Christmas cards are one of those British traditions that seems simple until you actually try to do it. Suddenly you’re scribbling 40 cards at midnight on 14th December, realising you’ve forgotten half your address list, and panicking about whether second class post will arrive in time.
Then there’s the guilt: did they send you one last year? Should you send them one? What if you send them one and they don’t send you one? What if they send you one and you haven’t sent them one? It’s like a seasonal anxiety generator disguised as a festive gesture.
Here’s the truth: Christmas cards are manageable with a proper system.
This is your complete guide to Christmas cards in the UK, covering when to buy them, when to send them, how to organise your list, what to write, and how to navigate the weird social politics of card reciprocity.
- British Christmas Card Traditions
- How Many Cards Do You Need?
- When to Buy Christmas Cards
- Creating Your Christmas Card List
- What to Write in Christmas Cards
- Royal Mail Posting Deadlines
- Photo Cards: When to Order
- The Reciprocity Problem
- Eco-Friendly Card Alternatives
- Digital Christmas Cards
- The Bottom Line on Christmas Cards
- Related Guides
British Christmas Card Traditions
The History
First Christmas card: 1843, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole, printed 1,000 copies, cost one shilling each (expensive).
Victorian explosion: By 1880s, posting Christmas cards was established British tradition. Postal service introduced dedicated Christmas post. Cards ranged from religious to weird Victorian humour.
20th century: Card sending peaked mid-century. Every household sent dozens. Postman delivered multiple times daily in December.
Modern era: Still strong tradition, but declining. Younger generations send fewer cards. Average Brit sends 25-30 cards (down from 40-50 in 1990s).
Why it persists: Very British combination of tradition, obligation, guilt, and genuine affection. We can’t quite let it go.
Current Trends
What’s changing:
- Fewer cards sent overall (especially under-30s)
- Photo cards increasingly popular
- Digital cards gaining ground (but still seen as “not the same”)
- Charity cards more popular (cards that donate to charity)
What’s stable:
- Close family and friends still exchange
- Older generations keep tradition strong
- Workplace card sending common
- Display cards still important (mantelpiec, string)
The split:
- Traditional camp: “Not Christmas without proper cards”
- Modern camp: “Environmental waste, switched to digital”
- Middle ground: “Send to close people only, digital for rest”
Most people: Still send some cards, fewer than previous generations.
How Many Cards Do You Need?
National Averages
Average UK household sends: 25-30 cards
Range:
- Minimal: 10-15 (immediate family and close friends only)
- Average: 25-35
- Extensive: 40-60
- Excessive: 70-100+ (usually older generation)
Calculating Your Number
List everyone you send to:
Must-send:
- Parents (if not living with)
- Siblings (if not living with)
- Grandparents
- Close aunts/uncles
- Very close friends
- Partner’s immediate family
Should-send:
- Extended family (cousins, etc.)
- Good friends
- Neighbours you’re friendly with
- Regular babysitter/childminder
Nice-to-send:
- Work colleagues
- Old friends you’re still in touch with
- Acquaintances you’re fond of
- Teachers (separate category)
- Your children’s friends’ parents
Count each category, add together = your number.
Then add 10% extra: Always need more than you think. Forgotten people. Unexpected cards received (reciprocity obligation kicks in).
Example calculation:
- Must-send: 12
- Should-send: 15
- Nice-to-send: 8
- Total: 35
- Add 10%: 39
- Buy: 40-50 cards (packs usually 16-20, so buy 2-3 packs)
Pack Sizes
Typical pack sizes:
- Small packs: 6-10 cards
- Standard packs: 12-16 cards
- Large packs: 20-30 cards
- Charity shop boxes: 10-20 cards
Buying strategy: Buy 2-3 packs of 12-16, gives you 36-48 cards, covers most people with spares.
When to Buy Christmas Cards
January Sales (For Next Year)
The secret strategy: Buy next year’s cards in January sales.
Savings:
- 50-75% off
- £10 worth of cards for £2.50-5
- Huge selection (before picked over)
Where:
- Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda)
- Card shops (Card Factory, Clintons)
- Department stores (John Lewis, M&S)
- Charity shops
What to buy:
- Neutral designs (not overly trendy)
- Classic Christmas scenes
- Multiple packs (you’ll use them)
Why January buying is brilliant:
- Save money
- One less thing to buy next Christmas
- Never panic about running out
Storage: Keep in original packaging, store in cupboard, don’t forget you have them come October.
September-October (For This Year)
If you didn’t buy in January:
When new Christmas ranges appear:
- September: Some shops start stocking
- October: Full range available in most places
Advantages of buying October:
- Full selection
- No panic
- Can choose designs you actually like
- Time to order photo cards (if doing those)
Where to buy:
Budget options:
- Card Factory: Cheap, huge range
- Supermarkets: Tesco/Asda/Sainsbury’s own brand
- Poundland: £1 for 10-20 cards (surprisingly OK)
- Home Bargains: Budget range
Mid-range:
- Clintons: Decent quality, reasonable prices
- WHSmith: Standard selection
Premium:
- Paperchase: Beautiful designs (RIP)
- John Lewis: Quality cards
- Not on the High Street: Unique, artisan
Charity cards:
- Oxfam
- Cancer Research UK
- British Heart Foundation
- RSPB
- Most charities sell Christmas cards
- 10-70p per card goes to charity
What to Look For
Design considerations:
Religious vs secular:
- Traditional religious (nativity, angels, wise men)
- Secular festive (Santa, trees, robins, snow scenes)
- Neutral winter scenes
- Funny/humorous
Match to recipient:
- Religious cards for religious family members
- Funny cards for friends with humour
- Beautiful scenes for everyone else
Quality check:
- Card weight (thin cards look cheap)
- Print quality (smudged? Pixelated?)
- Envelopes included (some packs don’t include them!)
- Price per card (work it out before buying)
Messages inside:
- Blank inside (write your own)
- Pre-printed message (easier but less personal)
- Multiple message options (flexible)
Buying tip: If sending lots, buy 2-3 different designs. Sending identical cards to everyone feels mass-produced.
Creating Your Christmas Card List
Why You Need a List
Without a list:
- Forget people (awkward when they send you one)
- Send duplicates (two cards to same person)
- No idea who sent you cards (can’t reciprocate next year)
- Addresses wrong or missing
- Stressful guesswork
With a list:
- Know exactly who to send to
- Addresses organised
- Track who sent you cards
- Improve list every year
Creating Your Master List
Information to record:
| Name | Address | Sent 2024 | Received 2024 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mum & Dad | 123 High St, Town, XX1 1XX | ☑ | ☑ | |
| Sarah & Tom | 456 Low Rd, City, YY2 2YY | ☑ | ☑ | |
| Uncle John | 789 Main Ave, Village, ZZ3 3ZZ | ☑ | ☐ | Didn’t send one this year |
Where to keep list:
Digital (recommended):
- Spreadsheet (Google Sheets—accessible anywhere)
- Notes app
- Contacts app with Christmas list group
- Christmas card app (several available)
Physical:
- Address book dedicated to Christmas cards
- Notebook (page per person or alphabetical)
- Card file box with index cards
The advantage of digital: Easy to update, never lose it, accessible from phone.
Building Your List
Start in January (whilst fresh):
Immediate after Christmas:
- Write down everyone who sent YOU cards this year
- Note addresses from envelopes before recycling cards
- Mark anyone you sent to who didn’t send one
- Mark anyone who sent one who you didn’t send to (guilt noted)
Why January: Memories fresh, envelopes still available, can update immediately.
Throughout the year:
- New addresses (people move)
- New people (friends, colleagues)
- Remove people (fallen out, lost touch, deceased)
- Update regularly
The Reciprocity System
British card politics are complex:
The rules (unspoken but real):
- Send one, expect one back (usually)
- Receive one, should send one back (obligation)
- Don’t send one, might not receive one next year
- Stop sending, relationship cooling?
The categories:
1. Always exchange:
- Close family
- Close friends
- These people card regardless
2. Reciprocal exchange:
- Extended family
- Good friends
- Neighbours
- Send if they sent last year
3. Work colleagues:
- Office politics apply
- If everyone sends to everyone, you must too
- Can kill tradition by mutual agreement
4. Distant acquaintances:
- Send if you want to maintain connection
- Or let it lapse naturally (no card = drift apart)
5. The one-way senders:
- They always send, you never do
- Guilt mounts annually
- Either start reciprocating or accept asymmetry
Handling New People
New people to add:
- Partner’s family (if new relationship)
- New neighbours (if friendly)
- New close friends
- Children’s new teachers
- New work colleagues (if close)
When to add them: If you’d feel bad not sending them a card, add them.
When not to add: If obligation feels forced, skip them.
Removing People from List
When to remove:
- Fallen out (no point sending)
- Lost touch completely (haven’t spoken in 2+ years)
- They’ve removed you (stopped sending)
- Deceased (update list)
- Moved and no forwarding address
The 2-year rule: If they haven’t sent you a card for 2 years running, remove them (unless very close family).
Don’t feel guilty: Card lists naturally shrink and grow. It’s normal.
What to Write in Christmas Cards
The Standard Message
Classic British Christmas card message:
“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love, [Your names]”
That’s it. Perfectly acceptable. Most people write exactly this.
Adding Personal Touches
For close family/friends, add:
- Brief personal note
- Reference to something from the year
- Looking forward to seeing them
- Thank you for something
Examples:
“Merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful day. Looking forward to catching up in the new year. Lots of love, Sarah & Tom”
“Happy Christmas! Thanks so much for having us stay in the summer—we loved it. Hope to see you soon. Love, Emma xx”
“Merry Christmas to you all! Can’t wait to meet the new baby. Have a brilliant day. Lots of love, Mike & family”
Messages for Different People
Parents: “Merry Christmas Mum & Dad! See you on Christmas Day. Looking forward to it. Love you both, [Name]”
Siblings: “Happy Christmas! Hope the kids enjoy the presents. See you soon. Love, [Name]”
Close friends: “Merry Christmas lovely! Let’s catch up properly in January. Have a brilliant day. Love, [Name]”
Colleagues: “Merry Christmas! Hope you have a great break. See you in the new year, [Name]”
Extended family: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope you’re all well. Love, [Names]”
Acquaintances: “Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Best wishes, [Names]”
What NOT to Write
Avoid:
- Detailed life update (that’s what the Christmas letter is for, if you do those)
- Complaints or negativity (“What a terrible year!”)
- Controversial opinions
- Inside jokes nobody else will understand (if card on display)
- Religious messages in secular cards (or vice versa)
Keep it:
- Positive
- Brief
- Appropriate to relationship
- Warm but not overly personal
The Christmas Letter Debate
Some people include typed/printed letter:
Contents:
- Year’s highlights
- Family news
- Children’s achievements
- Holidays taken
- Major life events
Reactions:
- Love it: “Nice to hear what they’ve been up to!”
- Hate it: “Showing off / boring / impersonal”
- Indifferent: “Don’t read it but whatever”
The verdict:
- If you enjoy writing and your recipients enjoy reading, do it
- If feels like showing off or nobody cares, skip it
- Common among: older generation, families spread far apart, people who love writing
Modern alternative: Facebook update does same job, but less formal.
Royal Mail Posting Deadlines
Christmas 2025 Posting Dates
UK posting deadlines (approximate—check Royal Mail closer to date):
International:
- Africa, Asia, Middle East: 7th November
- Americas, Caribbean: 10th November
- Europe: 12th November
- (Varies by specific country)
UK:
- 2nd Class: 18th December
- 1st Class: 20th December
- Special Delivery Guaranteed: 23rd December
Why approximate: Royal Mail announces exact dates each November.
When to Actually Send Cards
The British tradition: Mid-November
The timeline:
Early November (1st-7th):
- Write cards (if very organised)
- Post international cards
- Very early (but arrives in time)
Mid-November (8th-15th):
- Ideal time to write and post UK cards
- Arrives first half of December
- Recipients have time to display
- Not too early, not too late
Late November (16th-30th):
- Still acceptable
- Arrives early-mid December
- Cutting it close but OK
Early December (1st-10th):
- Fine if sending 1st class
- Panic starting to set in
Mid-December (11th-17th):
- Must use 1st class
- Might not arrive before Christmas
18th December onwards:
- 2nd class won’t arrive in time
- Use 1st class or Special Delivery
- Or accept New Year cards instead
The strategy: Write cards first two weeks of November, post by 15th November, relaxed for rest of December.
Stamp Costs
2025 stamp prices (check for current):
Standard letter:
- 1st Class: £1.35
- 2nd Class: £0.95
- Large letter (if chunky card): More expensive
Money saving:
- Buy stamps in advance (prices increase most years)
- Buy books of stamps (slight discount sometimes)
- Stock up in October
Calculation:
- 30 cards × £0.95 (2nd class) = £28.50
- 30 cards × £1.35 (1st class) = £40.50
If sending late: Extra £12 for 1st class might be worth it for peace of mind.
Photo Cards: When to Order
The Photo Card Trend
Increasingly popular:
- Personal touch
- Shows family/kids
- Keepsake quality
- Modern alternative to traditional cards
Where to order:
High street:
- Boots Photo: In-store or online
- Snappy Snaps: Various designs
Online:
- Moonpig: Customisable
- Photobox: Lots of options
- Funky Pigeon: Fun designs
- Snapfish: Competitive prices
- Vistaprint: Professional quality
When to Order Photo Cards
Timeline working backwards from posting mid-November:
Late September/Early October:
- Choose photos
- Design card online
- Order
Delivery:
- Usually 5-10 working days
- Allow 2 weeks to be safe
Quality check:
- Order one “proof” first (if concerned)
- Check quality before ordering bulk
Arrives:
- Late October
- Write in early November
- Post mid-November
The rule: Order photo cards by early October for stress-free November posting.
Photo Card Tips
Choosing photo:
- Good quality (not blurry)
- Well-lit
- Everyone looking at camera (or at least facing right way)
- Not too busy background
- Recent (from this year ideally)
Design:
- Keep text simple
- Don’t overcrowd
- Choose readable font
- Ensure contrast (dark text on light background)
Message:
- Can pre-print inside or leave blank
- Blank gives flexibility for personal messages
- Pre-printed faster to send
Addresses:
- Some sites print addresses directly on envelopes
- Costs extra but huge time saver
- Upload address list, they print, saves hours
Cost Comparison
Traditional cards:
- £10-15 for 30 cards
- £28.50 for postage (2nd class)
- Total: £38.50-43.50
Photo cards:
- £25-40 for 30 cards (depending on site/quality)
- £28.50 for postage
- Total: £53.50-68.50
Difference: £10-25 more for photo cards.
Worth it if:
- You value personal touch
- Recipients enjoy seeing your family
- Keepsake quality matters
Not worth it if:
- Budget tight
- Recipients don’t care
- You see family regularly anyway (they have photos)
The Reciprocity Problem
The Awkward Situations
Scenario 1: You send, they don’t
- Did it not arrive?
- Did they forget you?
- Are they phasing you out?
- Do you send again next year?
Scenario 2: They send, you don’t
- Guilt strikes
- Too late to send one back?
- Write one immediately?
- Remember for next year?
Scenario 3: Years of asymmetry
- They always send, you never do
- Guilt compounds annually
- But haven’t sent one yet, weird to start now?
Scenario 4: They sent one, addressed to old flatmate
- They don’t have your address
- Do you send one back with updated address?
- Or let it go?
The British Compromise Solutions
If you didn’t send but receive:
Option 1: Send one immediately
- Write card same day
- Post 1st class
- Include “Sorry this is late!”
- Guilt assuaged
Option 2: WhatsApp message
- “Your card arrived—it’s lovely, thank you!”
- “Sorry, I haven’t sent cards this year”
- Acknowledges without full card reciprocity
Option 3: Add to next year’s list
- Note in your list: “Received from them 2024, send 2025”
- Start fresh next year
Option 4: Accept asymmetry
- They send, you don’t
- Some relationships work this way
- Let it be
If you send but don’t receive:
Give them until Christmas:
- Post is slow
- They might have sent late
- Don’t assume snub immediately
After Christmas:
- Note in list: “Sent, didn’t receive”
- If happens 2 years running: remove from list
- Or: ask if card arrived (might have been lost)
Don’t take it personally:
- People forget
- People get busy
- Post loses things
- Not necessarily a message
Ending the Card Relationship
How to gracefully stop:
Option 1: Just stop sending
- Don’t send card next year
- If they notice, they’ll stop too
- Natural ending
Option 2: Send “final” card
- Include message: “Wishing you all the best for the future”
- Implies ending but not hostile
Option 3: Digital instead
- Send email/WhatsApp Christmas message instead
- Downgrade from physical card
- Less commitment
When to end card relationship:
- Haven’t had meaningful contact in 2+ years
- Relationship faded naturally
- Only maintaining because of card obligation
- You don’t actually care if you’re in touch
Permission to stop: You’re allowed to let relationships fade. Cards shouldn’t be guilt-driven obligation.
Eco-Friendly Card Alternatives
The Environmental Cost
Christmas cards UK:
- 1 billion+ cards sent annually in UK
- Most end up in bin after Christmas
- Glitter cards not recyclable
- Foil/metallic cards not recyclable
- Carbon footprint from production and delivery
The guilt: Environmentally conscious people feel bad about card waste.
Eco-Friendly Options
Recyclable cards:
- Paper-only (no glitter, no foil)
- Charity cards often eco-friendly
- Check labelling
- FSC-certified paper
- Can be recycled after Christmas
Plantable cards:
- Embedded with seeds
- Plant card, grows into wildflowers
- Zero waste
- Expensive but lovely
Digital cards:
- Zero physical waste
- Instant delivery
- Cheaper
- Problem: Feels less special/personal to many
Charitable donations instead:
- Donate to charity in people’s names
- Send card explaining donation made
- Meaningful + no waste
Reduce numbers:
- Send fewer cards
- Only to people you really want to connect with
- Quality over quantity
Recycling Christmas Cards
After Christmas:
Recyclable:
- Plain paper cards (no glitter, no foil)
- Charity shop collections (reuse front for new cards)
- Council recycling bins
Not recyclable:
- Glitter cards (glitter = microplastics)
- Foil/metallic cards
- Cards with batteries (musical cards)
- Very textured cards
What to do:
- Check your cards before buying (recyclable?)
- Cut off non-recyclable bits (foil) before recycling rest
- Keep special cards (from deceased relatives, sentimental)
- Bin the rest responsibly
Charity collections:
- Sainsbury’s often has card recycling bins
- Guides/Scouts sometimes collect
- Charity shops accept for crafts
Digital Christmas Cards
The Modern Alternative
Digital Christmas cards:
- WhatsApp message
- Facebook post
- Dedicated ecards
- Video messages
Advantages:
- Instant delivery
- Free (or very cheap)
- No postage
- No waste
- Can include photos/video
- Easy to send to lots of people
Disadvantages:
- Feels less personal
- Easy to ignore/delete
- Not something to display
- Older relatives might not appreciate
- Feels less effort (even if you put effort in)
The verdict:
- Younger generation: Increasingly acceptable
- Older generation: Often disappointed (“Not the same”)
- Middle ground: Both (digital to friends, physical to older relatives)
Digital Card Options
Email ecards:
- Moonpig: Digital versions available
- Blue Mountain: Free ecards
- Paperless Post: Beautiful designs
WhatsApp:
- Personal message
- Photo + message
- Group message to multiple people
Facebook:
- Post Christmas wishes
- Message individuals
- Not as personal but easy
Video message:
- Record personal Christmas message
- Send via WhatsApp/email
- Personal touch
- Kids love these (grandparents especially)
Who Gets Digital vs Physical
Digital appropriate for:
- Friends your age (20s-40s)
- Tech-savvy relatives
- Colleagues
- Casual acquaintances
- International contacts (free vs expensive postage)
Physical still expected by:
- Older relatives (60+)
- Close family
- Traditional friends
- People who love receiving cards
Compromise:
- Physical to close family and older relatives
- Digital to everyone else
- Save money, time, environment
- Keep tradition where it matters
The Bottom Line on Christmas Cards
The truth about Christmas cards:
They’re optional. They’re also meaningful to many people.
If you send cards:
- Buy in January sales (save money)
- Create master address list (stay organised)
- Write in early November (avoid panic)
- Post by mid-November (guaranteed delivery)
- Track who sends you cards (update list)
- Don’t stress about perfection (brief message is fine)
If you don’t send cards:
- That’s completely valid
- Send digital greetings instead
- Or just say “Merry Christmas” in person/phone
- Don’t let guilt force you into unwanted obligation
The process:
January:
- Buy next year’s cards in sales (£2-5 for 30 cards)
- Update address list (whilst fresh)
October:
- Order photo cards (if doing them)
- Or buy cards if didn’t in January
- Buy stamps
Early November:
- Write cards (2-3 evenings, one sitting, or gradually)
- First week of November ideal
Mid-November:
- Post cards (by 15th November for guaranteed delivery)
- Done until January
Total time investment: 3-5 hours across year
Total cost: £35-50 for 30 cards (traditional) or £50-70 (photo cards)
The decision: Send cards if you enjoy it or recipients value it. Skip if obligation feels forced or recipients don’t care.
There’s no right answer. Do what works for you.
Related Guides
- How to Plan for Christmas Early: Complete UK Guide
- The Ultimate Christmas Checklist UK
- Christmas Budget Planner UK
Do you send Christmas cards? How do you organise your list? Share your card-sending strategy in the comments!