The holiday season is all about connecting with your loved ones, but geography does not always allow family and friends to physically be together. This is where family Christmas cards shine, because they allow you to share holiday cheer regardless of location.
Holiday cards are a staple for many families, but did you know that Christmas cards have a fascinating history? Interestingly, the first Christmas card was born out of anxiety. In Victorian England, during the holiday season of 1843, Sir Henry Cole found himself overwhelmed after receiving so much mail. In those days, it was considered bad form to not respond to letters, so he had J.C. Horsley, an artist friend, design a card that he could quickly fill out.
Modern families can relate to Henry’s plight. It takes a lot of time and energy to design, print, and fill out a personalized Christmas card! The 10 ideas on this list will take the stress out of the beloved holiday tradition. Whether you’re planning on sending custom Christmas cards, religious Christmas cards, or humorous Christmas cards, we have you covered. We’ve even included suggestions for picture themes, information on where to print, and online options for a faster holiday connection.
Family Christmas Card Photo Ideas
Looking for an idea to get inspired? Here are some photo themes and suggestions to get you started:
Holiday Activities
A big part of the family Christmas card is the photos, but it can be so hard to get little ones sit still and pose for the camera. Instead of fighting their energy, consider doing an action shot. You can take pictures while doing one of your favorite holiday activities, such as making cookies, wrapping presents, or making a snowman. This takes the pressure off.
Matching Pajamas
Many families have a tradition of wearing matching pajamas for the holidays. That’s a picture-perfect moment if ever there was one! Don your jammies and snap some photos for the family Christmas card. Bonus points if you include your pets!
A Funny Silent Night
Parents everywhere know the phrase “not a creature was stirring” from “The Night Before Christmas” is far from reality. There’s no such thing as a silent night during the holiday season, but what if there was? For parents who don’t mind a little dark humor, a funny Christmas card idea is to “tie up” the kids with Christmas lights and tape their mouths closed. Parents can hold up a sign saying “Silent Night,” for laughs.
Back to Basics
Things are complicated enough during the holiday season — so don’t overthink your family Christmas card. Keep things simple and take a photo against a white background. You can coordinate your family’s outfits using clothing items like jeans and a solid color top that they already own. Frankly, you don’t even have to do that. Have everyone wear whatever makes them happy and snap a photo. As long as everyone’s eyes are open, it’s a keeper.
I’m Dreaming Of...
The title song from the classic holiday movie White Christmas talks about dreams for the season. The characters in the film longed for snow. You can steal a page from their book and put your own spin on it. Take a family pic and highlight your family’s wishes using the phrase “I’m dreaming of,” then fill in the blank. Overlay the words on the photo.
Focus on Four-Legged Family Members
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Parents have intrinsic value, as do childfree and childless couples. You don’t have to wait for kids to have a family Christmas card. If posing for a photo by yourself makes you uncomfortable, get your pet in on the deal. There’s nothing cuter than a dog with a Santa hat.
Snow Kisses
If you live in a place with snow, use that to your advantage for your family Christmas cards. Not everyone gets a white Christmas, so share your winter joy by blowing snow kisses. Put some snow in your gloved hands, count to three, and take the pic. If you don’t live in an area where this is possible, you can use confetti.
Where to Print Christmas Cards
One of the most important steps in sending Christmas cards is printing them, of course. Here are some popular options for printing Christmas cards:
Quick Printing Options
Yikes! Things got busy and you forgot to order your family Christmas cards online. Now it is too late to wait for delivery. Don’t worry, there are still lots of options. Stores like Staples, Walmart, and Walgreens all offer card printing. They have easy-to-use templates and are reasonably priced as well.
Digital Christmas Cards
The holidays are hectic. Maybe your forgot all about family Christmas cards. Maybe you procrastinated. Now you feel bad because you really want to send something, but it’s too late for physical cards. Sending Christmas cards online is a great solution. Some people even prefer this eco-friendly option over physical cards. Here are some fantastic digital card options:
However you decide to send holiday cards this year, just be sure to have fun with it!
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