Holiday cards feel like one job. They're really seven small ones, and the one that sinks most families is the photo — because everything after it has a fixed lead time. Start from the day you want them in mailboxes and work back.
Step 1 · Decide
Are we sending cards this year?
Ask EmmyI'll ask you this every October and remember who got a card last year, so the list starts itself.
Step 2 · The picture
Where does the photo come from?
Do we have the outfits?
Ask EmmyI'll find a free weekend afternoon for everyone, hold it on the family calendar and text the day before: outfits, charged camera, golden hour.
Step 3 · The service
Minted, Shutterfly or Postable?
Postable
From $3.49 a card · they mail it
Busy years and long lists
- Stamps and mails every card
- Saves your address book
- –Printed message, not handwritten
Minted
From $1.89 a card · you mail it
Cards people keep on the fridge
- Artist designs, foil, heavy paper
- Free printed envelope addressing
- –You stamp and mail them
Shutterfly
From $0.99 a card · you mail it
The most cards for the budget
- Deep sales most weeks
- Fast production
- –Thinner paper, you mail them
Mailed for you or by hand? Postable for the long list, a dozen handwritten ones for the people closest to you.
Ask EmmyI'll keep your address list in one place and nudge you the week the big card sales start, so you order at the low price.
Step 4 · The cost
What will it actually cost?
| Service | Cards | Postage | Total | Your time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postable | $209 | incl. | $209 | 1.8 hr |
| Minted | $113 | $47 | $160 | 2.8 hr |
| Shutterfly | $59 | $47 | $106 | 2.8 hr |
Estimates at list price before sales; envelopes come with all three. Postage at $0.78 a Forever stamp. Check each site for today's price.
Ask EmmyFor 60 cards, I'll add 60 stamps to your shopping list and set a budget reminder before you order.
Step 5 · The dates
When does each step need to happen?
Slide right if it's fine for them to land later. Every date below moves with it.
Decide: cards this year?
By Tue, Nov 3 10 minpast due
Sort the outfits
By Fri, Nov 6 1 hrpast due
Get the photo
By Fri, Nov 13 1.5 hr
Pick a design and write the message
By Fri, Nov 20 45 min
Place the order
By Mon, Nov 23 30 min
Address, stamp and seal
By Sat, Dec 5 2 hr
Drop them in the mail
By Sat, Dec 5 15 min
About 6.2 hr of your time, spread over six weeks.
Ask EmmyGet the order in by Mon, Nov 23 and the cards land by Thu, Dec 10. I'll put every step on your calendar, remind you the day before, and move the rest if one slips.
Emmy plans the whole season, not just the cards
She reads the school email, puts the no-school days, parties and recitals on your calendar, sets the reminders, and hands pick-ups to whoever can cover. This planner is already a card in every family's fall plan.
Plan my season with Emmy