Christmas Card Economics

I purchased some white and off-white linen card stock a few years ago—several boxes, in fact. When I found them in the "reduced price" or "clearance" bin at Office Max, I thought about how much money I could save if I made my own Christmas cards!

Now, two years after that fateful purchase, I'm finally getting the cards done...with the help of my loyal sidekick, Kory, and my son (who would normally not be caught dead doing something so craftsy), and even Wayne. After buying the blank cards (with envelopes), saving and recycling card covers from previous years, spending hours of cutting, gluing, taping, rubber stamping, mounting stickers and trying to work with foil confetti, and hole-punching paper with snowflake designs, we're almost done.

We're pleased with the almost-end-product, so far. It took a lot of time and money to create such homemade-looking (and I do mean that in a homely sense) handmade Christmas cards. No one, by the way, will help me with addressing the envelopes, signing the cards, and stuffing the envelopes.

So, my lesson is learned, and this is my advice: if you're interested in having a little fun with your kids—and don't mind the extra time and money it will require—making Christmas cards is fun. But, if you're looking to save money on Christmas cards, buy the pre-made retail cards. Better yet, get them the day after Christmas and save them for next year's card list.

(Stay tuned for pictures, which are coming soon.)