Follow this Modern Guide for Addressing Holiday Cards so you can spend less time worrying about grammar and formalities and more time enjoying the holiday season.

‘Tis the season of sending Christmas cards. Sharing holiday greetings should be joyful, not stressful. Follow this simple and modern guide for addressing envelopes (no formal greetings here) so you can spend less time worrying about grammar and more time making holiday memories with your family.

Sharing holiday greetings starts with the envelope. Address envelopes the way you talk in real life. You want family and friends to get a warm, friendly feeling when they open the envelope.

HOW TO ADDRESS HOLIDAY CARDS

Sending to a Family – Use the family’s last name to address the envelope.

The Grey Family or The Greys

Blended Family – Use a hyphenated family last name or add “and Family.”

Ben and Miranda Warren and Family

Bailey-Warren Family

Married Couple – Write their preferred name and either name can go first.

Alex and Jo Karev

Unmarried Couple Living Together – Write both of their first and last names, and either name can go first.

Owen Hunt and Amelia Shepherd

Married Couple with Different Last Names – Write both of their first and last names, and either name can go first.

Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd

Single Friend or Family Member – Write his/her preferred name.

Maggie Pierce

HOW TO MAKE A LAST NAME PLURAL

Are you wondering the grammatical way to make a last name plural? Here’s an easy and quick guide.

The most common mistake to making last names plural is adding an apostrophe. Apostrophes show possession, not that there is more than one person in the household. If you remember to never use an apostrophe and use the guide below to add an “s” or “es” to the end of the last name, you’ll be all set for envelope addressing.