Organizing Christmas Cards

Christmas cards arriving daily are a special part of the holiday season. We love looking at the family pictures and sharing family memories from the past year. Even though card sending has diminished and with Facebook as our daily “family reunion,” we treasure our Christmas cards.  But the end of the holiday season comes and we are faced with the dilemma of tossing or keeping cards.  We also have the leftovers from our own cards where we over ordered.  Gather your cards together in a basket or clothespin your cards on a wire to see them throughout the season.  Check out these ways to organize your Christmas cards after the holidays.

Cards from others

There are two schools of thought for keeping or not keeping cards.  If cards become overwhelming, hold little meaning, or become a burden, it’s time to let go of them.  You have my permission!  We don’t need to keep every card that comes to us.  Sit down with a wintery beverage and enjoy an hour of time to read your cards and enjoy the memories of the year.

If you treasure the memories, keep the cards grouped by year.

• Using 2 D rings, 3 hole punch the side of the card twice and thread the cards through the ring to create a binder.  Create a cover using card stock.
• Keep your cards in a decorative Christmas box with the year labeled on the front. Store with your Christmas decorations and display the last 3 years each Christmas.
• Punch one hole in the upper left corner of the card and string a pretty red ribbon through all the cards. Knot it and then tie a bow.

If you are crafty, there are many ways to reuse your Christmas cards.

• Create tags of all sorts for next year’s Christmas gifts.
• Cut and decorate paper wreaths or paper chains.
• Cut out letters of the first name of your gift recipients and use as colorful labels for all sorts of gifts.

There is wonderful card recycling at St. Jude’s Ranch too!

Your Cards

Our own family Christmas cards are a precious reminder of each year.  Often there are way too many left over.  Keep 5 to 10 of your annual cards, depending on how you are storing them.

• Use a decorative binder and sheet protectors to store one card per year
• Using a photo album, add one card each year or make one album for each of your children.
• Cut up your card and use a photo ornament to hang your picture annually on your tree.
• Frame your holiday card each year and display these every Christmas in your family room.

Celebrate your family by creating special memories and organizing Christmas cards. Whether is it your own card or cards you receive, create a family treasure with these simple ideas.  Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Wishing you a magical holiday as you celebrate with your family and friends!

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