Make your own Christmas cards

Activities

There’s something undeniably special about a handmade Christmas card. In a season filled with digital messages and store-bought greetings, a card crafted by hand feels personal, thoughtful, and cherished. Whether you’re creating cards for family, friends, teachers, or neighbours, making your own can become a festive tradition that sparks creativity and spreads joy.

Gather Your Supplies

You don’t need fancy materials—just the basics to get started:

Blank cardstock or thickened paper
Coloured paper, scrapbook paper or tissue paper
Scissors and glue
Markers, pens, or paint
Stickers, ribbon, twine, buttons, glitter or any embellishments

Even simple supplies can lead to beautiful results.

Pick Your Card Style

Choose one of these easy formats:

Folded Card: Classic greeting card style.
Postcard Style: A single decorated front with space to write on the back.
Cut-Out Window Card: Features a shaped cutout on the front (tree, star, snowflake).

Create Your Design

This is where your creativity shines. Here are some ideas:

Minimalist Christmas Tree

Tear or cut strips of green paper and layer them to form a tree shape. Add a gold star sticker on top.

Button Snowman

Glue three white buttons in a row, draw on arms, a hat, and a scarf.

Watercolour Winter Scene

Paint a soft wash of blues and purples for a snowy night, then add white paint splatters for stars or snow.

Fingerprint Lights

Dip your finger in paint to make a string of rainbow lights—perfect for kids to help with.

Add a Personal Message

A heartfelt note is the soul of the card, something like the following:

“Wishing you a season filled with peace and magic.”
“May your Christmas be merry and bright.”
“Sending Christmas cheer your way.”

A handwritten message makes the card feel truly one-of-a-kind.

Add the Finishing Touches

To elevate your card:

Outline designs with fine-liners for crisp edges
Add a dusting of glitter (just a little!)
Tie a ribbon around the spine or glue a small bow
Use metallic pens for shimmer and elegance

Let Everything Dry

Lay your cards flat until the glue or paint is fully dry—especially if you added layers or 3D decorations.

Deliver With Love and Christmas cheer

Slip your card into an envelope, seal it with a sticker, and add a festive stamp. Handmade cards make wonderful keepsakes, so recipients often save them for years.