The holiday season is the busiest—and often the most frantic—time of the year for many businesses. Between year-end deadlines, customer events, and Q1 planning, holiday printing tends to get pushed to the very end of the to-do list.
But here’s the secret: high-quality holiday print pieces are one of the most memorable touchpoints you can send all year. Whether it’s a seasonal mailer, a branded thank-you card, or even traditional Christmas cards, holiday print projects carry far more impact than most businesses realize.
The only catch?
They need to be done right.
After working on hundreds of holiday printing projects across Middle Tennessee, we’ve noticed the same mistakes keep popping up. The good news is that they’re all easy to avoid—if you know what to look out for.
Let’s break down the most common pitfalls and how you can sidestep them this season.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start
This is the #1 holiday printing issue, every single year.
Paper suppliers tighten up…
Shipping slows down…
USPS and FedEx get buried…
And that beautifully planned holiday piece quickly turns into a rushed last-minute scramble.
Avoid it:
Start in late October or early November.
You’ll have better paper choices, smoother approvals, and guaranteed mailing windows.
2. Trusting On-Screen Colors (Screens Lie!)
Designs often look perfect on a computer—then print totally differently.
Reds shift warmer.
Blues dull down.
Metallics fall flat unless printed as foil.
This is especially true in seasonal designs, where rich holiday colors matter. Even Christmas cards can lose their charm if the signature holiday red isn’t printed correctly.
Avoid it:
Always request a printed proof before approving your final design.
This one step eliminates 95% of holiday print surprises.
3. Using Low-Resolution Logos or Photos
Holiday cards and mailers often include:
-
Team photos
-
Staff signatures
-
Product images
-
Decorative elements
If any file is low-resolution, it will print blurry or pixelated.
Avoid it:
Use vector logos (AI, EPS, PDF).
Send images at 300 dpi.
If you’re not sure—ask your printer before finalizing.
4. Choosing the Wrong Paper or Finish
Holiday cards deserve to feel special.
A thin or flimsy card sends the wrong message.
Avoid it:
Choose materials that elevate your piece:
-
14–16 pt cardstock for durability
-
Soft-touch matte for elegance
-
Satin or matte finish for a modern feel
-
Foil accents for premium or festive brands
-
Uncoated cardstock if you’re handwriting notes
Paper is the first thing people feel—and it matters.
5. Forgetting About Envelopes
It happens more often than you’d think.
The cards arrive… and the envelopes are missing, mismatched, or the wrong size.
Avoid it:
Order envelopes at the same time as your cards.
Match colors, textures, or add a printed return address for a polished finish.
6. Sending to Outdated Addresses
Nothing slows holiday momentum like returned mail.
Avoid it:
Clean your mailing list early—ideally before Thanksgiving.
Confirm VIP client addresses if needed.
7. Over-Personalizing at the Last Minute
Handwritten notes are incredible… but they take more time than most teams anticipate.
Avoid it:
Segment your list:
This keeps things meaningful without overwhelming your team.
8. Trying to DIY What Should Be Professionally Printed
Holiday print pieces represent your brand.
Uneven cuts, inconsistent colors, or streaky ink from home printers can cheapen the message.
Avoid it:
Partner with a professional printer.
You get premium color consistency, clean finishing, mailing support, and access to specialty materials like foil and soft-touch.
It’s the difference between a card that gets tossed and one that gets displayed.
Final Thoughts
Holiday printing is more than a seasonal tradition—it’s a powerful way to strengthen client relationships, express gratitude, and stand out in a crowded digital world.
When done with care, even something as simple as a holiday card (or a classic Christmas card) becomes a memorable touchpoint that stays on desks long after December ends.
Start early.
Print beautifully.
And make this holiday season one your clients won’t forget.
Written by Diana Khutsishvili, Digital Marketing Expert at AlphaGraphics Brentwood