Wondering what to do with all of those small little burst of Christmas joy you received in the mail this year? Christmas cards are such an old, fun tradition and they make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Opening up Christmas cards is the start of the Holiday Season for most! Pretty glitter, cute pictures, Holiday scenes…It is no wonder we rip open the envelope immediately upon receipt.

Reuse old Christmas cards
Reuse old Christmas cards

Nonetheless, I was raised not waste.  I often wonder what other people do with the cute pictures I spent tons of time on. You know, all the fun of picking out cute outfits, getting pictures, typing or writing address labels. Not to mention, these sweet little well wishes cost money?

Don’t get me wrong. I love this thoughtful tradition as much as the next. With that being said, I have to admit, I have a hard time throwing away Christmas cards. It could be my sentimental side… People took time out of their busy lives to send me and my family a special Holiday note. What a great way to say you care.

Yet, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to declutter! I seriously do not need another box of anything sitting around my house. Especially after my kids got a gazillion toys for Christmas. (I have a very generous family-thank you family)…Now you see my dilemma.

Instead of throwing away all of those lovely cards, I’ve come up with some ideas for you, so your beautiful notes don’t go to waste!

Resuse Old Christmas Cards

  1. Gift Tags – Cut out the main picture on the card. Use a hole puncher to make a hole. Place a Ribbon through the hole and write To and From on the back. This will save you time and money as you will not have to buy tags next year.
  2. Art projects – You could use a cardstock or construction paper. Glue the card picture in the middle like it is in a frame.  You now have a new Christmas decoration!
  3. Card collage– Cut out all the cute pictures on the cards and let you little ones make a Christmas collage. You can use it as a decoration next year.
  4. Picture collage – Cut out all the pictures from your picture cards and make a friend and family picture collage to enjoy throughout the year. I used to use this to help my little one learn the names of friends and family and prepare him for unfamiliar visitors.
  5. Bookmarks – Cut out the main picture and punch a hole at the top. Tie some yarn through the hole and you will have a book mark you can use all year.

    More Fun Ideas

  6. Decorations – I am saving all of my leftover picture cards of my kids and using them as Christmas decorations for years to come.  This is so easy to do.  Simply buy card holders or put them in frames and save them for next year. You will love seeing how your little sweeties grow over the years.
  7. Donate cards – There are many places that accept cards as donations.  One example would be schools. They can use them for various projects.
  8. Gift Jars – Cut out the card pictures & put them in a mason jar. Next year fill the jar with candy or hot cocoa mix and give as a gift. You could also do the same idea with tinsel or ornaments and use as a centerpiece.
  9. Thank you cards – Cut out the front half of the card. Write a thank you note on the back and thank all your friends and family for your Christmas gifts.
  10. Christmas Calendar – Cut the pictures into squares. Glue or tape them on paper or cardboard and make a Christmas countdown calendar for next year.
Reuse Old Christmas Cards
Reuse Old Christmas Cards-Thank you & gift tag

Why Not?

It might be easier to throw all your cards in the trash, but why waste something that can have good use?  Get out an old shoe box and start collecting them. You can do this with birthday cards and other Holiday cards as well!

Don’t forget to get out and buy next years Christmas cards on a discount!

Also, save gift bags and tissue paper that is still in good shape!

What do you do with your Christmas cards? Do you have any other great ideas? Leave me a comment!

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