7 Common Holiday Card Mistakes That Send the Wrong Message

Forgetting to Proofread Before Ordering

A misspelt name or incorrect punctuation can be glaring on even the most beautiful of holiday cards. Give yourself time for one last review before clicking order. Check names, punctuation, and spacing, and ensure the photo crops exactly the way you intended.

"One of the most common mistakes is adding an apostrophe to your family’s last name," Philpot says. "It’s a small detail, but it can distract from an otherwise beautiful card, so we always remind people."

For example...

Incorrect: The O’Malley’s
Correct: The O’Malleys

If pluralizing feels clunky, Philpot suggests a simple solution: "If it feels more natural, you can also use first names or add 'Family' following your last name."

Using Photos That Are Too Dark or Low-Resolution

A dimly lit snapshot or overly pixelated picture can be even more difficult to make out when professionally printed. High-resolution images print beautifully and allow for more layout flexibility. If possible, opt for photos taken in natural lighting.

Reusing Last Year's Message or Layout

Remember: Close family members may be holding onto your holiday cards as treasured keepsakes, so give them some variety. A fresh design, updated color palette, or slight shift in tone conveys that you put fresh thought into the yearly gesture.

Thinking It's Too Late to Send

The holidays are bustling, so sending cards later than planned is one of the most universal seasonal slip-ups. Fortunately, Philpot is reassuring. "It’s really never too late to send a holiday card," she says. "If you’re worried about getting them to your list before Christmas, you can always opt for a 'Happy Holidays' or 'Happy New Year' greeting."

Her advice for handling delays gracefully: "If your timing slips, simply acknowledge it with a light, warm sentiment," she suggests. "What matters most is the gesture, not the date on the postmark."

Assuming Everyone Celebrates the Same Holiday

Even with the best intentions, sending a Christmas-specific greeting to someone who observes a different holiday can feel dismissive. This is where inclusive messaging comes in: If you’re unsure, opt for “Happy Holidays,” “Warm Winter Wishes,” or “Season’s Greetings.” (As Philpot notes, the latter two options also offer flexibility on timing.)

An Incomplete Recipient List

Not everyone needs to be on your holiday card list—but many more people appreciate it than you might expect. Philpot recommends thinking beyond immediate family and lifelong friends. "A good rule is to send cards to anyone you genuinely want to reconnect with or express gratitude toward during the season," she says.

This might include:
• Teachers
• Service providers
• Babysitters or caregivers
• Favorite local merchants or small businesses
• Neighbors
• Coworkers

For professional settings, remember that consistency is key. “Send to everyone on the immediate team rather than a selective few,” Philpot says.

Not Personalizing Cards for Close Friends or Family

Mass-produced messages make holiday mail efficient, but they can also feel impersonal. While you don’t need a handwritten letter for every recipient, adding a short line or personable sign-off lets your closest people know the card was truly meant for them.