Holiday Card Etiquette 2025: Canadian Guide to Seasonal Greeting

Sending holiday cards remains a cherished tradition across Canada, symbolizing goodwill, connection, and festive joy. In an age of instant digital communication, a thoughtfully chosen card still holds the power to brighten someone’s day, strengthen relationships, and share the true spirit of the season.

The Significance of Sending Holiday Cards

History of Seasonal Greeting Cards in Canada

The exchange of holiday cards in Canada dates back to the late 19th century, inspired by a growing tradition from Victorian England. What began as simple New Year’s greetings soon expanded to include Christmas and other seasonal celebrations, evolving into a reflection of Canada’s rich cultural diversity and inclusive spirit.

The Importance of Maintaining Traditions

Sending holiday cards helps preserve a sense of connection and continuity in a fast-paced, digital world. These thoughtful gestures not only strengthen family bonds but also uphold cultural traditions that unite generations and communities. In every handwritten message or carefully chosen design lies a reminder of warmth, care, and shared heritage.

Crafting the Perfect Holiday Greeting

Choosing the Right Card Style

Selecting the perfect holiday card begins with understanding the message you want to convey. Whether you lean toward serene winter landscapes, playful festive patterns, or culturally inclusive designs, your choice sets the tone for your greeting. Handmade or artisan cards bring a personal, heartfelt quality, while elegant printed options offer a timeless appeal. For an added touch of refinement, consider textured papers, embossed details, or metallic accents. Eco-conscious Canadians can also embrace sustainable options – cards made from recycled paper, soy-based inks, or plantable seed paper – to share joy while caring for the environment.

Personalizing Your Message

A card’s true charm lies in its message. Handwritten notes instantly elevate your greeting, transforming it from a seasonal formality into a genuine expression of thoughtfulness. Mention a shared memory, celebrate a recent milestone, or simply express gratitude for the person’s presence in your life. When writing to family and close friends, let your natural warmth shine through with affectionate language and personal anecdotes. For professional contacts, a polished yet sincere tone is most effective – acknowledge the partnership or support you’ve shared over the past year. Adding a family photo or a candid snapshot from a meaningful moment can make your card feel even more personal and memorable.

Including a Thoughtful Touch

The smallest details often make the greatest impact. Choose envelopes that complement your card design – perhaps a deep red, snowy white, or shimmering silver – and handwrite addresses whenever possible. Including subtle extras, like a pressed maple leaf, a bookmark, or a personalized tag, adds a layer of surprise and care that recipients will truly appreciate.
You can also seal envelopes with wax stamps, festive stickers, or custom labels for a refined finish. These thoughtful touches transform your holiday cards into keepsakes, turning a simple gesture into something that feels heartfelt, intentional, and beautifully Canadian.

Etiquette for Sending Cards to Different Groups

Family and Close Friends

When writing to family and close friends, let warmth and sincerity take the lead. Use affectionate language that reflects your shared memories, inside jokes, or meaningful milestones from the past year. Including signatures from each family member, or even a group photo, adds a personal touch that conveys togetherness and care. For those you haven’t seen in a while, a short update or heartfelt note can rekindle a connection and remind them they’re valued.

Professional Connections

Holiday cards sent to colleagues, clients, or business partners should balance professionalism with genuine appreciation. Use appropriate titles, formal greetings, and your company’s branding where suitable. A simple message such as “Wishing you a successful and joyful holiday season” expresses goodwill without crossing boundaries. Adding a handwritten note or signature shows effort and thoughtfulness, reinforcing respect and strengthening professional relationships.

Acquaintances and Distant Relations

For acquaintances, neighbours, or distant relatives, keep messages polite, concise, and warmly neutral. A simple greeting paired with a wish for peace, happiness, or good health is both respectful and appropriate. Even if the message is brief, addressing each card personally, using the recipient’s name and a friendly closing, adds sincerity and ensures your gesture feels thoughtful rather than routine.

Spread the Joy of the Season with Hallmark Timmins

Every card has the power to share a story, and Hallmark Timmins helps you tell yours beautifully. Our collection features everything from cozy winter classics to fresh, inclusive designs, perfect for expressing warmth, gratitude, and joy this holiday season. Whether you’re sending a heartfelt note to family or a thoughtful message to clients, our cards and gifts make every greeting feel genuine and memorable.

Celebrate the season with a touch of thoughtfulness. Explore a beautiful selection of holiday cards in-store and discover the perfect way to share your spirit of joy, gratitude, and connection this year.