intended for the recipient’s entire family, e.g., “The Jones Family.”


5. Mail Christmas or holiday cards to your associates’ office. However, if you are social friends, or have met their spouse or significant other, you can send the cards to their home.


6. Only sign your name on a card intended for the entire family, unless your spouse has met your business associate or work colleague.

For Personal and Close Relationships

You can show more warmth and closeness on a postcard intended for friends, relatives, and people you have an intimate relationship with. Nevertheless, some rules still apply to ensure you leave a good impression.

1. When addressing your relatives, close friends, and family, skip the courtesy titles like Dr., Mr., Ms., etc.


2. Include the children’s names when sending Christmas cards intended for the entire family.


3. Traditional family signatures for cards follow this order: father, mother, and children — e.g., “John, Anna, and family.”


4. Always sign the card even if your name is already printed on it. However, don’t include your last name if you’re close with the recipient.

What Are Some Appropriate Greetings for Christmas Cards?

“Merry Christmas” remains the most popular greeting. However, “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings” sound more inclusive and cover multiple celebrations.

Other popular greetings you can write on Christmas cards:

• Warm and cozy holiday wishes.


• Peace, love, and holiday cheer to you.


• May your heart be light!


• It's the season for love and laughter.

How to Address the Envelope with the Proper Format

Pay close attention to the accuracy of the address and follow the correct format to ensure that your postcard will reach the recipient.

1. Write the recipient’s full name on the first line.


2. Right beneath the recipient’s full name, write the street address, followed by the city, state, and ZIP on separate lines.


3. Place your address (or return address) at the top left corner of the envelope. Its format should mirror the recipient’s address – your house or apartment number and street, city, state, and ZIP code. Also, use a smaller font size than the recipient’s address.


4. Avoid using abbreviations for street names.

Note: Make sure you insert the folded side of your Christmas card into the envelope with the design facing the flap.

Good etiquette can elicit positive emotions from anyone who receives a holiday greeting card, especially if the card has a beautiful and festive design.
At NextDayFlyers, we have a user-friendly design tool and a large collection of Christmas- and holiday-themed templates with bleeds and margins to help you with the design process.
We also offer silk coating, metallic printing, and high-quality finishes (matte, gloss, and high gloss) to create your perfect holiday cards.