During the holiday season, sending Christmas cards is a tradition that, for some, will always stay the same. The joy of receiving unique holiday cards is part of the Christmas spirit!
The first commercial Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, featured an image of a family celebrating Christmas. The simple greeting was “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Artist John Callcott Horsely designed this card.
Sir Henry Cole helped to popularize the Penny Post in Britain and wanted to encourage the use of the postal system during the holiday season.
The practice of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in England, and by the 1860s, it was already a popular holiday tradition. Advances in printing technology made the cards more affordable, and they became even more widespread.
By the 1870s, the custom of sending Christmas cards had reached the United States, where it had also gained popularity.
Christmas cards often feature religious themes, seasonal landscapes, or fun and festive motifs like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, or holly. Over time, these cards became a way for people to stay in touch with friends and family, sending warm wishes and personal updates.
Today, despite the increase in digital greetings, many people still cherish the custom of sending physical Christmas cards.
Homemade Christmas cards make this tradition even more special. Some people I know make a few holiday cards for close family members, and others make handmade cards for everyone on their list!
Gathered below are tutorials for many DIY Christmas card ideas. There are simple handprint cards to be made with children and more complex cards, like those made by quilling.
Simple materials and readily available supplies can be used to make the cards on this page.
Scroll down for a list of homemade Christmas card ideas for the holiday season!
Follow this link for other homemade card ideas, too!
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Paint a basic Christmas tree in the center cardstock with a paintbrush and green paint. Then add beads with a needle and thread.
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To the front of the card, an adult should hot glue the pipe cleaner tree. Then, kids can decorate the Christmas tree using beautiful crystal stickers, sequins, pom poms, or even their fingerprints.
Crafts by Ria
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Gather some old buttons to make cute DIY Christmas cards that go together quickly. It's perfect for anyone.
Ideas for the Home
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To make these easy handmade Christmas cards, all you need is cardstock, buttons, marker or pens and glue dots. It's fast and easy.
Doodlecraft
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This has to be the simplest DIY Christmas card idea using cardstock, oversized gemstones (or sequins or buttons), glue and marker. Easy enough for kids!
Childhood 101
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Spread Christmas cheer with this printable card.
Brother Creative Center
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Go to this post to see how we made an easy quilled Christmas lights card.
The Soccer Mom Blog
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This is a simple and easy technique for making a Christmas tree. Use this quilled Christmas tree to make cards for the holiday.
Red Ted Art
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With assorted scrap pieces of wrapping paper or holiday cardstock you can make an easy card to send this holiday season.
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Send personalized Christmas cards by creating professional-looking cards with these two versions that use baker's twine. They are so quick and easy.
The Country Chic Cottage
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Create your own doily Christmas cards this year to send. This card can be made by older kids who are good at folding paper.
Children's Furniture
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Kids of all ages will have fun making this doily Christmas Tree shapes cards with just doilies, card stock and craft gems.
Happy Hooligans
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According to Julie at Sum of Their Stores, if you can paint a blob, draw a straight line and a leaf shape you can make a watercolor handmade card.
Sum Of Their Stories
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Create an adorable string of Christmas tree lights using fingerprints that will add a personal touch to your handmade Christmas cards, gift tags, and more! Let your creativity shine with this fun and festive DIY idea.
Crafty Morning
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Kids will love making this festive card for the holiday season. These make cute card keepsakes with the handprint tree and the fingerprints as Christmas lights.
The Best Ideas for Kids
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This quick Kids Christmas craft tutorial is lots of fun to make at home or as a classroom Christmas activity.
Craft Bits
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This card wishes the recipient the warmest holiday greeting. Includes a free download of a mitten image.
Stamp n Design
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Get ready to impress recipients with beautiful Christmas cards featuring intricate paper-cut lettering! Thanks to the free download files, you can create these beautiful cards in just minutes using a die-cut machine.
Persia Lou
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Turn a simple paper garland into a unique Christmas cards! Share your heartfelt message and then fold the garland to fit into your mailing envelope. It's a creative and personal way to spread holiday cheer!
Craftideas.info
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Make a festive Christmas Tree holiday greeting card with red buttons and green ribbon.
Casa E Trend
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*NOTE: The Pattern is Free, the price listed is for thread. Create this Rudolf festive card to give to friends and family this Christmas season.
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Here is a fun way for toddlers and preschoolers to participate in holiday card-making. You'll find two versions of really simple Santa Hat Cards.
The Mad House
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Need a last minute Christmas card idea? Here is an easy Christmas card to make. All you need is a blank card and some decorative tape.
Omiyage Blogs
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Use these instructions to make holiday cards.
Ruffles and Rain Boots
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Kids can upcycle old greeting cards into a snowman thank you card with this tutorial.
In The Playroom
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With these free instructions make a sweet little card using old vintage buttons.
Scrappin' with DeeDee
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A cheery way to decorate Christmas gifts with this free project.
Craft Ideas
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A penny slider card uses two pennies to create an interactive card that moves! Here is a fun Christmas card to make using this technique.
Vikalpah
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Make card backgrounds by stacking five pieces of scrapbook paper and cutting. Then embellish. It's Fun! It's Easy!
Split Coast Stampers
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Create some lovely holiday cards by sewing gingham fabric onto a white cardstock.
A Spoonful Of Sugar Designs
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Make festive Christmas cards with the kids with this easy string art tutorial.
Hello Wonderful
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This snowflake design is simple to create and makes a lovely winter wonderland Christmas card to send.
Squishy Cute Designs
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Kids of all ages – toddlers to teens – can make these DIY easy quick Christmas cards using Washi tape.
Chalk Academy
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These washi tape trees came together so quickly.
Doodlebug Blog
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With cardstock, washy tape, hole punch and glue, a child can create a card to give to family and friends. Learn how to make the card with this free tutorial.
Best Toys 4 Toddlers
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On this blog you will find step-by-step instructions for making easy watercolor Christmas cards.
Watercolor Affair
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This cute wreath greeting card is made with scrapbook paper and buttons.
Holiday Crafts and Creations
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