Creative Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards

It’s inevitable for many families this time of year, the Christmas Cards will start arriving once we flip our calendars to December.  We keep ours in a basket available for all to see each year during the month of December.  However, once the holidays are over, I’m perpetually perplexed as to what to do with all those cards.  We get cards from family all across the country, and from friends equally spread out.  Each year, I look at these cards as a sweet, simple way to stay in touch with loved ones; but I honestly always felt a sense of dread and apprehension once the holidays passed and it was time to take down the Christmas decor.  I never knew quite what to do with all the cards.

Thanks Jannessa from Bliss Mama Wellness for sharing your Christmas Card door!

So I reached out to my blogger friends AND posed the question on Privet, and got some awesome ideas and inspiration for upcycling and recycling Christmas cards.  Here are some ways to get more out of the Christmas cards you receive.  If you’ve got more ideas or inspirations, please let me know!

Creative Ideas for Recycling Christmas Cards

• One family tapes them to their kitchen pantry cabinet, for the toddlers to look at year long of friends and family near and far.
• Hang them in kitchen door frame as you receive them.  My friend Jennessa of Bliss Mama Wellness did so this year.  (see pic above)
• Punch a hole in each one, and bind together with a binder ring.
• Using your smartphone, take a photo of each card. Then assign that picture to the sender in your phone. Then when they call or text, you have a seasonal reminder of them all-year long!
• If you only receive them from close friends and family, save them. Dedicate a special spot to them and watch how the kids grow.
• Cut out the names from the cards and start a bowl full of them. Once or twice a week throughout the year, pull a name and pray for them – even the companies and businesses that send cards.
• Lindsey from Redhead Baby Mama informed me that “if you cut off the fronts of basic or old-fashioned cards (no family photos) and give them to the VA, the vets do rehab crafts with them!”
• Winona of Southern Family Fun has a great DIY craft turning Christmas cards into decorative coasters.

Got any more great ways to recycle Christmas Cards?  Please comment below with your ideas or contact me.  I’d love to hear your ideas!