It’s that time of year again, when I start to think about my family’s Christmas cards. They’ve become such a meaningful keepsake, capturing not only where we were in life each year but also the designs and photography trends of the time. This year, Christmas card trends are all about celebrating originality through artwork, innovative layouts, and eye-catching finishes, while emphasizing photos and family updates. Here are some things we’re seeing for 2025 Christmas cards.

Artistic Illustrations and Bold Typography

Hand-drawn illustrations are a standout trend for 2025, offering a unique and whimsical aesthetic that shines in winter scenes, festive motifs, and playful holiday icons. Bold typography is equally popular, making the holiday message the focal point. Large, impactful fonts combined with minimalist backgrounds present a stylish, modern approach that feels fresh and engaging. These design elements work exceptionally well for photo cards, perfect for showcasing your favorites from your most recent family photo session (hint, hint). 

Natural, Muted Color Palettes

Traditional red and green take a back seat this year, replaced by earthy tones such as sage green, soft blue, and warm neutrals. These natural shades are perfect for those who want to avoid clichés and achieve a contemporary yet serene mood, ideal for both single photos and collage-style cards. Pair these colors with textured backgrounds or natural elements for a calming seasonal message.

Foil, Geometric Patterns, and Mixed Media

Gold foil and metallic finishes make for a luxurious update to classic card styles. Abstract geometric patterns and minimalist layouts help cards feel sophisticated and artistic. Couples and families can further elevate holiday cards by combining their beautiful photos with decorative borders, foil accents, or striking creative overlays, making the mail-out both festive and high-end.

Photo Trends: Portraits, Candids, and Year-in-Review

People are opting for a variety of photo styles, from the grand family portrait in coordinated outfits that highlight togetherness, to casual selfies and candid lifestyle shots that capture spontaneous moments and personality. Highlight-of-the-year cards and year-in-review designs are still popular, and allow you to share wedding moments, travels, and recent family updates in a stunning, narrative format.

No matter your preferred style, curating a lovely Christmas card cannot be done without a personal touch that feels unique to your family. The first step in designing your cards is to consider the photos you will use. Have you had professional photos taken recently, or is it time to schedule your next session? I’d love to document your family if you’re local, but if we don’t get the chance to meet – make sure your session includes curated and completely candid moments, both worthy of a Christmas card.