Send virtual Xmas cards this year!

This article is all about one of the festive season’s greatest traditions – Christmas cards. We’re doing it in honour of National Christmas Card Day (December 9th). But this year, instead of stressing over postage costs, missing deadlines, or a lack of cards, why not try a modern twist? We’re talking about virtual Christmas cards. They’re budget-friendly, environmentally friendly, and also a real lifesaver when you realise that you’ve missed Aunt Ann way down in Australia off your card list!

Virtual cards are a great way of send festive love and greetings, even if you’re short on time or funds. They’re quick to make, customisable, and you can send them out with a few clicks. Ready to go digital this Christmas? Let’s dive into why National Christmas Card Day is worth celebrating, and which apps and websites are the best for sending those merry wishes virtually.

National Christmas Card Day falls on December 9 each year and is a reminder of a tradition that’s been around since the Victorian era. The very first Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, and it was a simple piece of folded card stock with a festive illustration and a message of “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”

Today, the day serves as a prompt to start sending out your Christmas cards early-ish - so your precious cards actually arrive on time. But while traditional cards are lovely things to receive, not everyone has the time (or budget) to send dozens through the mail.

That’s where virtual cards come in. They let you spread holiday cheer without worrying about costs, or the risk of your cards getting lost in the post. Plus, you can send cards as close to Christmas Day as you like, so mailing delays won’t be an issue.

Virtual Christmas cards have some major benefits we’ve already touched on: they’re fast, easy to customise, and perfect for last-minute festive wishes. If you’re interested in going virtual this year, you’ve got lots of apps and websites to choose from. Here are some of our faves:

Jacquie Lawson.

Jacquie Lawson are famous for their beautifully animated designs. They’re not just static images - these cards come to life with festive scenes and music. Each card feels like a tiny, festive story—perfect for adding some style to your holiday greetings.

The animation on Jacquie Lawson’s cards is crafted by professional artists, and they’re a great option for anyone who loves a more traditional Christmas feel but wants to share it digitally. The designs range from classic snowy village scenes to fun, festive characters, so there’s a wide variety to fit your style. There is a small membership fee to access the full collection, bur the quality of the cards makes it worth the investment.

Don’t Send Me a Card.

If you’re looking for a way to make your Christmas cards even more meaningful, Don’t Send Me a Card offers a nice twist. With this site, you’re not just sending a card—you’re also making a charitable donation. Every card sent through Don’t Send Me a Card goes towards a cause, so your holiday greetings double as a donation.

This is an ideal choice if you want to spread joy in more ways than one. You can pick from a variety of festive card designs, and with each one you send, a donation is made to a charity. Many people love this because it gives their holiday greeting extra purpose, and it’s a great way to practice giving during the holiday season.

Moonpig.

Moonpig is known for its custom cards, and their virtual Christmas are no exception. You can add your own photos and text, making each card unique and personal. If you like the idea of sending a photo of your family in Santa hats or a silly snap of your dog in reindeer antlers, Moonpig is perfect for you.

Moonpig’s customisation options are endless. Whether you want a heartfelt message or a funny one, you can adjust the design to fi. And if you’re one to send the same card to family and friends each year, Moonpig lets you save your creations, so you can revisit favourite designs or tweak them for future holidays. It’s an easy way to personalise your greetings without the hassle of printing or handwriting each one.

Now that we’ve gone through some options, let’s quickly talk about why virtual cards are worth considering. First, they’re budget-friendly. Traditional cards and postage can add up, especially if you have a long list of people you want to send greetings to. Virtual cards, on the other hand, are either free or come with a small fee for premium features, saving you a bundle.

Virtual cards are also incredibly eco-friendly. Each holiday season, billions of cards are printed, which means a lot of paper and ink are used, not to mention the environmental cost of delivery. By going digital, you’re contributing to a greener planet—and still spreading lots of holiday cheer.

Lastly, let’s not forget the convenience factor. For those of us who leave things to the last minute, virtual cards are a game-changer. You can send one out right on Christmas Day if you need to. No stamps, no delays, no stress—just a quick, thoughtful message in seconds.

So, what do you think? Have we convinced you? Will you be sending virtual Christmas cards this year? If you’re already a virtual card pro, we’d love to hear your recommendations for other apps or sites that you think do a great job. Share your comments below!