Christmas cards for when you are late

You meant to send it in November. Then it was early December, then the week before, then the day itself, and now you are looking at a list of people you always intended to write to. The good news is that a card sent late is still a card sent. It says that you thought of them.

The trick is to own it. A line about being hopelessly behind is half the joke, and it makes the person feel like they are being let into a secret. Pick a card, write your own words inside, and send it as a link by email or text. It can be scheduled for Christmas morning, or whenever you finally get round to it.

5 things to write inside

Swap in their name. Change anything that doesn’t sound like you.

  1. funny Merry Christmas, [first name]. This card is late, but so is everything else in my life. Consider yourself part of a larger pattern.
  2. sweet [first name], I've been meaning to send this for weeks. It's late and it's heartfelt, which is better than the reverse.
  3. funny I had a plan to send this in November, [first name]. The plan is currently under a pile of washing. Merry Christmas.
  4. quiet Sorry this is late, [first name]. Happy Christmas, and thank you for being patient with me.
  5. rude Merry Christmas, [first name]. Yes, I know. Yes, it's late. I'm not going to apologise. Ok, I am. I'm sorry.

Questions people ask

Is it okay to send a Christmas card late?

Yes. A late card still tells someone you thought of them, and many people feel the same guilt about their own lists. Own the lateness in one line, keep the rest warm, and send it. No one has ever been angry about a card arriving a few days after.

What do you write in a late Christmas card?

Say it's late, say why if you want, and then get to the point. A little humour about being behind is a gift. After that, write what you would have written anyway, with something specific to them.

How late is too late to send a Christmas card?

There is no deadline with a link card. You can send it on Boxing Day, in the new year, or whenever you remember. After the 25th, it becomes a Happy New Year card, and that is perfectly fine.