I have such a hard time throwing Christmas cards away (especially in more recent years as they have become more personalized with family photos throughout the year). A few years ago, I started putting them into a photo album; however, I soon realized that the larger Costco cards took up a single page, and was running out of room so I decided to come up with a new solution.
I decided to put together little booklets that could be stored with our Christmas decorations, and emerge each year to reminisce throughout the years. I think this method will work out well as they are grouped, contained, and not so bulky as a photo album.
To punch the cards and covers, I used a dual hole punch. A single hole puncher could be used as well; however, you would need to measure the spacing on each card. To secure the booklets, I picked up some 2″ book rings. I probably could have gone down to 1.5″, but the 2″ work great as well.
In addition to Christmas cards, I also add baby announcements, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, and birthday cards that we received into the booklet.
For the yearly covers, I edited a file from Graphic Stock and then printed them as 5×7 at Costco. I might have forgotten about the fact that I add multiple types of cards when I created the covers, but I think “Merry Mail” can somewhat cover it all (plus the booket is 90% Christmas cards).
Do you have a favorite way to preserve all the Christmas cards you receive each year?
Jessica Holoka says
I love this idea! I’ve done this with our wedding cards. They were too precious and memorable to toss away. I should start doing this with our Christmas cards.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir says
That is such a wonderful idea! I always feel horrible to toss out the ones with pictures so they just sit in a pile! I’m totally doing this!
angie church says
what a cute idea great way to keep tract of who to send cards to and their address next year as well
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Helen Reynolds says
This is such a clever idea. I often cut cards up to make gift tags, but as you said, the photo cards are hard to part with yet I didn’t know what to do with them. Thanks to you, problem solved!
shelley says
I love this idea. Thanks for sharing at Over the Moon
Daisie says
this is a fantastic idea!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Julie says
I did something similar, but not as nicely, with cards from Big birthdays (18th, 21st, 40th etc) I usually make next years gift tags with Christmas cards and just keep any special or handmade ones. I love the idea of binding them like this, it makes them a bit more special than just shoving them in a shoe box!
Hil says
What a fun way to remember your friends and family and keep the memories going.
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight!
Akaleistar says
What a sweet way to save cards!
Vanessa says
What a sweet idea and I love it because you can go back and look at your cards over the years. Thank you for sharing this sweet project at Dishing it and Digging it link party.
Erlene Amat says
This is such a great idea. My grandmother isn’t doing well and she always sends cards that I keep. This would be a great way to keep all of them and her messages. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. Pinned.
Beverly Campbell says
This is a great idea. My Mother in Law saved every card she was ever given and kept them in picture books. They dated as far back as 1920’s. She had one that had REAL hair on the little girl in the pic. She would use last years cards and cut them to size and use them as gift cards on the gifts she gave.