This Christmas, create a unique card with a personal touch. It is not as difficult as you might think! If you have your own family photo or a layout in mind, there are many tools to create your custom design online.

There are numerous online places to find or create your special holiday card. We spent some time exploring some of the best photo sharing sites, print companies, and online tools. Here are a couple we found that were easy to use and affordable. If you have some others to add or comments on the companies we have listed, please send us an email and we’ll update our list.

OverNightPrints Greeting cards

OvernightPrints has thousands of holiday greeting card templates. Begin with a template and personalize it with the simple online design tools. If you don’t see the perfect template to start with, starting from scratch is not as scary as it seems. The free online design tools allow you to add your own images, text and colors. OverNightPrints.com is one of our favorite printing services. Not only can you create your personalized and unique Christmas card to your exact specifications, you can also have OverNightPrints print and mail your cards to your mailing list. Try out their design tools and build yourself a unique Christmas card this year – It only takes a few minutes. The quality is excellent and the service is great. If you have questions, their exceptional, friendly design team will help you out.

Watch a short demo video. We created a photo Christmas card in under 5 minutes.

30% OFF ALL Greeting Cards at OvernightPrints! use code “PARTYCARDS”

VistaPrint Christmas cards

VistaPrint has hundreds of greeting card templates. In a matter of minutes you can find the perfect Christmas card and add your personal touch. If you don’t find the perfect template create your own family photo Christmas card. Once your order is placed shipping can be arranged in as little as 3 days. VistaPrint is a great affordable printing service. While you are at it check out the calendars.

30% to 60% OFF All Products

PrintingForLess Holiday cards

I did not find a great online design tool at PrintingForLess. But these folks will go the extra mile to make your order perfect. Each order is reviewed by a design expert and the proofs are then approved by you. If you already have a design in a high quality format this could be a good option for you. Create your personal greeting card using your graphics program and place your order. The design team will help you along the way and you might improve your design skills during the process.

Get $50 off your 1st order over $100! Use coupon code MC5008.

Shutterfly Photo Holiday cards

If you have a couple holiday photos you would like to use on your family Christmas Card, then Shutterfly is another great option. At shutterfly.com there are several greeting card templates that are designed so you can just insert some of your own personal photos. You can also get a Free Card to make sure you card is what you really want.

Watch a short demo video. We created a card in under 5 minutes (from registration to completion).

Have you come to the realization that you are not a professional photographer? If this is a problem for you, shutterfly.com has many images you can use to create the perfect Christmas card.

Shutterfly Photo Cards

If you have a some special holiday photos that you would like to use on your family Christmas Card, then Shutterfly is a great greeting card choice. At shutterfly.com there are several Christmas card templates. Using these greeting card templates, insert your own personal photos. You can also get a Free Card to make sure you card is what you really want.

Watch a short demo video. We created a card in under 5 minutes (from registration to completion).

VistaPrint Christmas cards

VistaPrint has hundreds of greeting card templates. If you are on a budget the free cards are a great option. In just a couple clicks you can find the perfect greeting card and add your personal touch. If you don’t find the perfect template create your own family photo Christmas card.

FREE Holiday Cards at VistaPrint. Qty 10.

Christmas Card Etiquette

Now that you have your perfect holiday card created, there are some rules of etiquette you should follow.

Write on your cards – use a pen

You really should write the names of the recipients on the card you’re sending AND on the envelope. Write it by hand and write it in ink. You should also write your name in the card too. Again…write it by hand and write it in ink. This means you shouldn’t just upload some files and have the printing company send the cards for you. Handwriting really does add the ultimate personal touch. If you have horrible handwriting (so bad that the mail carrier can’t read it), consider using a script-like font if you really must use your printer.

Don’t just send e-cards

E-cards aren’t a complete no-no, but you should also send a real printed Christmas card to your friends and family. The tiny bit of effort will show you really do care. The convenience of an e-card might just show that you were too lazy to send the real thing.

Religious card – Yes or No?

I know I will get some disagreement here. I can’t always be politically correct! It is just not right. If you are sending a Christmas card, take a minute to think about what Christmas is. Do you even know? Well, it is similar to Christian and contains the word Christ. This is what the holiday is really about. If you want to be cautious about “expressing” your faith, this might not be the holiday for you to celebrate. If your list contains people you know well enough to send a Christmas card to, then those people should know if you are a Christian or not. If you are, you should not be ashamed to express it. If you are not a Christian, then you probably won’t be sending an overly religious card anyway. We have really lost touch with what Christmas really is and it is OK to share with others what it is really about!

When to send your greeting cards

You can start sending your cards right after Thanksgiving. Many people will use the cards they receieve to build a holiday display. Make your best effort to have the cards arrive before Christmas. However, if you are sending a holiday card, seasons greeting card or some other card that is not specifically a Christmas card, you can take up until the end of the year. If you are ordering custom holiday cards, begin to think about what you want in early November and try to get the order placed before November is over. Most companies will have a reasonable turn around time, but the mail is just a little slower around Christmas time. You will want to take that into consideration!

Who do you send the cards to?

Typically, cards are sent to friends, family, neighbors, and close business associates. If you are a newly married couple, start with your wedding guest list and add new friends or acquaintances to it. Your Christmas card list will grow and change over the years. Some people will move and never tell you. Others will send you cards and it is a good idea to return the favor.

Include your return address – always! Put your return address on every card. This will help you keep your list current when those undeliverable cards show back up in your mail box. It also helps others keep their Christmas card list accurate.