42 Days ’Til Christmas – Your Christmas Card Checklist

This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

Six weeks until Christmas — can you believe it? This is the moment where all those little to-dos start adding up, and one of the easiest to fall behind on is your Christmas cards.

Today’s challenge is all about pulling everything together with a Christmas card checklist that helps you track your progress, stay organized, and get your cards out right on time.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve already done the groundwork — created your list, gathered addresses, and planned your family photo. But even if you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late. You can jump in today and still have your cards mailed before the holiday rush hits.

Revisit Your Christmas Card List

Start by opening the list you created back on at 82 Days ’til Christmas (Prep Your Christmas Card List) and 80 Days ’til Christmas (Gather Mailing Addresses).

Take a few minutes to update or refresh it:

• Has anyone moved this year?
• Do you have new friends, neighbors, or coworkers to add?
• Is there anyone you might skip this year? (Simplifying is totally fine!)

If you’re just getting started, write down 10–15 names — that’s enough to get your Christmas card planning off to a strong start. You can always add more later.

Missed the Earlier Printables?

If you missed the Holiday Card List from Day 82 or the Mailing Address Printable from Day 80, don’t worry — you can still grab them!

📬 Sign up below to get access to both printables plus all the other resources we’ve shared during the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge. They’ll help you stay organized, on track, and ready for a calmer Christmas season.

Choose or Update Your Card Design

Next on your Christmas card checklist — finalize the look of your card.

If you’ve already planned a family photo (from 78 Days ‘Til Christmas – Plan for Holiday Photos), now’s the time to pick your favorite and upload it for printing. Haven’t had photos taken yet? Choose a nice candid or schedule a quick mini shoot this week.

If you’re skipping photos this year, that’s okay too. Non-photo designs, printable cards, or even digital greetings are all great options. The goal is connection, not perfection.

Finalize Your Message and Design Details

Whether you’re ordering printed cards or making your own, check these off your list before hitting “order”:

• Keep your message short, warm, and personal.
• Double-check spelling on every name.
• Order a few extras for last-minute additions.
• If you’re doing DIY cards, gather your supplies and plan a weekend crafting session.

Add a Family Catch-Up Newsletter (Optional but Fun!)

If you love sharing highlights from your year, this is a great time to write that family holiday newsletter.

It doesn’t need to be long — just a few paragraphs that recap your family’s year:

• Small updates or milestones for each family member
• Favorite memories or funny moments
• A closing note about gratitude or what you’re looking forward to next year

You can print it on festive paper or include a link to a digital version for family and friends who prefer to read online. It’s such a meaningful way to stay connected and makes your Christmas card planning feel more personal.

Gather Your Mailing Supplies

Make mailing day easy by collecting everything you need now:

• Envelopes
• Holiday stamps (grab them early before they sell out!)
• Address labels or a return address stamp
• Washi tape, stickers, or festive pens

Having everything ready to go makes the process smoother — and gives you one more item checked off your Christmas card checklist.

Set Your Mailing Goal

Add a reminder to your Holiday Calendar to mail your cards on time:

• Mail by December 5 if you want to be ahead of the crowd.
• Mail by December 10 if you’re keeping it realistic.

If you’re mailing internationally, aim for even earlier.

Turn it into a cozy tradition — put on a Christmas movie, sip some cocoa, and enjoy addressing your cards without the rush.

Plan How You’ll Display Incoming Cards

While you’re in the card mindset, think about how you’ll display the ones you receive.

• Hang them along your mantel
• Clip them to ribbon
• Display them on a corkboard or tucked into a wreath

It’s such a simple way to make your home feel festive and keep the season’s greetings front and center.

🎯 Today’s Challenge: Your Christmas Card Checklist

📝 Christmas Card To-Dos:

• Review and update your mailing list
• Choose or finalize your card design
• Upload your family photo or order prints
• Begin your family newsletter (optional but fun!)
• Gather mailing supplies
• Mark your “mail by” date on your calendar