'Tis the season to... buy lots of presents, worry about the turkey, dig out the baubles, buy new fairy lights...
There is so much to do in the run up to Christmas, rushing around card shops in search of the best 'Seasons Greetings' to send family and friends doesn't always feature high up on the list.
But sending cards remains a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. The custom began in Britain in the Victorian times, with the arrival of the Penny Post, and despite the fact we are largely digital-centric - and therefore paper-free - when it comes to communication these days, the card exchange tradition is still very much alive and kicking.
But with so many delightful designs available, and so little time to find them, how to make sure you send out the best of what's on offer?
We’ve rounded up some of this year's top Christmas cards to give you a helping hand...
Single
Carousel Advent Calendar Card
For a Christmas card with a difference, look to this Victorian-style advent calendar card. With 24 mini doors to open in the lead up to the big day, it depicts a carousel, carol singers and a generous Father Christmas, and would make a great mini gift and card in one.
£3.99 | Traditional Advent Calendars | Buy it now
Good Paper Elfie selfie Christmas card
Forget selfies with Santa, why not take an elfie? A playful and amusing card, this is ideal for younger members of your family. But it's not just about Christmas puns. In buying this card, you will be directly supporting a community of women who have suffered a horrific ordeal. Printed on eco-friendly paper, these fair trade cards are handcrafted in the Philippines by women who have escaped sex trafficking. Through their production, makers are able to earn a living to support their families. What other reason could you possibly need to buy one?
£4 | Paperchase | Buy it now
Christmas Pug Card
Whilst there is a never-ending list of card options to find on Etsy, the ‘Christmas Pug Card’ is one of our favourites. Featuring a series of pugs dressed as various festive characters - including a tree and a pudding - we love the delightful ‘Pugding’ and ‘Father Pugmas’. Each is made from locally-sourced, quality materials.
£1.91 | Etsy | Buy it now
Popshots Studio Winter London large pop-up snow globe card
For loved ones abroad, choose this delicate snow globe design which captures some of London’s most impressive attractions in a wintery scene. Among the sights featured are the London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge.
£6.50 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Belly Button Designs Enjoy Yourself Christmas Card
A flamingo enjoying the festive celebrations ought to get everyone in the party spirit. A 'must' for your favourite party animal, this card is blank inside for your own Christmas message. The envelope comes in a striking silver too.
£2.50 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Gingerbread Man Card
Have you ever seen a more adorable Christmas card? This simple yet jolly design presents a charming gingerbread man, hand-decorated with sequin embellishments and a red bow tie. You can even personalise the front with a name or message for a bespoke touch.
£3.75 | Notonthehighstreet | Buy it now
Merry Christmas Happy New Year
Send personal Christmas greetings with this fun card that you can personalise with your own message. With green tree, present and moon designs against a festive red backdrop, it's sure to brighten up any sitting room.
£3.20 | Scribbler | Buy it now
Mint Toast Christmas Card
‘Tis the season to put a smile on someone’s face and this novelty card will do the trick. It features a piece of toast that is ready to pâté... and is blank inside for your own message.
£1.75 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Personalised Christmas Card
Creating the perfect Christmas card just got a lot easier with this Moonpig option; it allows you to upload a family photo straight onto the site, with a seasonal snowflake border. Send the card straight to the recipient via next day delivery if you're operating on a last minute basis.
£3.29 | Moonpig | Buy it now
Season Greetings Card
This novelty card is guaranteed to get a few LOLs. It features an illustration of different spices with a punny ‘Seasons Greetings’ caption.
£3.20 | Scribbler | Buy it now
Paperhouse The Nativity Christmas Card
Depicting the traditional nativity scene, send love and best wishes with this card from Paperhouse at John Lewis. The card includes a ‘With all good wishes for Christmas’ message written inside.
£2.50 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Sleigh Queen Card
Any fans of Ru Paul's Drag Race will love this festive card featuring the American TV personality with a Christmassy twist.
£4 | Central 23 | Buy it now
Multi-pack
Special Editions Christmas Market Cards
This wonderful Christmas market scene is the perfect antidote to a dreary winter day. Decorated with glitter for a touch of sparkle, the charity cards in this pack boast an impressive pop-out design that is sure to stand out on any mantelpiece.
£10 | Harrods | Buy it now
The Almanac Gallery Winter Scene Charity Christmas Card
This pack of six elegant charity cards, featuring Santa in his sleigh flying over a snowy town, is a great option for grown-ups and children alike. A 10 per cent donation will be made to the Stroke Association.
£6 | John Lewis | Buy it now
V&A Toy shop window Christmas cards
In case you didn’t know, the V&A online shop includes a vast selection of cards that capture the magic of Christmas perfectly. This ‘Toy Shop Window’ design is a wonderful example. The message inside reads ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’.
£5 | V&A | Buy it now
A Snowy Walk Printed Christmas cards
This snowy walk card is utterly charming, perfectly depicting a nursery group walking through snow in a woodland scene. Each is printed on 350gsm silk card with matt lamination on the front and back.
£7 | Etsy | Buy it now
UNICEF Charity Christmas Cards
This multi-coloured dove spreads the message of Christmas: peace and goodwill. With gold foil details, it comes complete with a multi-lingual greeting, both on the front and inside. All proceeds got to UNICEF, which helps children in danger around the world gain access to food, clean water, medical care and education.
£6.95 | UNICEF | Buy it now
Hallmark Christmas Card Pack 'Believe in Magic'
This pack of Christmas cards includes three seasonal designs, embellished with gold detailing so you can send your Christmas wishes in style. Comes with 12 cards in white envelopes.
£4.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Nina Cosford: Snow Globe Christmas Card
This festive snow globe bauble design is a cute and Christmassy choice. The pack of six cards come with silver envelopes and feature a 'Season's Greetings' message inside.
£5 | Tate Shop | Buy it now
Navy and Gold Religious Charity Christmas Cards
This beautifully-painted pack of 10 cards depicts the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem. Decorated with gold foil detailing, the cards read 'Wishing you Happiness and Peace this Christmas' inside.
£4.99 | WHSmith | Buy it now