It’s mid-December, and mailboxes are filling up with holiday cards from friends and family.

Unlike many other holiday tasks that you can put off until the very last second (who hasn’t had to make a last minute trip to the store for a few extra stocking stuffers?) you have a finite window to get your holiday cards together so you’re not sending them out around a completely different holiday, say Valentine’s Day. If you are one of the many overwhelmed people out there who haven’t even thought about your card yet, don’t abandon hope of getting one out, it’s not too late!

Sarah on “There’s No Such Thing As Perfect”

“Holiday cards are the perfect instance of always feeling pressure to keep up with the Jones’s. Unfortunately, that only leads to a sense of disappointment. It’s best to go into making and sending your holiday cards knowing that things are never going to be perfect. There’s no ‘perfect’ photo, ‘perfect’ card, ‘perfect’ list or ‘perfect’ timing, especially this time of year. As it turns out, by doing the best you can, with the time and resources you’ve got, you usually end up with something that better defines you and your family than anything you spent hours and hours on. And isn’t that what a holiday card is all about?”

Alicia on “Overcome the Holiday Card Inertia”

“As if there weren’t enough stresses during the holidays, getting out a card is yet another. Thinking about it can be a bit overwhelming: do you go with a regular card or a photo card, who should get one, do you have everybody’s correct address, when on earth will you find the time to jot down a personal note and address envelopes… Considering all the variables simultaneously is enough to stop anyone in their tracks. Instead, try breaking up the process into mini-projects that can be done in smaller blocks of time, approximately 10-20 minutes. For example, pick a photo from last summer’s collection during your lunch break. After dinner, select a card design and order online. Once you have the cards, address fifteen a day until you’re done.”

Here are some ideas for getting your Holiday (or New Year’s) cards out in time despite a late start.

#1: The Card

Fortunately, for those of us who are design-challenged, most of the online photo-sharing websites offer a wide variety of holiday card designs. You can quickly and easily import any of your photos on to a holiday-themed card, place your order, and in less than a week, you’ve got your cards, complete with envelopes. It’s usually fairly inexpensive, and it saves you a tremendous amount of hassle. Some sites to check out include Snapfish.com, Kodakgallery.com, and Shutterfly.com.

#2: The List

It can be tempting to make your list of recipients extremely long. (Think back to your wedding guest list.) Try to focus on the people on your list that are most important to you, not just merely acquaintances. You want to go to people you care about, not your mom’s friend from work who you met once 15 years ago, although I’m sure she’s a lovely person.

# 3: The Timing

Of course, when it comes to sending out your holiday cards, the sooner the better. But, let’s remember, it’s not a race. Just because you may start getting holiday cards in November, doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to get your cards out right now as well. If you have time to do it before the New Year, that’s great. If not, you can send out New Year’s cards, when people may actually have time to sit down and appreciate your mail.