The best Christmas card for family far away is one that brings you into the room: a recent photo of you, a personal message that mentions shared memories and future plans, and ideally your voice or face through a short video message. Send it early, make it easy to keep, and focus on connection rather than a year-in-review list.
Being apart for the holidays is hard on both sides. This guide covers what to include in a Christmas card for family far away, what to write, how to add a video message, and when to send it so it arrives in time.
Why a Christmas Card for Family Far Away Matters So Much
When you live in another state or another country, texts and group chats keep everyone updated, but they disappear in the scroll. A physical card is different. It arrives in the mailbox, it gets opened at the kitchen table, and it stays on the shelf for weeks. For parents and grandparents especially, it is something to hold onto when you cannot be there in person.
A good long-distance card does three things:
- Shows them your life now with a fresh photo.
- Reminds them of your bond with a shared memory.
- Points to the future with a plan to see each other.
What to Include in Your Card
A recent photo they will want to display
Family far away often misses the small changes: how much the kids have grown, the new haircut, the new puppy, the new home. Choose a recent, clear photo where faces are easy to see. A candid shot from a real moment often feels warmer than a formal pose. For more inspiration, see our Christmas card with photo ideas.
A short headline that sounds like you
Instead of a generic greeting, try something personal: "Missing you this Christmas", "Sending love from Seattle" or "From our house to yours, with love." It sets the tone before they open the card.
Your voice and face
This is what distance takes away most. A video message brings it back. With The Christmas Card from Closer Prints (formerly Closer Cards), you add your photo, a video of up to 90 seconds and two lines of your own. It is a printed card with your photo and your own video message, mailed for you. When they scan the card with their phone, they watch your video right on the photo, as many times as they like.
What to Write in a Christmas Card for Family Far Away
Keep it warm and specific. A simple structure: acknowledge the distance, share one memory, give a small update, and end with a plan.
Messages for parents
- "Christmas never feels quite the same without your kitchen and your laughter. We're thinking of you every day this season and counting down to our visit in March."
- "Thank you for every Christmas you made magical for us. Now it's our turn to send a little of that magic back to you."
Messages for grandparents
- "The kids still talk about baking cookies with you last summer. We miss you and can't wait to do it again."
- "Merry Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa! Watch the video: someone has a new song to sing for you."
Messages for siblings and extended family
- "Miles apart, but you're still the first person I want to tell everything to. Merry Christmas, and let's plan that trip for real this year."
- "Raising a mug of hot cocoa to you from across the country. Wish we were around the same table."
Messages for family overseas
- "Different time zones, same love. Merry Christmas from all of us, and we hope the New Year brings us together soon."
What to Say in Your Video Message
A video does not have to be long or polished. Up to 90 seconds is plenty. A simple outline that works for family far away:
- Say hello by name (5 seconds): "Hi Mom, hi Dad! Merry Christmas!"
- Show them something (20 to 30 seconds): the tree, the kids, the snow outside, the new house.
- Share a memory or a thank-you (20 to 30 seconds).
- Close with love and a plan (10 seconds): "We love you and we'll see you in the spring."
Recording tips: face a window for soft light, hold the phone at eye level, turn off the TV, and do two or three takes. Pick the most natural one, not the most perfect. Our guide to a Christmas card with a video message has more ideas by recipient.
When to Send Christmas Cards to Family Far Away
Distance means more time in the mail, so plan backwards from Christmas:
- Across the US: aim to order in the first half of December, and check the carrier's published holiday shipping deadlines for the latest recommended mail-by dates.
- International: international mail takes longer, so the earlier the better, ideally in late November or the first days of December.
- Running late: choose a Digital PDF version, which is delivered instantly by email, so you can still share your photo and message in time.
Closer Prints prints physical cards within 1 to 2 business days (Monday to Friday) on 5×7 premium cardstock with a matching envelope. You can choose "Send to them" and the card is mailed directly to your family, or have it sent to you if you want to add a handwritten note first.
Sending Cards to Many Relatives at Once
If your family is spread across several cities, you can make a separate card for each household, each with its own photo and video, or reuse the same design for everyone. Quantity discounts are applied automatically at checkout. Browse the full Christmas collection to pick a design for each person, from Warm Wishes Fireplace to Snowy Pines, or explore all greeting cards for birthdays and anniversaries during the rest of the year.
Small Extras That Make the Distance Feel Smaller
- Schedule a video call for Christmas morning and mention it in the card.
- Include a kid's drawing or a handwritten note tucked in the envelope.
- Share a tradition: tell them which ornament, recipe or movie you are keeping alive this year in their honor.
- Make it a series: a card at Christmas, another for their birthday, so they always have something new from you on the shelf.
FAQ: Christmas Cards for Family Far Away
What do you write in a Christmas card to family far away?
Acknowledge the distance, mention a specific shared memory, give a short update about your life, and end with a plan to see them. For example: "We miss you this Christmas. The kids still talk about last summer's lake trip. See you in April!"
How can I make family far away feel close at Christmas?
Send something they can hold and keep, with a recent photo and your own voice. A printed card with a short video message they can watch by scanning the card lets them see and hear you, not just read your words.
When should I mail Christmas cards to family in another state?
Aim for the first half of December and check your carrier's holiday mailing deadlines. Closer Prints prints physical cards within 1 to 2 business days, Monday to Friday, then mails them.
Can I send a Christmas card to family far away if I am out of time?
Yes. Choose the Digital PDF version, which is delivered instantly by email, so you can share it right away.
Can the card be mailed directly to my family?
Yes. With Closer Prints you can choose to send the card straight to the recipient, and the envelope is mailed for you, or have it sent to your own address.