Why Christmas Cards Still Matter: Personal Touches in the Age of Social Media

Christmas cards in every color

I love the Christmas season, and one of my favorite pieces of this special time is receiving Christmas cards in the mail from family and friends. In the current age of social media, though, I understand that it’s tempting to simply let this tradition slide. It’s more things to do with a busy holiday season - take or find a great family photo. Pick out a nice design and get it customized and printed. Then label and mail out the cards to your friends and family. It’s not a simple task; whereas you could simply find your best photos of the year, click a few buttons with a nice caption, and call the whole deal good after it’s live on Facebook. It’s hard to argue which option is easier. Which is why I’m here today to plead my case on why we should keep the Christmas card tradition alive without hating on the more modern social media approach. 

1. Christmas Cards Are More Personal Than Social Media Posts

A Christmas card can look and feel however you are inspired. Some people used stylized layouts with family photos and a sweet message, others use holiday-focused greeting cards, and some people write up a year-in-review to share with friends and family. The crafting of a Christmas card and how we choose to share this annual outreach is a personal and heartfelt tradition of connecting with our loved ones both near and far. 

Whether it’s a quick update on your year or a heartfelt note of gratitude, a Christmas card is a small but significant way to remind someone they matter to you. 

Tip: rather than using a prefabricated layout for your Christmas card design, here’s how you can make a more personalized Christmas card in Canva. Start with a templated Christmas card (they have tons of gorgeous designs), and then try switching the pictures, fonts, and phrases to for endless customization options.

2. Sending Cards Shows Care and Attention In The Holiday Season

Christmas Card Joy

The process of sending Christmas cards is about more than just the end result—it’s about the thoughtfulness behind it. You’re not just sending a card; you’re selecting a message, writing a personal note, and thinking specifically about the person who will receive it.

This intentionality doesn’t go unnoticed. For the recipient, knowing that someone took the time to think of them—especially in a busy season—is a heartwarming reminder of the relationship you share. Christmas cards are a way to say, “You’re important to me,” without needing a grand gesture. In a world that can feel rushed and impersonal, small acts of care like this matter more than ever.

Tip: Order your holiday stamps for the following year now! Stamps will only get more expensive, and having this crucial piece already on hand means you don’t have to drive around town after addressing all the envelopes trying to find holiday stamps right before you send everything out.  (I learned this tip the hard way.) Just be sure to keep them in a place you won’t lose them.

3. Christmas Cards Double as Creative Holiday Décor

Sending a Christmas card is more than just a greeting—it’s a gift in its own way. Cards often feature beautiful designs, festive colors, and cheerful messages that brighten up any home during the holiday season.

For many, displaying Christmas cards is a beloved tradition. The creative ideas for displaying holiday cards include being hung on mantels, pinned to bulletin boards, strung along doorways, or even arranged in creative displays. Each card becomes a little piece of holiday cheer, transforming a house into a home filled with warmth and love.

By sending Christmas cards, you’re not just sharing your holiday spirit; you’re actively contributing to someone’s holiday décor. It’s like participating in a group project to spread joy and beauty throughout the season.

Tip: Use the previous years’ cards as future Christmas decor by punching a hole in the corner of each card and using a single binder clip to hold them together. Then each year you can flip through the cards and see how every family grows.

4. Why Receiving Christmas Cards In Your Mailbox Brings Holiday Joy

Let’s face it: most of the mail we receive these days isn’t exciting. Bills, junk mail, and the occasional flyer don’t exactly spark joy. That’s why receiving a Christmas card feels so special. It’s a break from the mundane—a reminder of the joy and magic the holidays are supposed to bring.

In a digital world, tangible items like cards carry a weight that electronic messages simply don’t. They’re something you can hold, display, and even keep for years to come. Christmas cards aren’t just mail; they’re memories, captured in ink and paper, that can be revisited long after the season has passed.

Tip: Consider ordering a custom stamp with your name and address to use when marking your return address. There are personalization options like adding a picture of your dog or your favorite flower that can make it feel more unique to you. It also helps ease the process of getting all your envelopes addressed properly while still feeling special.

Conclusion: Keep the Tradition Alive

The tradition of sending Christmas cards is more than just a seasonal ritual—it’s a way to connect, share joy, and make the holidays feel a little more special. In a time when our interactions often feel fleeting and impersonal, the effort and thought behind a handwritten card mean more than ever.

So, this holiday season, consider keeping the Christmas card tradition alive. Not only will you brighten someone’s day, but you’ll also add a touch of warmth, beauty, and connection that no social media post can replace.

Let’s bring back the joy of snail mail—one heartfelt Christmas card at a time.