Summer is here, and with fall around the corner, the smartest brands are already thinking ahead to the holiday season—and the unique opportunity of a truly memorable holiday card.
A holiday card is one of the most overlooked opportunities in marketing. Most companies treat it as an afterthought—if they send one at all. But done right, it does more than spread cheer: it earns a place on your client’s desk (and in their mind), reinforcing your brand long after the season ends.
’Tis the season to stand out
While brands work year-round to craft content that’s both memorable and shareable, a holiday card offers a rare chance to make a lasting impression. These cards often earn prime real estate—on a client’s desk, pinned to an office wall, or placed front and center in a lobby—for weeks, sometimes months.
Sure, most cards are pleasant enough; imagine one that actually makes someone pause, smile, and remember your brand. This is your window to break through the seasonal clutter. With just a spark of branding and a dash of creativity, your holiday card can become more than a seasonal gesture—it can build rapport, reinforce your identity, and keep your brand top-of-mind well into the new year.
For a Texas Capital Bank, we created a holiday card featuring a wreath made from a close-up of a dollar bill—a festive spin on financial prosperity.
Make it personal, not promotional
The most memorable holiday cards aren’t the flashiest or the funniest, they’re the ones that feel unmistakably “you.” This is your chance to reinforce your brand’s personality in a way that’s less formal than your website or sales materials typically allow. It’s a space to be authentic, warm, and human.
Remember, this isn’t necessarily about winning over new leads. Your holiday card list is usually made up of existing clients, long-time partners, and loyal fans. These are the people who already know you; this card is your opportunity to show them they’re seen, appreciated, and still at the heart of your business as a new year begins.
When done right, this non-promotional piece can live on desks and in offices for weeks, quietly turning customers into advocates of your brand.
For Avantax, we created a 3-dimensional candle card—bringing warmth and elegance to their seasonal message.
Beat the holiday rush
Most businesses send their holiday cards as an afterthought—generic, last-minute, and forgettable. But by getting ahead of the rush and mailing yours early, you give it the best shot at prime placement. A card sent at the start of the season isn’t just seen by your direct contact—it’s likely to be displayed for weeks, catching the attention of coworkers, clients, partners, and even visiting customers.
A card that’s timely and thoughtfully designed doesn’t just show up—it stands out. And when it does, it creates a memorable touchpoint your client is more likely to recall the next time your name comes up.
For Naturally Slim, we created a holiday card where Santa gradually slims down—a festive nod to the healthy habits their program promotes.
The gift of staying top-of-mind
A holiday card isn’t just a kind gesture—it can be a strategic brand touchpoint. Unlike standard direct mail, which often ends up unopened or tossed, a holiday card is almost always read. And if it’s creative, clever, or beautifully made? It’s remembered.
We’ve heard it firsthand: clients referencing our cards months later, praising the design, the sentiment, or simply the fact that it felt personal. A savvy marketer knows this isn’t coincidence—it’s an opportunity. Plan your outreach so your card is just the first touchpoint. Follow it up with a call, a check-in, or a thank-you, and continue the conversation while your brand is still top-of-mind.
When your holiday card feels as distinctive as your brand, it does more than deliver a seasonal message—it creates a moment of connection. It reminds your clients why they chose you in the first place. And when thoughtfully timed, beautifully crafted, and followed up with intention, it becomes more than a gesture—it becomes a growth strategy. Because in the end, it’s not just about sending a card. It’s about being remembered.
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