It was taking much longer than expected to receive our family pictures from the photographer. With shipping estimates as they were, I knew it was crunch time or else I was not going to get our Christmas cards out in time. Scrambling to get Christmas cards out is just part of the holidays, right?
For years, the Christmas card process was something I scheduled time for right after Thanksgiving.
We decorated the house, and I got our photo Christmas card ordered. It was on my calendar every year. Now, it is a holiday task that gets pushed aside.
Because I am on the fence about sending physical cards this year, I decided to research other options. There are creative ways to still participate in the greeting card season. After all, since I get joy from receiving cards, I want to let others know we love them and think of them too. It is all about spreading kindness and joy after all.
6 Alternatives to Scrambling to Get Christmas Cards Out
The alternatives to scrambling to send out Christmas cards are creative and reduce some of the holiday stress. We often put too much of that on ourselves.
From Postable, to photo gifts and even DIY cards that the kids can make, I detail a list of 6 Christmas card alternatives for you to try.
These ideas can be spread across the next year, or quickly put together as gifts. Either way, scrambling to get Christmas cards out just does not always work every year. Life shifts and we can adjust as well.
Why We Scramble to Send Out Cards
It is fun to send the latest updates of our family to the friends and family members we do not see often. Military life is hard with the long-distance nature of pretty much all of our close relationships.
As we receive Christmas cards in the mail, it is always exciting to see how everyone is doing. I even display the cards we receive as part of our holiday décor. We enjoy the card display through New Year’s Day.
In my current season of life, with homeschooling and working at home, I feel like I have to scramble to get Christmas cards mailed out on time. This year I am looking for – or giving myself an excuse to – send out an alternative holiday greeting. My desire to mail out a physical Christmas card is not as strong this year.
The expense alone is something to consider. It takes time to gather pictures, design your card and update addresses. Then you have to send everything out in time.
Because I am on the fence about sending cards this year, I researched other options. There are creative ways to still participate in the greeting card season. After all, if I get joy from receiving cards I want to let others know we love them and think of them too. It is all about spreading kindness and joy after all.
Alternatives to the Christmas Card Scramble
These are some alternative ideas we are considering. They are unique ideas to ease the rushed feeling during the holidays.
Photo gifts
So many of us use photo Christmas cards. It is a nice way to update the friends and family that your child is indeed taller than you now. We all enjoy pictures and the connection they give us to our loved ones. Combine that photo idea into gifts instead.
For people on your gift list, try making a personalized photo gift like a mug, puzzle or ornament. Spouse-ly is a great marketplace to try. All of the vendors are military spouses and spouses of first responders.
Collage on social media
It is so easy even for the non-photographer/graphic designer to create a photo collage. Then you can plaster it on all your social media as a holiday greeting that costs you nothing.
Use one of the free photo editing apps or websites. I use PicMonkey, but have used the Adobe app in the past as well. Upload your fave photos from this year, place them in a collage and you can even apply filters or professional edits easily. Most of our close friends and family are all on social media, so this is a cost-effective and time-saving method for sending out a personalized holiday greeting.
Being intentional with making more phone calls and video chats
This time of year, life is busy. I get it! But, with the kids inside earlier since it is dark right after dinner, we can use the time to make more phone calls or video chats to family. Video chats are great for staying in touch.
Make a list of the people who you want most to connect with this holiday season. Then, reach out to schedule chats with them. Reaching out to others makes them feel loved. It does not matter how long or short the calls last.
Write one note per day and include a picture
Spread that Christmas card scramble out over a longer period of time. Then you can pace yourself.
Make a list of your contacts. Each day or a couple of times a week, write a little note to a couple friends.
For close family and friends, I order or print out family photos to include. I include that in the card. Everyone appreciates receiving a hand written greeting. Sending out cards does not have to be limited to the holiday season.
Kid made cards
For those with crafty kids, have them make DIY greeting cards. We have used this same idea for making thank you notes after the holidays. They can easily be made into Christmas cards.
Using scraps of wrapping paper, crepe paper, or craft odds and ends, the kids can make each card unique. We buy the blank card and envelope sets from the craft store. The kids then add glitter, stickers, hand-drawn pictures and notes.
Mailing these are great for grandparents. They love gifts the kids make.
Postable
Want the easiest method out there other than not sending cards at all? Try Postable. This program addresses and mails out your cards for you. It could not be easier.
You can share a link to your Postable address book. Your friends and family add their addresses. Postable addressed the envelopes and sends the cards out for you! It is so easy to keep addresses handy like this. It really helps you streamline the Christmas card process each year.
Bottom Line: Avoid the Scramble
There is no reason to get overly stressed during the holidays. Each day we can focus on the joy we are creating. All of this is accomplished through the experiences we are planning and the gifts we are giving.
If that includes Christmas cards, you have a list of ideas here to get creative. If this year Christmas cards are not going to happen, just focus on the events that do happen. Each year can look a little different and still be a success.
