Deck the Halls: Holiday Cards & Calendars

Deck the Halls: Holiday Cards & Calendars. Thing of the Past or Reviving Trend?

The holidays are more than just a season of celebration—they’re a golden opportunity to strengthen connections, express gratitude, and keep your organization top of mind well into the new year.

For many B2B companies, nonprofits, and member-based organizations, holiday cards and calendars aren’t just nice gestures—they’re strategic relationship tools. Whether you’re thanking donors, recognizing clients, or reinforcing partnerships, these seasonal touchpoints can deliver measurable impact.

For many B2C companies, retailers, and consumer brands, holiday greetings serve a different but equally powerful purpose: driving loyalty and seasonal sales. A branded holiday card tucked into a shopping bag or mailed to loyal customers feels like a thoughtful gesture that sparks goodwill. Similarly, calendars can double as practical giveaways that ensure your logo and message are visible every day of the year.

Why The Tangible Holiday Card Trend Dimmed

Besides COVID—which presented a shortage of paper amongst other products—the decline in printed holiday cards and calendars was fueled by several factors:

• Digital convenience: E-cards, social posts, and email greetings offered speed, low cost, and zero postage.
• Eco-conscious concerns: Many businesses scaled back print to reduce environmental impact.

• Budget shifts: Marketing dollars shifted toward digital channels with measurable metrics and instant analytics.
• Changing Work Environments: With more professionals working remotely, especially post-COVID, companies questioned whether mailed calendars or cards would even reach recipients at corporate addresses. This uncertainty led many to scale back physical mailings.

However, as digital channels became increasingly saturated, these once-mainstay marketing tools began to reveal their hidden strengths again—and rightfully so. Print continues to hold an essential place in today’s marketing mix: tangible, memorable, and capable of forging stronger personal connections than digital touchpoints alone.

The Tangible Holiday Greeting Come Back

Tangible Is Memorable

Studies show that physical media is more engaging and easier to recall than digital. According to Canada Post’s neuromarketing research, direct mail holds attention 21% longer than digital media and leaves a deeper emotional imprint.

A well-designed holiday card or branded calendar doesn’t just deliver a message—it becomes a visual reminder on a desk or wall all year long. A calendar is consulted dozens of times each month, meaning every glance keeps your logo, mission, or message in sight. A holiday card, especially one with thoughtful design or personalization, often earns a spot pinned to a bulletin board or displayed in an office, where it sparks recognition and goodwill. Over time, these seemingly simple gestures build subconscious familiarity and loyalty, ensuring your organization stays present in the daily routines of clients, donors, or customers long after the holiday season ends.

Driving Personal Connections in a Professional World

In B2B and nonprofit spaces, relationships are often the driving force behind success. A thoughtfully crafted holiday card—personalized with a client’s name, a donor’s contribution milestone, or a handwritten note—shows that your organization values the person, not just the transaction.

For nonprofits, a card can also be a subtle reminder of the mission they support, making the emotional connection even stronger.

Create Year-Round Visibility

Calendars go beyond the holiday season. They earn a spot on desks, office walls, or in staff breakrooms, keeping your brand present for 12 months straight.

• B2B companies use branded calendars to stay in front of decision-makers year-round. Over time, this consistent visibility strengthens brand recognition and helps maintain top-of-mind awareness when purchase decisions come around.
• Nonprofits can weave in impact stories, key dates, and donation reminders to keep supporters engaged long after the holiday rush. A calendar featuring images of volunteers, success stories, or milestones not only reinforces your mission but also shows donors how their contributions make a tangible difference month after month. Adding “donor anniversaries” or campaign kickoff dates gives supporters natural touchpoints to stay involved.
• Membership organizations can spotlight benefits, upcoming events, and seasonal tips. For associations, fitness clubs, or alumni groups, a branded calendar can serve as both a resource and a recruitment tool—reminding members of the value they receive and encouraging renewals. Featuring member highlights or rotating partner discounts also adds practical, year-long relevance.

Industry Tailored: How Holiday Greetings Impact Your Bottomline

Different industries can adapt cards and calendars to fit their goals:

• Professional Services: Add client appreciation messages, milestone recaps, or goal-setting tips for the new year.
• Healthcare: Include patient wellness tips or health awareness dates.
• Nonprofits: Highlight donor impact with short stories or photos of the difference they’ve made.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Feature local events, scenic photography, or exclusive seasonal offers.

Encouraging Action

A holiday card or calendar can be more than a greeting—it can drive action:

• Include a QR code to RSVP for an event, watch a thank-you video, or make a year-end gift.
• Pair the mailing with a limited-time offer or matching donation challenge.
• Share a “Save the Date” for an upcoming conference, gala, or campaign launch.

Create an Annual Tradition & Build Long-Term Loyalty

Sending something every year builds tradition, reinforces trust, and positions your organization as one that invests in its relationships. Over time, these annual touchpoints become something your audience anticipates—a rhythm of connection that signals consistency and reliability. For clients, it communicates that you’re in the partnership for the long haul, not just the next transaction. For donors, it reassures them that their contributions are valued year after year, strengthening emotional ties to your mission. And for members or customers, it builds a sense of community and belonging, reminding them that they’re part of something bigger.

Addressing the Sustainability Question

Many organizations worry about the environmental footprint of printed materials. The good news? Sustainable printing options—like recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and carbon-neutral production—make it possible to align your print campaigns with eco-conscious values. The even better news? We offer those options here at Ai, meeting our clients where their values are.

Including a note about your sustainable printing practices in your card or calendar also communicates your commitment to environmental concerns and preservation.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Holiday cards and calendars are far from outdated—they’re high-impact tools for organizations that rely on relationships. When tailored to your audience and purpose, they can turn a seasonal gesture into year-round brand presence and goodwill.

For B2B companies, nonprofits, and member organizations, the holidays aren’t just about saying thank you—they’re about making a connection that lasts long after the decorations come down.

For B2C brands, retailers, and consumer goods companies, the season is about sparking joy and strengthening loyalty. A well-timed holiday card or branded calendar can serve as both a thoughtful touchpoint and a subtle sales driver—keeping your business top of mind during peak shopping periods and reminding customers of your brand long after the holiday season ends.