Deck Your Designs: Lessons from Christmas Cards

It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner, bringing with it the usual mix of good food, holiday lights, and time with loved ones. One of the long-standing traditions that marks the Christmas season is the sending and receiving of Christmas cards. As the holiday approaches, many of us eagerly check our letter boxes to see the beautiful cards and festive messages from loved ones. These cards often feature heartwarming images of snowy landscapes, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes, each carrying messages of love, hope, and good wishes for the coming year. Some cards even add a touch of humour or creativity. And, of course, we return the gesture, sending cards of our own to express our appreciation.

Interestingly, the tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to the early 17th century. The very first recorded Christmas card was sent in 1611 by Michael Maier, a German physician, to King James I of England and his son, the Prince of Wales. This early card was quite different from the ones we know today, as it was more of a personal greeting. Fast forward to today, and it's hard to imagine Christmas without the familiar exchange of these thoughtful gifts. In fact, it is estimated that around 8 billion Christmas cards are sent annually in the UK, a staggering number that reflects just how ingrained this tradition is in our holiday celebrations. 

Despite the rise of digital communication, the physical act of sending and receiving Christmas cards remains a deeply cherished custom. These cards, with their personal touch, provide a warmth and connection that can't be replicated through a screen. The festive exchange of cards offers an opportunity to connect with friends and family, whether near or far, and spreads joy in a way that feels both traditional and timeless.

Even with Royal Mail’s recent stamp price increase, Christmas cards remain as popular as ever. While the hike has encouraged some to explore new ways of sharing festive greetings, such as WhatsApp memes, e-cards, or social media posts, the tradition of sending physical cards remains.

For those of us in the design industry, there’s plenty we can take from Christmas cards to add a festive touch to our designs. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of design trends that could inspire your work this holiday season – and make them a little more ‘Christmassy’.

Merry & Bright

This year, consider stepping beyond the traditional red and green colour scheme that has long dominated holiday design. To make your digital creations pop, embrace the use of bright, lively colours and rainbow palettes that reflect the excitement of the season. Bold graphics and playful patterns will capture attention and bring a sense of fun to your designs. Think about using neon pinks, vibrant oranges, and electric blues alongside more traditional elements like snowflakes and holiday lights, creating a modern yet festive visual style that stands out. This fresh approach will not only catch your audience's eye but also convey a sense of joy and celebration that is sure to make a lasting impact. We’ve picked out our favourite Merry & Bright card design from Etsy here.

Minimalism to the Max

Channel the clean lines and bold graphics of the Bauhaus design movement for a modern, minimalist holiday aesthetic. Go for simple, geometric shapes and patterns, and pair them with a strikingly contrasting colour palette. For example, combine rich shades of emerald green or deep burgundy with crisp white or black to create a sophisticated, high-impact look. By removing unnecessary clutter and focusing on striking design elements, you can deliver a sleek, contemporary Christmas experience that still feels festive and fresh. This approach to design is perfect for those looking to make a statement while keeping things elegant and refined. These Boho cards by The RitzyRose fit this theme beautifully.

Silver Bells

Add some sparkle and shine to your designs this season by incorporating metallics and reflective elements like silver, gold, and glitter. Think of it as a celebration of light and luxury, with starbursts, disco balls, and shimmering details that evoke the magic of the holiday season. For instance, you could use metallic fonts for your holiday messaging or incorporate glittery textures into your background. These metallic accents are perfect for creating a non-denominational, inclusive holiday vibe that appeals to all audiences. This handmade sparkly tree by PoppyMay is ticking these boxes.

'Tis The Season for Typography

Typography is more than just a way to convey information – this season, it's a design feature in its own right. Use fun, playful fonts that capture the spirit of the holidays and entice customers to keep reading. Consider using typography that evokes a sense of joy, warmth, or even whimsy – think hand-lettered script, vintage typewriter fonts, or bold, modern typefaces with quirky touches. Pair these fonts with creative, dynamic layouts to give your holiday messaging extra flair. The right typography can take your design to the next level and make your holiday promotions feel even more festive, helping your brand stand out during the busy season. There are so many ways to play with type on your festive designs, from hand-lettered like this one by OopsadoodleDesign, to simple but stand-out printed letters from VoeuxPrints.

Take A Walk Down Memory Lane

There's something special about nostalgia, and this holiday season, you can tap into that magic by revisiting past ad campaigns or vintage holiday design trends. Dive into old Christmas ads, posters, or packaging and extract the elements that resonate with you. You could take inspiration from mid-century modern designs, retro typography, or the vibrant colour schemes of yesteryear to create a playful, vintage-inspired campaign, such as these vintage themed cards from Barnardos. Not only does this evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, but it also invites your audience to reminisce about their own holiday memories. These classic design elements will give your designs a timeless quality that feels both nostalgic and festive.

Bringing Festive Cheer to Your Designs this Christmas

As the holiday season quickly approaches, let these design ideas inspire you to create something truly special that will delight and engage your audience, continuing the tradition of connecting through the warmth of thoughtfully crafted Christmas cards. 

At emc design, we are particularly excited for this time of year. As the year draws to a close, it's a great time to help our clients wrap up their projects and campaigns with a sense of accomplishment and reflection. We’d love to hear from you—what trends or approaches are you most excited about as we close out this year, and what does 2025 have in store for you?