The Stationers Guild

This has been one of those “short” holiday seasons with only 26 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  With the downward spiral in the economy and the usual holiday stress, many of us have been hard-pressed to get our Christmas cards and holiday photo cards out on time.  As stationers, we are frequently asked ”when is the appropriate time to send out Christmas cards?”

I am not sure that there is a hard rule-of-thumb, but we generally recommend that you purchase your Christmas cards or holiday cards before the end of November.  Ideally, you should buy your personalized holiday cards in August and September when most Guild member stores offer promotional discounts.   While many believe that your card should arrive before Christmas, we have found that cards arriving after Christmas and well into the New Year have just as much significance.  In fact, the three Kings arrived 12 days after the birth of Jesus.

Three Kings from William Arthur

While this might strike some as over-rationalization, I maintain that it makes perfect sense.  Epiphany is celebrated as the “gifting holiday” in many parts of the world.  Furthermore, who has time to read the cards until after Christmas?  Why create additional stress for yourself on this most holy of holidays?   Sending Christmas cards and photo cards of your family should be a joyful occasion.  Give yourself an extra week or so to get your cards out and use the extra time to spend some meaningful time with your family.

Richard May
Founding Member