How to Make a Christmas Card List

Have you ever worried that you may have overlooked someone special on your annual Christmas card list? Friend groups expand, people move and new relationships are formed  each year. Here are a few tips to help you stay connected and remember everyone that should be on your list this year. 

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Last Year’s Christmas Card List

Start with the basics by pulling up your list from last year and updating it. Be sure that it reflects everyone’s current status, as it’s possible that a friend has a new last name or partner to include. Maybe your cousin’s family has relocated to a new home, or there are new additions to a family.

Last Year’s Cards

Compare this year’s Christmas card list to the names of those who sent you cards last Christmas and if you received a card from someone who is not on your list, add them. If you are looking for an organized way to hold onto the cards you receive each year, try these Plastic shoe boxes, which work well for the task

Address Book

Your address book is an easy go-to. Work your way through and add people to your master card list who may not already be there. 

Calendar/ Appointment Book

Do you use a planner or digital calendar to organize all of your important dates and appointments? Page through the past year and make note of anyone you may have overlooked. An appointment book is also an excellent reference to recollect the names of people you spent time with during the past year. Don’t forget to include people with whom you established professional relationships.

Social Media Accounts

Another good place to check your list is on your social media accounts. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn provide lists of connected friends, colleagues and family members. Be sure to check your social media accounts and write down everyone that you’d like to add to your list. After reviewing each account, remove any duplicate names.  

And don’t forget…

Teachers and School Staff

Some of the most important and influential people in our lives are our teachers. The holidays are the perfect time to let them know how much we appreciate them by sending them a holiday greeting card. You can collaborate with your kids to make sure you include all of the key faculty your child interacts with at school, and ask them if they want to personally sign the cards or add a special message. You can also log into your child’s school portal to see a list of faculty and staff. Remember to start these early, so there is time to hand deliver your greetings before Winter break begins! 

Manicurists, Stylists & Barbers

Do you have good rapport with your manicurist, hair stylist or barber?  They work hard to keep you looking your best all year long, so be sure to remember them at the holidays. If you feel that a modest gift is also in order, consider adding a tip with your holiday greeting. 

Medical Personnel

Medical professionals and staff keep us healthy and are there for us when we need them most. Make a list of all your current healthcare providers (dentist, optometrist, ob-gyn, family doctor, etc.) and send a card to each of their offices to express holiday greetings and gratitude for all they do. If you have an appointment during the holidays, consider delivering a cookie tray, or poinsettias with your cards. These thoughtful gestures will bring much joy and a feeling of appreciation. Remember to document the providers on your card list, so that you will remember them again next year.

Extended Care Facilities

Do you have a friend or family member who is spending the holidays in a healthcare facility away from home? A card will help lift their spirits and let them know that they are loved and that someone is thinking of them. Also remember the staff who take care of your loved one as well. 

Vet/Groomer/Sitter

They love and provide care for our precious fur babies! Veterinarian offices, groomers and pet sitters love displaying the Christmas cards that they receive, so make sure that yours is one of them. 

Service Providers 

As the old saying goes, no matter how bad the weather, you can always count on your mail carrier to deliver. Same holds true for sanitation workers, newspaper carriers and others that can be often overlooked around the holidays. A special greeting from you and your family can brighten their holidays and let them know how much their hard work is appreciated. 

Between the resources listed above and all the digital software available, with a little time and effort, keeping your Christmas card list up to date should be easy to do. (Remember, your grandmother had to use old school pen and paper!). Most importantly, as you compile and update the names on your list, take a moment to reflect on how lucky you are  to have all those wonderful people in your life!