12-Days Till Christmas - Day 10
On the Tenth Day of Christmas .....
Holiday Card Making - Spreading Joy One Handmade Card at a Time
In our world of text messages and emails, there's something beautifully old-fashioned about receiving a handmade card. And making them together as a family? That's where the real magic happens.
Why Handmade Cards Matter More Than Ever
I'll be honest—when I first suggested card-making night to my family, I got some eye rolls. "Can't we just buy cards, Mom?" But here's what happened: twenty minutes into it, everyone was completely absorbed in their creations, tongues sticking out in concentration, glitter everywhere (I'm still finding sparkles in March).
There's something about making something with your own hands to give to someone else. It slows us down. It makes us think about the person we're creating for. It teaches our kids that the best gifts often aren't bought in stores.
Who Deserves Your Handmade Love?
Think beyond just family:
Your mail carrier who delivers packages in Florida's heat and occasional rain
Neighbors who've been kind throughout the year
Teachers who pour their hearts into educating your kids
The school crossing guard who keeps your children safe
Elderly neighbors who might not get much mail
First responders in your community
Making cards for these everyday heroes teaches children gratitude and community connection—lessons far more valuable than perfect penmanship.
The Beauty of Imperfection
Let me share a secret: the wonky snowman your five-year-old draws will be more treasured than any store-bought card. I know this because I still have cards my own children made years ago, crayon outside the lines and all. The smudged fingerprints and crooked letters? That's what makes them priceless.
Simple Supplies, Big Impact
You don't need a craft store haul. Here's what works:
Construction paper or cardstock folded in half
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Stickers (dollar store treasures!)
Old magazines for cut-out collages
Glue sticks
Your kids' handprints (always a winner)
Our Favorite Card Ideas
Try these with your family:
Handprint reindeer or Christmas trees
Fingerprint snowmen or holly berries
Cut-out snowflakes glued to the front
Simple drawings with heartfelt messages inside
Photo cards using printed family pictures decorated with festive drawings
The Message Matters Most
Inside each card, encourage your kids to write something specific:
"Thank you for..." (being specific makes it meaningful)
"I noticed when you..." (shows real observation)
"You made my year better by..." (personal and touching)
Even young children can dictate to you while you write, or they can draw a picture and sign their name.
Making Delivery Special
Turn card delivery into its own adventure:
Walk around the neighborhood together to hand-deliver
Let kids put cards in mailboxes
Surprise people at their doors
Leave cards with a small candy cane attached
The smiles you'll see? Better than any Netflix show.
What's the most memorable handmade card you've ever received? Or the most fun you've had making cards with your family? Share your stories in the comments—I'd love to hear them!
