Creative Ways to Personalize Your Holiday Cards – 2025 Edition

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November 7, 2025

It’s that magical time of year again! The air’s getting crisp, lights are popping up everywhere, and holiday cards are officially on my brain. If you’re anything like me, you might be ready to shake things up a bit, skip the same old template and make something that actually feels like you.

2025 is all about personalization, creativity, and having a little fun with your cards. I’m talking cards that stop people mid-scroll (or mid-mail check) and make them smile. Let’s dive in!

Make Your Traditions Shine

Your holiday card should reflect what makes your family yours. Matching pajamas, holiday cookie chaos, snowball fights, or just the sweet chaos of trying to get everyone to pose. Capture it all!

Candid shots of decorating the tree, snuggling on the couch with your pets, or baking your famous cookies make your card feel warm and real. Don’t stress perfection, it’s the real moments that make people connect.

Pro tip: Add a little note about your favorite tradition. It’s an easy, personal touch that turns a card into a memory. Let’s book a family session and capture those moments in a way that’s authentically you.

Handwritten = Heartfelt

Templates are great for structure, but a handwritten note is pure magic. Even a tiny doodle from the kids, or your dog’s paw print, makes your card feel personal and intentional.

You can still use a template for the layout, but add a little handwritten love on the back or inside. That personal touch? It can’t be replicated by a printer.

Celebrate Your Year in Photos

Your holiday card can be a mini time capsule. Include highlights from the past year: trips, new pets, milestones, or even your latest hobby. A few captions under each image make it feel like a peek into your life.

Pro tip: Use photos from your family session to showcase your year in a polished, timeless way. Whether it’s a new family member, a big change, or just your kiddos growing up way too fast, professional images will make your card shine.

Share a Little Piece of Home

Want to go beyond photos? Include a favorite holiday recipe, a quirky family tradition, or even a fun story. Small touches like these make your recipients feel like they’re part of your holiday celebration. Plus, who doesn’t love trying a new cookie recipe?

Did You Know You Can Customize & Order Directly Through Your Photo Gallery?

Did you know you can design and order holiday cards straight from your photo gallery? Yup—it’s that easy. Feeling the pressure of holiday card season? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Our custom holiday cards start at just $50. I’ll handle all the design work, so all you need to do is stamp and send. Easy, stress-free, and still completely you.

Want to design your own? No problem! You can use our gallery ordering system or go through our trusted partner, Minted. Plus, with code PHOTOPROKMASON, you’ll get 20% off your order. Holiday cards have never been this simple, or this fun!

Holiday Card Trends for 2025

Here’s what’s popping this year:

  • Bold Typography & Minimalist Layouts
    • Clean, modern designs with big, bold text are still trending. One image + bold fonts = maximum impact.
  • Warm Neutrals & Organic Textures
    • Soft creams, muted greens, earthy textures—these are cozy, modern, and oh-so-stylish.
  • Playful Maximalism
    • Bright colors, bold patterns, and fun illustrations are perfect if your style is vibrant and full of personality. Go big or go home!
  • Luxe Materials & Metallic Foils
    • Velvet, linen, raised detailing, and metallic accents (hello, gold and rose gold!) add a luxe, tactile feel. Pair with minimalist layouts for elegant-but-fun cards.
  • Interactive & Multi-Sensory Cards
    • Pull-tabs, pop-ups, scratch-offs, or QR codes that link to a family video make your card an experience. People remember these cards.
  • Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Designs
    • Plantable cards, recycled paper, and low-waste packaging are more popular than ever. Beautiful and eco-conscious? Yes, please.
  • Oversized Bows
    • Bows are back, and bigger than ever. Think velvet, satin, or gingham in bold, oversized statements. These aren’t just embellishments; they’re the focal point. From tree toppers to card designs, these bows add a touch of nostalgia and glamour to your greetings.
  • Classic Greenery
    • Evergreen branches, holly, and mistletoe continue to be timeless symbols of the season. Their natural beauty brings a serene and traditional touch to holiday greetings.
  • Painterly Winter Scenes
    • Soft, watercolor-style illustrations of snowy landscapes or cozy interiors evoke warmth and nostalgia. These artistic designs are perfect for adding a personal and heartfelt touch to your cards.
  • Pet-Inclusive Designs
    • Including furry friends in holiday cards is more popular than ever. Whether it’s a photo or a cute illustration, showcasing pets adds personality and charm to your greetings.
  • Gift-Inspired Designs
    • Cards that mimic the look of wrapped presents, complete with bows, tags, and textures, offer a delightful and thematic way to present your holiday wishes

Your holiday cards can be so much more than a card. Highlight your traditions, celebrate your memories, get creative with photos, and have fun with trends, your cards will be the ones everyone actually wants to open.

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