A look back, a nudge forward and a peek into JayRay’s secret recipe.
Christmas in July might be a retail gimmick, but at JayRay, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming up your company’s annual holiday message. Why? Because the best ideas aren’t rushed, and we’ve been crafting creative cards for over 50 years.
Our holiday cards are more than just mail. They’re moments. They reflect our agency’s personality, our relationships with clients and the spirit of the season. Over the decades, they’ve run the gamut from sentimental to satirical, handcrafted to high-tech.
Join us for a trip through the archives. While it’s hard to choose favorites, here are a few cards that have stood the test of time — and still make us smile.
Ho, Ho, Ho (1990)
Throw it all the way back to 1990 for a groan-worthy pun on our old name — quite a mouthful before we officially adopted the client-coined nickname “JayRay” in 1996.
Senior Advisor Jen says, “This one wins me over with the clean design and clever simplicity. The play on ‘laugh’ is classic dad-joke energy — and I’m here for it.”
Politically Correct (1995)
A handful of our past greetings may be considered risky by today’s standards, but not this one, which played it so safe that it circles back to sassy.
Senior Advisor Jackie is impressed by how well this one holds up. “Wow, it’s striking how this card from 30 (!!!) years ago still feels relevant. The snarky tone still makes me chuckle.”
Advertising vs. PR (1997)
This card features a cookie-fied Kurt Jacobson and Jerry McLaughlin (advertising and PR, respectively, and one-half of the ownership team at the time). A little self-indulgent? Sure, why not?
Principal and Senior Advisor Bridget adds, “This may have been the year JayRay got lovingly labeled as ‘buttoned-up.’ Truth is, we’re always professional when it counts — and just as fun when it matters. This card let us show both sides of the cookie.”
Snow in a Can (1998)
Laying the retro vibes on thick, this playful mockup reminds us that sometimes all a concept needs is a little bit of fairy dust fake snow, or an extended deadline, as the fine print pleads.
Assistant Advisor Travis says, “I dig the vintage ’90s look of the spray can, and find it amusing, considering Tacoma’s typical weather during the holidays.”
JWF (1999)
Turn your attention to the ring where classic characters like Frosty, Slammin’ St. Nick and Mizzus Claws duke it out. It’s no wonder this card is a favorite of the creative team: local art star Stan Shaw was commissioned to do the illustrations.
Senior Art Director Sean sums it up perfectly: “I’m a sucker for trashy things, like the WWE, so these spoke to me.”
Holiday Magnets (2001)
We love wordsmithing here at JayRay, so it’s no surprise that this classic fridge magnet game — with a holiday twist — makes an appearance.
Advisor Cara feels the nostalgia. “As a ‘90s baby, I distinctly remember how fun it was to leave messages on the refrigerator. I also love that while the holiday message was front and center, the magnets would outlast a traditional card, leaving JayRay top of mind a little longer.”
Merry Singles (2014)
Swipe your way into the 2010s, when JayRay plays matchmaker for holiday-lovers and hopeless romantics across the South Sound.
Senior Art Director Julia notes, “Perhaps the most ambitious card we’d done up until then. Hiring models, producing a photoshoot and building a microsite … It’s a timely nod to the boom of online dating (Tinder, anyone?), while still giving Hallmark.”
…olidays! Sorry, I was on Mute (2020)
The arrival of a global pandemic harkened our first-ever fully digital card, in which the entire JayRay team stars as themselves in awkward work-from-home moments complete with technical difficulties, top-drawer liquor and questionable Wi-Fi.
Advisor Alex appreciates the reference to “navigating new normals about remote work. Bringing the humor to the surface during a really grim time was a welcome reprieve from breaking news.”
Watch the video here.
Jack the Bear’s Dry Winter Night (2021)
In the 1880s, an 800-pound Jack the Bear resided in the Tacoma Hotel and was admired for drinking beer from a mug without spilling a drop. In our 8-bit take on the legend, we invite the community to help Jack get to a holiday party safe and sober — even if most of us still can’t make it to the end!
Principal and Operations Manager Bethany remembers, “The community involvement with this card was so much fun! I never got past the Tacoma Dome. I had to watch someone else play it to see how it ended.”
Play the game here.
Postcards from Ukraine (2022)
On a more somber note, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. JayRay honors the untold perspective by commissioning several Ukrainian artists to create beautiful, sometimes haunting illustrations illuminating their experience.
Senior Advisor Joyce says, “Supporting artists in Ukraine and sharing hope for peace brought the spirit of the holidays to light for me and many of our clients.”
View all postcards here.
What’s the secret to a great holiday card?
One part strategy, one part style and a whole lot of spirit. Here’s how we make card magic happen:
- Start with the story. What’s your tone? Sweet? Sassy? Sincere? We’ll help you find your holiday voice.
- Add visual flair. Design that stands out in a mailbox or inbox is key.
- Sprinkle in surprise. Think humor, clever folds or interactive elements.
- Wrap it in meaning. Even funny cards can carry heart and purpose.
We can make yours too.
Whether you want a print piece, a digital greeting or a full-on holiday campaign, we can design a card as unique as your brand. Packages typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on complexity, delivery method and production needs. We’ll work with you to find a budget-friendly option that still delivers joy (and ROI).
Ready to sleigh this year’s message?
Let’s talk now so you won’t have to scramble when the snow starts falling (or when your CEO suddenly wants to add a singing QR code).
Because at JayRay we plan ahead, design with purpose and always end the year with a little bit of magic.
Drop us a note at Hello@JayRay.com and let’s make some merry.