Don't throw those Christmas cards out!

By now, you've probably taken down the tree and stored all the ornaments. The stockings, the knick-knacks, and the pine cones are tucked away for next year. But if you are like me, you haven't parted with the Christmas cards yet. Mine are stored in a drawer for two reasons.

First, I like to take my time reading all the Christmas letters so I tuck them all in a drawer until I can read every word and catch up on what's been happening with far away friends and family.

Second, I double check the return addresses against what I have in my address book to be sure no one has moved. And I also have a little box to check to say that I've received a card. It helps me keep track of those I've heard from--at my age, I need lots of memory helpers.

But once that's done, what do we do with the beautiful cards? Make all sorts of things, of course!

• Use pinking shears or those fancy scrapbook scissors to cut squares from the cards and make nametags or gift cards for next year's presents.


• Cut the cards to index card size and use them to make fancy recipe cards to share with friends or family.


• Make Christmas tree ornaments by tracing around cookie cutter shapes, cutting them out and gluing them back to back with a looped ribbon in between to use as a hanger. This is a great activity for the kids--now or in December.

Any one else with other great ideas for those cards?

Saving Money Shopping for Christmas Cards

If you are like my husband and I, you love a bargain, and this season is a time for shopping, while looking for money saving ideas.
Right now Christmas cards are on my mind, and I see that my local drugstore has them on sale, buy one box get one free. Now I really love that concept.

On the other hand, at christianbook.com they have many many choices of cards available, and some of the boxes cost only $3.99. Shipping costs about $3.99. On the right of the screen, click on Christmas cards. They offer so many that they put the cards in categories by subject and I see a gorgeous wiseman card here that I may purchase. You will find categories of angels, birds, African American, Christmas trees, Spanish, nativity, and more.

Oh dear, I do enjoy a bargain, plus beauty in the cards I send, and where we shop is a vote to support that store so our decisions actually affect this world.
We bloggers in the U.S., Canada and around the world are blessed with many gift choices. I enjoy shopping at a mix of stores, local and online.
So shop, save money too, and consider the stores you will support.
Please leave a comment here with bargain ideas if you care to share with us.

KISS Those Christmas Letters

Christmas cards are one thing I buy at post holiday sales each year. My Christmas letter that is included with each is fresh and new however. The secret to getting your Christmas letter read by others is to KISS it!

Keep it Simple and Sweet!

• Keep it simple: Too many details get the reader bogged down and bored. Give them just enough to know what happened and if they really want details, they'll ask you. A picture is worth a thousand words and with all the at-hand technology we have now, you can say more with one good picture than a thousand words.


• Keep it sweet: We all have tragedies and perils and tough times but most people don't want to dwell on that at Christmas. They have enough of their own. If you have a bit of bad news to pass along, mention it and move on. Again, people who care will respond and contact you for more detail or to share their sympathy.

On the receiving end of those Christmas letters. . .to stress-less, I save all the Christmas letters in one place and when I have time after the holidays, I read them through. That's also the time when I can respond appropriately to what I find there. I even have some friends who don't send out their Christmas letter until after the first of the year. That way they're sure to be read.

Are you a lover or hater of Christmas letters?

Reindeer and Christmas Cards

One year at a craft fair I bought a wooden unpainted reindeer Christmas card holder.
Every year since then we put the deer on top of the teak cabinet that holds our tv, and put our Christmas cards in it.

Of course special cards are set up standing next to the deer, especially those with photos on the cover.

Our address book sits in it too, and some of our cards to send out, as the cards roll in, and we write more to send.

I love Christmas cards, especially when they include a note or letter. They are so beautiful, whether of a Holy Family, or a Christmas stocking or a dog in the snow.

Christmas Card Prayer Basket - Trish Berg

Wow, it's hard to believe November is already here, and Christmas is just around the bend.

As you prepare your Christmas card list, choose cards and get organized, I wanted to share a neat tip with you.

Over the month of December, you will be receiving tons of Christmas cards in the mail. Some of you may hang your cards over doorways or place them on fireplace mantels. Those are all neat ways to decorate your home with love.

But here's another thought.

You can place all your Christmas cards in a basket, and every night at supper, have each person in your family randomly draw a card out of the basket, and then go around the dinner table and pray for those families by name.

Then return them to the basket, and know that your prayers were heard.

It's a simple, faithful way to live out your faith in front of your children, and hold up your family and friends in prayer in a real concrete way. Trust God to choose the right cards for you, and know that your prayers are making a difference.

As always, enjoy the journey-Trish
Psalm 118:24