Who to send Christmas cards to: 9 people to include on your list

Forget naughty and nice! Everyone knows the most important Christmas list is actually your Christmas cards list—the list of loved ones lucky enough to receive your annual Christmas cards.

Whether you’re sending printed or digital Christmas cards this year, deciding who to send Christmas cards to is an important part of the process. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful Christmas cards list, along with suggestions for Paperless Post Christmas designs that everyone will love.

1. Family members

No one loves Christmas cards more than family members. Between adorable photos of grandchildren and festive holiday messages, your cards will be a guaranteed hit with the fam. (And if they want even more pictures, add a Photo Block to showcase additional sweet photos!)

When making your Christmas cards list, be sure to include:

• Parents and in-laws
• Siblings 
• Grandparents
• Cousins
• Aunts and uncles
• Distant relatives who look forward to your card every year

Showcase your gorgeous family with the “Joy and Candy Canes” photo Card by Paperless Post. Or, if you can’t decide between just one picture (we can’t blame you), try “Year in Review” by The Indigo Bunting.

2. Friends and friend groups

Your friends may stay up-to-date on your life via social media feeds—but they still want a Christmas card! Add buddies and besties to your Christmas card list so they can join in the festive goodness. You can add recipients by uploading a spreadsheet with names and email addresses, or when using the Paperless Post app, by adding your phone contacts. Consider posting a shareable link on social media to spread the holiday joy even further!

Make sure to include these friends in your Christmas card list:

• Close friends
• Not-so-close friends (but maybe they will be soon!)
• Parents of your kids’ friends
• Members of a book club, gaming group, or sports team
• Work friends
• Childhood friends (including those you haven’t spoken to in a while)

The homey “Porch Wood” Christmas Card by Cheree Berry Paper & Design highlights a portrait of you and yours for recipients to admire. If your friend group is on the snarkier side, opt for a funny Christmas card, such as“Merry Matriarchy” by Party of One.

3. People in the neighborhood

Even if the only thing you know about your neighbors is that their dog is super friendly, it’s still nice to send them a holiday card. Collect email addresses or phone numbers at your next block party and send Christmas cards via email or text to everyone who attended. You can even post a shareable link on your neighborhood message board!

Consider including these neighbors on your Christmas card list:

• Neighbors on your street
• People you know around town
• Neighbors who know your kids or pets well
• Babysitters or pet sitters who live in your community
• HOA or homeowner board members

Let neighbors get to know your family a little better with “Fa La La La Tree Photo” by Rifle Paper Co. If you’re looking to spread a little holiday spirit, try the colorful “Merry Vibes” by Paperless Post.

4. Teachers, coaches, and school personnel

Show appreciation for the dedicated adults in your kids’ lives! Sending a Christmas card to the teachers and coaches who spend time with your kids is a nice way to reach out during the holidays. And don’t forget the school front office! Schedule your holiday cards to send in early December so they arrive before school lets out for the holidays.

Add these special supporters to your list:

• Your kid’s teacher
• Aides or paraprofessionals
• Team coaches
• Tutors
• School office personnel
• Principal

“Trimmed Wreath” by Hello!Lucky is an elegant and shiny way to wish anyone a happy holiday from your household to theirs. For a card that features your wonderful family—or your child’s brand-new school picture—use “Wrapping Paper” by kate spade new york.

5. Medical professionals

Add to your doctor’s display board of patient holiday cards! If you’re not sending printed Christmas cards, send a digital card to your doctor’s office email to give them a healthy dose of cheer. If you or a loved one spent time in the hospital this year, send a card to the department’s nurses’ station to express your gratitude.

Add these medical professionals to your card list:

• Doctors
• Pediatricians
• Dentists
• Orthodontists
• Veterinarians
• Nurses

Use the beautiful “Cottagecore Border Photo” by Dogwood Hill to showcase the family they’ve helped out this year. For vets who love a good dog pun, choose a card like “Howl-idays” by Hello!Lucky.

6. Stylists and cosmetologists

Your stylists may be familiar with your hair, nails, and skin—but how well do they know the rest of your family? Send them a Christmas card to spread some holiday joy and to give them a glimpse into your life outside of appointments.

Include these individuals in your Christmas card list:

• Hair stylists
• Nail technicians
• Massage therapists
• Estheticians
• Dog groomers

“Skating in the City” by Rifle Paper Co. is a beautiful and classic way to share the Christmas spirit with those who help you look and feel your best. You can also send the lovely “Raanu” photo Card by Marimekko to feature a picture of you and yours—possibly with a new haircut, courtesy of them!

7. Coworkers, bosses, and employees

For some people, their colleagues are like a second family. Pay homage to these relationships in your life—and make some important connections while you’re at it—with Christmas cards. Add a professional holiday greeting to pass on your best wishes to them and their families.

Include these individuals or teams in your business Christmas cards:

• Managers or supervisors
• Coworkers in your department
• C-Suite colleagues (CEO, CFO, etc.)
• Direct reports
• Employees (if you’re the boss)

Use an elegant card like “Frosted” by Kelly Wearstler for a formal yet festive tone. If you’d like to feature a picture of you and your family—or a great team photo—try “Golden Holly Horizontal” by Paperless Post.

8. Clients and customers

Let clients and customers know they’re the true VIPs of your company by adding them to your Christmas card list. Whether it comes directly from you or your HR department, a holiday card from a company representative keeps your brand top of mind—and strengthens those connections all year round.

Add these people to your client and customer card list:

• Clients who have worked with you for a long time
• New clients
• Customers in a rewards program
• Clients you’d love to work with next year
• Customers you haven’t seen in a while

Take a company photo to feature in a card like “Gold Baubles” by Paperless Post. Or, skip the photo and include your company logo when you send “Snow Storm” by Paperless Post.

9. First responders and military

Once you’ve filled out a Christmas card list with people you know, consider sending cards to those who put their lives on the line every day. First responders and military personnel welcome thoughtful cards expressing support and good cheer—especially if they’re away from their own families during the holidays.

Find an organization that can distribute your cards to those on the front lines, such as the USASOA (which also accepts care packages for soldiers and sailors). If you have online contact information for first responders or military personnel, send a serene card like “Snow Cap” by Paperless Post or “Tartan” by Oscar de la Renta.

Send Christmas cards your way with Paperless Post

Deciding who to send Christmas cards to isn’t as difficult as it seems—especially when using Paperless Post. Just think of the people who have made a positive impact on your life and how much a sweet card would mean to them this year. 

Once you’ve shored up your Christmas card list, check out our list of tips for Christmas card etiquette. With Paperless Post, your holiday cheer reaches everyone you love—and celebrates a special year in your life.