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Well, I have never been one for Christmas cards.

I love the idea of sitting by the tree and making my own cards while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Hawksley Workman’s Christmas album. I love the idea, until I start worrying about how little time I have in those precious weeks leading up to Christmas. Quickly the vision of me crafting joyfully by the fire is replaced by a vision of me panicking about running out of time, and accidentally leaving someone out of my card-giving goodness. It seemed to me that too many things could go wrong.

So I had opted out of the ritual of sending holiday cards, until I got a great idea that gave me the joy of creating cards with a lot less stress.

I send my cards AFTER Christmas

Once the big day has come and gone, I collect the cards I have received and make a list of all the people who sent cards to wish me a happy holiday. This is my Christmas card list. If they sent a card, they get a card. These are the people who will most appreciate a card in return.

I can wait until after Christmas, because I’m not sending Christmas cards, I’m sending New Year cards. And I’ll be right on time. I spend the day re-working the Christmas cards I’ve received (it is a great way to spend Boxing Day rather than buying things I don’t need) and mail them right back.

Yes, I Recycle Christmas Cards into New Years Cards. Read more for my three great reasons why this is a genius idea…

1: Less Pressure

First of all, once I’ve decided that I’m not going to try to give cards in time for Christmas I feel a big release of guilt. I relax, and enjoy receiving cards from others. I take in the holiday love.

Then, when it’s all over and, there is a week between Christmas and January where I have much more time – because everyone else seems to be recovering – I recycle cards. This is a great time to relax, reflect, and think of friends.

It’s all about reducing stress. People are wishing Happy New Year right through January anyway, so you can be a little late, and still be right on time. There are no rules for New Year cards, and if they are, no one really knows about them. Perfect.

2: Creative Fun

Getting crafty is a great way to decompress after a hectic holiday season. Plus, it’s fun to try and see what you can do with the cards you were given. A few extra craft supplies will come in handy, such as paper, scissors and a glue stick. I re-use the envelopes they came in as much as possible, or I cut out the return addresses from the original envelope and glue them to a new one so the recipient gets mail addressed in their own handwriting.

3: How To Use Christmas Cards to Make New Year’s Cards

Collage right over the front of the card, leaving traces of the original image as a part of your creation.

Cut out the shape of a champagne bottle or party dress from the holiday scene that was sent to you and glue it to a new colorful background.

Get out the glitter, glue stick, markers, magazines, stickers and even use some scraps of leftover wrapping paper from the bin.

Each card is a new creation. How can you turn the spirit of Christmas past into dreams for what’s to come?

4: Original and Thoughtful

Send your card creation back to the person who sent you that card in the first place. They will recognize their card in there, as they probably bought a box of cards with the same image on the front.

Your card will be original, it will command appreciation. Which, shows them that you cared enough to take that time and create a card specifically for them.

If you keep the card in one piece, glue an insert with your own thoughtful message and wishes for the new year. Or, simply cut off the front of the card and write on the back, postcard-style. It’s a great way to inspire others to be creative with recycled materials.

Relax and enjoy receiving your holiday greetings! You have a post-Christmas crafting date to look forward to.

Photo by: word wridden