Corporate Holiday E-Cards: A Seasonal Touchpoint That Matters

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As the holiday season approaches, businesses face an annual tradition: the corporate holiday card. While it may seem like a simple, obvious gesture, too many organizations still manage to stumble. Mistakes can range from tone-deaf messaging to poorly executed designs or missing important contacts in your distribution—small blunders that undermine what should be a meaningful touchpoint.

Whether it’s a classic paper card or a digital e-card, this small gesture can leave a big impact—when done right. Personally, I’m an advocate for e-cards for their reduced environmental footprint and because traditional cards are essentially quick-use disposable items—while they might sit on a shelf for a few days in some places, most are read and disposed of immediately. Here’s a simple guide to help you create an e-card that’s both thoughtful and effective.

Messaging: Keep It Simple and Inclusive

When crafting your message, focus on the spirit of the season. Aim for something inclusive like “Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year” rather than specific religious references like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah.” It is important to make all recipients feel acknowledged and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Design: Reflect Simplicity and Diversity

Your card’s design should align with your brand’s visual identity while remaining inclusive. Avoid religious symbols like Santa Claus or menorahs and opt for universal imagery like snowflakes, winter landscapes or abstract festive patterns. Clean, modern designs paired with thoughtful use of your brand colours and logo ensure a polished and professional look.

Format: Technical Specs Matter

To ensure your e-card looks great and functions well across devices, follow these best practices:

• Dimensions: 600–800 pixels wide for emails.

• File Format: JPG or PNG for static images; GIF or MP4 for animations.

• File Size: Keep it under 1MB to ensure quick loading times.

• Accessibility: Include alt text for images to make your card accessible to everyone.

• Embed the File: For better engagement, embed the e-card directly into the email rather than attaching it.

Timing: Perfectly Timed Delivery

Timing is key to maximize engagement. Avoid sending your e-card too early or too late. The sweet spot? A weekday in mid-December, ideally mid-morning or early afternoon. This timing ensures your card lands in inboxes when recipients are most likely to see and engage with it.

Ensure Thoughtful Distribution

Take a moment to consider your recipient list. Don’t limit your cards to senior contacts or executives. A thoughtful holiday message can resonate just as strongly with entry-level employees, executive assistants and behind-the-scenes contributors. These small gestures can go a long way in building goodwill across all levels of your network.

Avoid a Sales Pitch

This is not the time for a hard sell. Holiday e-cards should be a gesture of appreciation, not a marketing opportunity. Avoid including promotional language or overt calls-to-action. Instead, focus on spreading goodwill and gratitude—no strings attached.

Verdict: Landing (New to the blog? My tomatometer is explained here.)

I’m going to rate holiday e-cards a Landing. If done right, they are a great opportunity to connect with your stakeholders. Think of them like a routine commuter flight. Sure it’s not a big wide-body jet heading somewhere exotic but the experience still needs to be executed with flawless precision. While an e-card isn’t a major brand campaign it’s more than just a seasonal gesture; it’s a meaningful touchpoint that reflects your brand’s values and identity, reinforces your relationships and shows your stakeholders they’re truly valued.

When executed well it leaves a lasting impression, strengthens connections and ensures your brand stands out—subtle yet memorable. It’s proof that even the small details, like an e-card, can make a big impact. ✈️

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