Create Your Own Holiday Cards

The dread starts eating at me just after the Halloween candy has disappeared and Thanksgiving has ended. I have to come to terms with that horrible knowledge that I now need to pick out, purchase, write, address, and mail holiday greeting cards in just a few short weeks.

The task of sending holiday cards—whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday—can quickly become even less fun than eating Aunt Frannie's awful fruitcake.

Instead of feeling anxious about this annual custom, how about turning it into a family tradition that you and your kids will love? This year, proclaim a Holiday Card holiday—a day to gather around the kitchen table and create card masterpieces.

Postage and Mailing

Even before deciding what crafts you'll use to make the cards, consider the envelope size you'll use. Envelopes should be a minimum of 5 x 3 inches and a maximum of 11 1/2 by 6 1/8 inches. Square envelopes cost more to send because they must be sorted by hand.

While the first ounce of your card and envelope is covered by a regular 39-cent stamp, cards made with heavier materials (such as lots of paint, glue, or thicker paper) may cost more to send. If in doubt, take a mock-up version to the post office to have it weighed (and keep in mind that a young child will probably use more glue than you do).

One of a Kind

Each card your family makes will be a reflection of the person who crafted it as well as a message that lets the recipient know he or she is important. Even very young children can craft meaningful cards. Following are ideas for a variety of cards your family can make together.