Clever Ways to Repurpose Christmas Cards (with a little help from my friends)

It started with a simple mom a la mode Facebook Fan Page update over the weekend that caused a creative flurry of conversation over what to do with those cherished photo cards from the holidays.

In case you’re not a mom a la mode Facebook Fan (p.s. you can change that right now by clicking here and hitting the big ol’ LIKE button), let me bring you up to speed: I had uploaded a photo of the garland hanging across my kitchen windows, that up until Saturday morning held our Christmas cards, and shared:

“These are my favorite holiday decorations by far — and the ones I have the hardest time parting with each year. Any good ideas on what to do with those beautiful Christmas cards, post-season?”

I didn’t expect to be inspired-on-the-spot by the responses I received.

Almost immediately after I posted, Facebook Fan, Liza F. offered:

“Punch a hole in each and tie a ribbon through them all to make a little book.”

LOVE it!

Then, Jane G. and Lauren E. suggested cutting the cards up and making little ornaments for next year’s tree, and/or adding to the family’s photo album.

GREAT ideas, too!

Mom a la mode, however, isn’t too skilled (or patient) in the photo album or craft department.  In fact, she thanks God on a semi-regular basis for digital photo libraries that “link out” and third party album providers.  And would probably pay someone to put together her 2.5 year-old’s baby book [yes, Mom – if you are reading this, it’s still not done.]

Julia R. suggested adding a ring-binder clip to Liza’s initial suggestion, and that’s when I realized that I had one of those binder thingy-s handy, and could easily make this little project happen.

And so I did.

As the sun streamed through my kitchen windows on that chilly Saturday morning, I carefully removed each card from the garland and made two piles, separating the photo cards from the non-photo cards.  Following Liza and Julia’s tips, I excitedly punched holes into the top left corner of each darling photo card, pausing to admire the smiling faces, and recall the fond memories of the relationships I have with each friend/family.  Then I added each photo card into the binder loop, snapped it closed and decorated it with some red remnant ribbon I had leftover from the holidays.

I was so happy with the outcome that I’m thinking this could become a family ritual starting next year or so, when my boy is 3, and he could actually help.

Now, for the non-photo cards, I went along with Marybeth C.’s suggestion to “cut off the front of the card and use them as gift tags for Christmas presents next year.”

Durenda W. was a fan of using a Ziploc® bag to store cards until next year, when you can compare them to the year prior to see how families have grown and changed.

I actually combined both of these suggestions, and used the storage bag to hold my new “gift tags” for next Christmas.

I’m sure there are dozens of other amazing ideas out there, and I’d love to know what the rest of you do with your holiday cards.  Feel free to share in the comments below or keep the conversation going on the Facebook page.

You know that little bit of melancholy that sometimes creeps up with tucking away the elements of Christmas past? It was pretty much absent this year for me, thanks to a little online camaraderie and social banter regarding a craft that even mom a la mode could handle.

oxox

-mom a la mode

{I was not compensated in any way for this post.  All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}