Every year, starting in late November and throughout the month of December, we print a lot of Christmas cards. We see some amazing designs and we also have our share of “challenges” with artwork that is not set up properly.
If you’re looking to print your own Christmas cards, we’re here to help you out! Here are some Christmas card ideas to make your cards look great and save a few headaches at your favorite printing company.
Before we jump into card ideas for Christmas– let us dive into a quick history of Christmas cards.
Christmas Card Ideas: A Brief History of the Ritual
Did you know that sending Christmas cards began in England in 1843? Sir Henry Cole helped set up the British postal system and was wondering how it could be used more by average people. Sir Henry and his friend John Horsley designed the first Christmas card and printed around 1,000 of them.
Because the cost of postage had fallen to one penny due to the railroads carrying the mail (instead of a horse and carriage, which made the postage too expensive for average people), mailing Christmas cards suddenly became popular.
In the late 1840’s, Christmas cards also began to appear in the United States, but most people could not afford them. In 1875, a printer named Louis Prang started mass producing cards to make them affordable. In 1915, John C. Hall started a new company with his brothers that you might have heard of: Hallmark Cards! (source: www.whychristmas.com)
Tips and Ideas for Simple Christmas Cards
Ready to capture the magic of the season for your Christmas card ideas? You’re in for a treat. Let’s make sure you nail that perfect shot for your custom Christmas card printing extravaganza.
First things first, location is key! Think about the vibe you want for your cards. Whether it’s a snowy park, a cozy living room, or a twinkling street, the backdrop sets the tone. If you’re going for a die cut business card style, make sure there’s enough space around you to stand out.
Now, let’s talk about lighting. Natural light is your best friend. The soft glow of a winter afternoon or the warm lights of your Christmas tree can add a magical touch. Avoid harsh shadows – you want those smiles to shine!
Speaking of smiles, let your family’s personality sparkle! Capture candid moments of laughter, gift exchanges, or even a cheeky snowball fight. These genuine moments make for the best card ideas for Christmas.
Let’s dive into some specific Christmas card ideas that will leave a lasting impression.
Coordinated Outfits: Matching outfits always add a touch of charm. Consider dressing in festive colors or even going for matching Christmas sweaters.
Furry Friends Inclusion: Pets are family too! If you have a furry friend, include them in the photo. A Santa hat on your dog or a cat surrounded by Christmas lights – it’s an adorable touch that adds character to your card ideas for Christmas.
Props and Accessories: Don’t be shy with props! Santa hats, wrapped presents, or even a string of twinkling lights can add a festive touch to your photo. Get creative, and let your personality shine through – after all, it’s your family’s unique spin on Christmas card ideas.
Capture the Chaos: Sometimes the chaos of the holiday season is what makes it memorable. Snap a pic of the little ones unwrapping presents with wild excitement or the chaos in the kitchen as you prepare a holiday feast. These moments make for great stories on your custom-print Christmas cards.
Get Creative with Angles: Experiment with different angles to add visual interest to your photos. Capture a mix of wide shots to showcase your chosen location and close-ups to highlight the details. Don’t be afraid to get down low or shoot from above for unique perspectives. These creative angles can transform your Christmas card ideas into something extraordinary.
Mistakes to Avoid When Printing Your Own Business Cards
Now, back to the challenges we see when printing cards. I will touch on three of them for this article.
First, make sure to leave at least 1/8-inch margins around the edges of the entire card (1/4-inch margins would even be better). Why is that? During the printing process – which for short run postcards is typically a digital process – the paper tends to move ever so slightly when being printed, and the paper also can shrink or get slightly distorted by the heat in the digital printing process.
Also, when the paper is being cut, which could be 250 sheets at a time, it could move just a whisker (a technical term in printing!) when it is cut. So, when the card is being cut and the type or image is too close to the edge, even with a perfect cut some of your type could get cut off or your border could look uneven.
Second, if you have a background image or color that goes right to the edge of the card, you need to extend it 1/8 inch past the edge of the card (called a “bleed”). For example, if the final size of your card is 5 x 7, if you include the 1/8-inch bleed on all four edges, the size you send to the printer would be 5.25 x 7.25.
Besides the reasons listed above, printers print on large sheets of paper then cut them down to the finished size of the card. It would be normal to print several images of the same card on one large sheet of paper.
When cutting large sheets of paper, perhaps 250 sheets at a time, with several images on the paper, if the image is not perfectly straight or if the paper moved during the printing process, after cutting the paper you could have white lines on the edge of some of your cards. Even a very slight white line at the edge of the card will look bad. Extending the image past the edge of the card eliminates this problem.
Third, use a professional photographer if possible. In general, professionally taken pictures print great. Often, the photographs taken by us “want to be photographers” are too dark or too red, blurry, or do not have enough contrast between the subject and the background. Even the best design can be spoiled by poor photography. High-resolution images ensure that when you print your own Christmas card, the details shine through.
Where to Get Your Christmas Cards Printed?
It’s time to tackle the age-old question: where can you print Christmas cards?
Once you’ve captured that perfect shot, you need to think about the card itself. You have a few options: print your own Christmas card or explore the offerings of Christmas card printing companies. Let’s explore both.
If you’re feeling crafty, consider printing your own Christmas card. There are plenty of templates and designs available online, and it allows you to add a personal touch. Use high-quality paper for a professional finish, and don’t forget to add a heartfelt message inside!
On the other hand, if you prefer a polished look without the DIY effort, you can opt for custom Christmas card printing. Many local and online printing services offer a variety of designs and customization options. Just upload your photo, choose a layout, and let the professionals handle the rest.
Wondering where to get Christmas cards printed? Well, you have several options. Local business card printers often offer program printing services for holiday cards. Check out their portfolios and discuss your ideas to create a unique and personalized card.
If you’re more of an online shopper, explore the world of Christmas card printing companies. Many online services allow you to upload your photo, customize the design, and have the cards delivered to your doorstep. It’s a convenient option for those who prefer a hassle-free process.
It’s always a good idea to support local businesses. When you’re ready to bring your masterpiece to life, check out local business card printers or inquire at local custom printing services for that extra touch of community spirit.
Get Your Custom-Print Christmas Cards with Digiprint
Once your cards are ready, spread the love! Send them out to family and friends, and maybe even share a digital version on social media. Your carefully crafted Christmas card will undoubtedly bring smiles and warmth to everyone who receives it.
Also, remember that you don’t have to go all out with your cards. Ideas for simple Christmas cards are just as charming. A classic family photo with a festive border or a minimalistic design can be just as impactful as an elaborate one.
I wish you and your loved ones all the best during this holiday season, and a prosperous 2024!
