Creative Christmas Card Ideas

Creating an original, informative yet entertaining Christmas letter may seem like a daunting task for moms with little time on their hands. Here are some tips, ideas and resources to get you going.

The Letter While a form letter may seem impersonal to some, it's better to send one than nothing at all. The generic "form" letter is actually a good way to let others know what you've been up to during the year. Start by including the highlights of your year - stories about your trips, accomplishments, and job changes, moves, etc. But, also be sure to include funny stories about your kids, kids' favorites, a "best of" list, etc.

A newsletter format may be an original, unique way to showcase your family's personality. If you have Microsoft Word, you can download templates that are ready-to-use. For a personal touch, scan your kids' artwork to add to the letter

The Picture Come on, admit it, you're always disappointed when you open up a Christmas card without a picture inside. Photos are cheaper than ever. Don't forget to check out the Photo Codes Page in our discussion forums to get the latest on online discounts on photo cards and other photo gifts. Getting that perfect pose may be easier than you think. There are even some fun new internet resources for unconventional Zazzle or Stamps.com.

Here are some ideas from our readers:

Last year I took a picture of my boys and put a string of lights around it in a Printshop-type program and printed them on photo paper here at home. I got a great response from them. -- Rugby and Riley's Mom

You could take a picture the kids together dressed in Christmas attire or winter attire; gloves hat and stuff like that. You can have one pull another on a sled with fake Christmas gifts on the back of the sled. -- Azul

I had my cards printed at the photo place where I had the kids' picture taken but I am adding to the cards. I made "confoti" online from confoti.com and I ordered vellum envelopes and I will sprinkle some into each envelope. I did it last year and it was really cute. The confoti shows through the envelope (and the picture on the card does too) and it is very festive. You get a bunch of it for $20. The vellum envelopes are not cheap but I found them online for a really good price and they make the cards look so much nicer than the business envelopes they give you. -- Maggie

I used to work at Sears photography and the best idea I saw there was a mom who brought both kids in in Christmas pajamas. They were so adorable. You could put them in coordinating jammies and have them lay on their bellies with their head propped up on their hands. -- Hawkshoe

I have used the mall by my home as a backdrop for our cards. After they have put all the decorations up at the mall I dress the kids up in nice but comfortable clothes (last year I bought white sweatshirts and sponge painted red & green Christmas trees on them). Then we go to the mall and I have them pose in front of a mall display (like last year it was reindeer and trees). -- Laenie

Create a Family Christmas Newspaper

You'll Need:
Paper
Pens and markers
Scissors
Glue
Computer and Printer (optional)

Create a family newspaper to report happenings in your home, record opinions on current events, and showcase hobbies, interests, and achievements. Encourage each family member to contribute to the newspaper. Younger children can dictate stories and draw pictures, while older children can write or type their own pieces. Here are some topics children may enjoy:

family vacation, arrival of a new pet, new neighbors, school happenings, sports, hobbies, recipes, jokes, creative writing, birthday celebrations, holidays, interview with parents or grandparents, survey on favorite foods, toys, books, movies, opinions on cooking, family rules, chores

Assemble your newspaper on a computer or by cutting and gluing articles to sheets of paper. Circulate your newspaper by posting it on your refrigerator or by sending copies to relatives and friends. Be sure to make enough copies so that each child can save one for posterity.

This idea came from the Children's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner.