holiday cards

Sending holiday greetings is easier than ever with ecards and iPhone apps that let you send cards to your contact list on the fly, but popping a real card with a handwritten message in the mail is always the best way to show you care. If you lean more geeky than traditional, there's no reason why you can't show off a bit of personality in your holiday cards. Here, 18 seasonal cards for well-wishes and an end-of-the-year chuckle.

In an age when most of our mail comes to our email in-boxes instead of our homes, holiday cards are a welcome seasonal treat. But once the envelopes are tossed, what exactly do you do with all of those thoughtful cards, pictures, and notes? Make the most of your friends' and family's seasonal greetings with these nine fun ideas for displaying, preserving, and recycling your holiday cards.

Tis the season for holiday cheer — and stress over finding the perfect photo to place on your holiday card. We can try to capture our lil ones' personalities in a single shot, but it isn't exactly easy. We want our card to stand out among the sea of family photos that will arrive in friends and families' mailboxes in the coming weeks. Before putting your tots in their Fair Isle sweaters and charging the camera, check out these 9 fun holiday card ideas!

Source: Justine Ungaro

From playful greetings to personalized picks to modern, stylish options, we've rounded up the best holiday cards from our favorite stationery spots. Planning to wish your loved ones a happy holiday this year? Whether you like classic Christmas cards or more contemporary designs, we've found a range of options to suit your greeting style. Trust us: these cards are so chic, you may want to buy a few extra to frame for yourself. Get ahead of the holiday rush and shop standout cards now!

There are seemingly infinite holiday card options out there, and it's easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of designs to choose from. But if you're going the route of a photo card this year, put the focus where it belongs

If 2012 brought you the best gift of all — a new baby — then your holiday greetings this year are of paramount importance. These 10 multitasking holiday cards are a perfect solution for busy moms. Not only do they spread season's greetings to family and friends (with serious style, might we add . . . ), but they also share the happy news of your family's new addition!

This year, skip the expected holiday greetings, and go for a card that's sure to wow friends and family. These seven unexpected options will be the hits of their recipients' mailboxes. Added bonus? Some will even allow you to take a pass on the annual family photo shoot while still sending a personalized greeting — a perfect solution for those among us with uncooperative kids (or spouses). Season's greetings!

It's one of the most wonderful times of the year: holiday card-buying time! If you're anything like me, your holiday card is something you think about for months (photo shoot booked, coordinating outfits purchased, new designs from Minted and Tiny Prints reviewed), all the while plotting to make this your best holiday card ever. But even if you're a little less card-obsessed than I am, follow the advice from some of our favorite photographers and online card retailers, and you're guaranteed to impress your friends and family. From wardrobe to photo layout, from text decisions to personalization, these tips will make this year's card one to remember.

The rabbit doesn't always win the race! Sure your mantel may be filled with beautiful cards picturing smiling children wishing you a happy holiday, but just because you didn't get around to ordering your family's cards before Christmas, doesn't mean you've lost the race! A new tradition — sending New Year's cards — is gaining momentum and procrastinating mamas are loving it!

I spoke with Meg Bohnert, Shutterfly’s card stylist, and learned that the sending of New Year's cards is growing in popularity. She said, "New Year's is a time to start fresh and wish family and friends well — it's an optimistic time for many, and they want to express that in their holiday card and greeting." As far as when to send them out so recipients don't think Mom was just late in stamping her holiday cards, Meg said, "If you want to send out a New Year's card and make it look intentional, you should have the greeting 'Happy New Year' in your message to friends and family and send it after Christmas."

Take a look at some of the New Year's cards catching my eye right now, and don't worry; I won't think you're late if you start sending them out now!