Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Basic Invite. I received payment, but it in no way influenced my opinion.

Whether you always think ahead or usually procrastinate, it’s not too early to start planning your Christmas cards. If you prefer not to think about Christmas until Thanksgiving is over, consider how helpful it can be to have your cards figured out ahead of time. When you plan your cards early, you give yourself extra time to think about decorations, gifts, recipes, and other fun Christmas ideas!

5 Reasons You Should Plan Your Christmas Cards Early

For many, thinking about Christmas too early seems silly, but it makes sense. Since choosing your Christmas cards can be a lengthy process, you can begin planning your cards as early as the beginning of November. Check out five reasons this is a good idea.

1.You can check out different fonts and designs.

When I saw the many different varieties at Basic Invite, I didn’t know where to begin! You can narrow down your search by theme, size, and number of photos. If you want to get a good overview of the fonts and designs you can choose from, you can scroll through all of the photos without narrowing down your search. 

Scrolling through the photos led me to discover the gorgeous Merry and Bright Foil holiday card. With beautiful raised foil and smooth coated paper, the card turned out beautiful.

5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

If you start searching in advance, you can find your ideal card. Give yourself time to locate the right card for your family, while deciding on the right font and design.

2. You can try out sample cards.

When you order a sample, you can check out what the card looks like in person. This is a great way to check out whether you like the combination of the card style with the photos you chose. Although I wasn’t sure whether the cool colors of my daughters’ outfits would look right against the bold red font in the card below, the style looked nice in person, and I was able to see how the Christmas tree branch in the upper left corner complimented the nature scene in the photograph.
5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

You also get a good idea of whether the photos are a high enough quality. When my daughters decided to hike in their Christmas dresses recently (it was a birthday party, but they were still a tad overdressed), I snapped a couple cell phone pictures. Even though the photo quality wasn’t ideal, the pictures still printed well. 

5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

Ordering samples gives you insight into how the cards will turn out before you order a large quantity. You should give yourself enough time for the samples to ship and for you to redesign the cards if needed.

3. You can plan your Christmas photo shoot well ahead of time.

Although an impromptu hike in the woods worked for our family, many people enjoy hiring a professional photographer for their Christmas photos. If you like the well planned, coordinated look, you should hire a professional.

5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

Research photographers in your area before choosing one. Relying on word of mouth recommendations is also a good idea. Then, select your outfits carefully, and double check that your family has their hair brushed well before your photo shoot.

Depending on the photographer you hire and the amount of editing you want, receiving your images can take a while. Check with your photographer ahead of time if you have a specific idea of when the photos should be received. You should also get deadlines in writing to avoid any confusion.

5. You can send your Christmas cards early.

Let friends and family know in advance that you are planning to send Christmas cards. You will have plenty of time to gather addresses and write a meaningful note to each person on your list. When you send your Christmas cards early, you let your contacts know that you’re exchanging cards, which gives them a heads up that they might want to send you one too.5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

Some years, I wait until we take photos with Santa Claus a few days before Christmas to get my Christmas cards together and ready to be sent. Having my cards figured out ahead of time is a huge relief.
5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

Do you have a favorite card from Basic Invite? Check out the designs they offer, and leave your thoughts in the comments. Share the photo below on Pinterest to remind your friends about the benefits of planning your Christmas cards early.

5 Reasons To Plan Your Christmas Cards Early - Found on Theresa's Reviews - www.theresasreviews.com #sponsored

For more holiday ideas, follow Theresa’s Reviews on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Flipboard and Youtube. You can also check out the Gift Guide section.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Basic Invite. I received payment, but it in no way influenced my opinion.

About The Author

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Theresa has been writing since 2010 in magazines and online. Her lifestyle and parenting expertise has been featured in publications, including ShopSmart and Scholastic. She earned an M.Ed in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt as well as a BA in History from Flagler College, and she is a certified teacher.

128 Responses

  1. Ayanna

    These are great tips! We actually didn’t send cards last year because we waited too late. 🙁 We took our family photos early and just got them back so I’m ready. I didn’t know you could order sample cards. Looks like my hubby and I have a date this weekend with Christmas cards. 😉

    Reply
  2. Theresa

    My vote goes to the long vertical card with just the one picture with Merry Christmas in white. It’s merry and chic and shows your kids’ personalities.

    Reply
  4. Jennifer

    Great advice. I admit, I have not filled out or sent Christmas cards in years. I just haven’t had the time. I think these would definitely motivate me to take the time to send them out!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      I skipped last year, and there was a twinge of guilt when I still received a card from someone else. It’s nice to at least have a few ready to send out if needed.

      Reply
  6. Rachel Dean

    I don’t have children so we usually don’t do photo cards but these are great tips for those who do! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Ashley Stephenson

    I can’t wait to send and receive Christmas cards! Our 1 year anniversary is a month before Christmas so we hired a photographer and are taking the photos next week so we will use some photos from that shoot on our card!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      Aw, that is so sweet! What perfect timing to get your Christmas photos done! I bet they will turn out great too.

      Reply
  8. Dawn

    Early November seems so early for holiday cards, but it isn’t at all! The holidays always sneak up on us so getting ahead of the game is huge. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      Absolutely, it’s right after Halloween, but the process of getting the cards together can take such a long time.

      Reply
  9. Alyssa

    These are all so cute! I really like simplicity, so the one with one big photo and “merry christmas…” is a great one, or I like the Joy & Peace one!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      Thank you! Someone else liked the simple one that says Merry Christmas too. Maybe that’s the one we’ll go with this year!

      Reply
  10. Bekah Walsh

    I agree completely! I rarely do photo cards, but regardless of what kind I get, I always have them ready to mail by the first week in December (usually sooner!). It’s so much less stressful that way. I do a quick mail merge, but doing them so early gives me time to add anyone new to the list and hunt down new addresses for anyone who’s moved throughout the year.

    Reply
  11. Angela Tolsma

    I love the one of the spontaneous hike in the woods. I didn’t do Christmas Cards last year and I won’t be this year. Mostly because I live in a different country from everyone I want to send cards to and I didn’t plan ahead!! I really need to be on top of this next year!!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      Thanks for your input! From what I’ve heard, some people in other countries customarily don’t send Christmas cards, and I had no idea!

      Reply
  12. gracie

    We have always been huge Christmas card lovers. I have not had time to work on this year so we are really behind, so thank you for your post you have reminded me that we need to get on the ball !
    xx. Gracie
    snappedbygracie.com

    Reply
  13. Kecia

    When my oldest was born, I made sure to do personalized Christmas cards every year. Then the second kid came along and it didn’t seem so important anymore. I need to get back into the habit of doing them, because I love them much more than the generic cards from Walmart!

    Reply
  14. Bridget | Nutty Hiker

    Great tips! I actually try and get my clients to follow many of these and to plan early! I always take our own family photos (thank goodness for remote shutter releases) early. We are taking ours this weekend. Typically I like to do them in October, but last month was hectic!
    =) Bridget | http://texasphotog.com

    Reply
  15. Kate

    So being a Brit these cards are new to me. This year my husband and I want to send cards like these. Thanks for inspiring me to look into it. I love to be organized.

    Reply
  16. karen

    LOVE Basic Invite! I reviewed their cards too on my blog and found them to be high quality and with a million options to enhance the cards to really stand out!

    Reply
  19. Sheila

    Love this! I’m a photographer so I have had our pictures planned for a while! I love getting a head start on my cards because I like to display the cards I get from others so I love having them and seeing them during the month of December.

    Reply
  20. Cindy

    Photo cards are my favorite at Christmastime. I love to see everyone’s kids as they are growing up. Yours all look fantastic, can’t wait to see which you choose!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      I love seeing everyone’s children and learning about what’s happened during the past year for their family too.

      Reply
  21. Reesa Lewandowski

    I love the dresses they are wearing! I am going shopping this weekend for outfits for my kids so I can do their pics in the next week.

    Reply
  22. Dana Vento

    I love making Christmas Cards with my boys. I love the idea of second Card, it looks simple and ready to send out to my relatives and friends.

    Reply
  23. Jen

    These are such good reasons to start now! I wouldn’t have thought of mocking up the cards before the pictures, but now that you say it, it makes perfect sense!

    Reply
  24. Amanda

    I am horrible with Christmas cards…I can’t even count the times that I got them all ready and never mailed them!!! I do love getting cards though and seeing all the beautiful family pictures!

    Reply
    • Theresa

      I love receiving them too! I don’t want anyone to stop sending them if I forget to send mine, so I’m going to make sure to mail some out this year.

      Reply
  25. Sarah Jacot

    Ekk!! I am so excited to read anything that involves the word “Christmas”! I think that Christmas cards are almost like a contest.. who’s is more thoughtful that others. I think that planning ahead is a great way to ensure that you have exactly what you want in time to send out to love ones! Great post.

    Reply
    • Theresa

      Absolutely, planning ahead can be so beneficial! Hopefully people stay in the spirit and don’t just compete to give the best cards, right? 🙂

      Reply
  26. Karen

    Very cute. I usually take a photo on Thanksgiving weekend, but I do like to write my letter sooner. Very cute photos.

    Reply
  27. Sarah Jean Althouse

    My christmas cards are already done and sitting on my dresser! I only get enough for immediate family now and supplement with Christmas cards for the store for friends.

    Reply
  28. Ellie

    The Family Christmas Card is a new idea for me as I’m British but it looks so fun and sweet as a keepsake! I have to get my Christmas cards out early anyway since most of them are going to Family back in England so I have to make sure they get there ahead of the Holiday rush!

    Reply
  30. Kaitlin

    I was just thinking about Christmas cards – you have officially motivated me to get the ball rolling! Thanks for the post!!

    Reply
  32. CourtneyLynne

    Omg just loving the cards!!!! I was just planning our cards with hubby last night. He thought I was nuts since it’s the beginning of November lol

    Reply
  36. Georgiana

    Omgoodness….this reminds me that I have to get it done! And you’re right, better to send them early. I’m guilty of waiting so long that they don’t get sent at all…..

    Reply
  41. karissa Ancell

    Great tips! Thanks for the reminder. I need to get going on my Christmas cards. I am determined to be on schedule and not behind this holiday.

    Reply
  43. Briana

    We didn’t get to send out Christmas cards last year because I procrastinated so much so I HAVE TO have it together this year. This post is super helpful. Thanks for sharing.:)

    Reply
  44. Heather

    Great tips! And reminding me to order early! It always seems like I wait until the last minute every year. This year I already have our holiday photos done!
    There are so many options to choose from makes my head spin!

    Reply
  48. Amanda

    Christmas cards are my favorite things to design! I am always so early with mine! Haha! I totally agree with all of this!

    Reply
  51. Theresa

    Indeed, planning ahead solves many of life’s problems. This year we’re doing New Year’s cards, as we’re living abroad in a country where Christmas is not widely celebrated, and don’t want to have to make multiple sets. Either way, getting ahead of the game is crucial to getting the cards in friends’ and families’ hands in time!

    Reply
  52. Michele @KidCongeniality

    All of your cards are great! I have set a date to do my cards early this year because the stress of doing them late is a nightmare. This inspired me! I do like trying the sample cards online like you suggest!

    Reply
  53. Christina Aliperti

    I have to get better at sending my cards out earlier. I swear I am always late.

    Reply
  54. Toughcookiemommy

    I usually do plan ahead when it comes to ordering our family Christmas cards. Last year time got away from me but I will definitely plan ahead this season.

    Reply
  56. Megan mccoig

    I love to make my own or write them myself. But this is such a fab idea. Never thought todo this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  59. Tiffany | shortsweetmom

    This is a great idea. Your munchkins are so adorable! Thank you for this reminder. I tend to wait to the last minute to do Christmas cards. I will to get on it earlier this year.

    Reply
  61. Stephanie Frias

    I personally love the foil one! We used to do this too, plan our cards early. I always enjoyed going in October before the weather was too cold for the kids to cooperate. We don’t live in the USA, and we won’t be doing the photo cards this year. In a way, it’s a bit nice to be relieved of the duty! But, if we were, I would surely be headed straight to this company to check out their cards.

    Reply
  64. Shahira

    We do not celebrate the festival but these points are applicable for any festival I suppose.enjoy the festive season.

    Reply
  73. Lindsey Renee

    Love these tips! We always try to have our done right after Thanksgiving plus lots of places have deals on them black Friday and cyber Monday!

    Reply

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