59 Christmas Card Ideas For The 2024 Holiday Season

It’s that time of year when you consider Christmas card ideas. You hope for the best, that you took enough family photos during the year and hopefully everyone’s eyes are open. Or, you try to pull together a last-minute Christmas photoshoot in your yard.

There’s no wrong way to do it and getting any Christmas card idea printed and sent is a win, especially if you have kids!

A creative or funny Christmas card idea can earn you high praise from friends and loved ones. Even a simple family photo is loved by distant relatives who are happy to see your faces. Southern Living provides great guidance on the holiday card etiquette that you need to know. 

But for new families, there can be a lot of questions. "What am I supposed to write on a Christmas card?" "What are good Christmas card ideas?" "When should I send my Christmas cards?" All these questions and more will be answered here, so read on to discover the best Christmas card ideas. 

 Jump to Section

• Easy Christmas Card Ideas
• Funny Christmas Card Ideas
• Christmas Card Ideas for Kids
• Beautiful Christmas Card Ideas

Easy Christmas Card Ideas

1. Felt Cut Outs

You can pull together beautiful Christmas card ideas with ease after a trip to your local craft store. Pre-cut felt designs or a little free time with your scissors add a special touch to the front of your card, along with a heartfelt message inside. 

2. JOY Bunting

This simple craft will make your Christmas card idea super memorable. Put together miniature buntings for each card, with cut-outs of the J and Y while the O is a circular family photo. Your friends and loved ones will love how easy it is to display your card. 

3. Mini Sweaters

Whether stickers or felt designs put a cute holiday sweater front and center for an easy Christmas card idea. With a little time, you can even paint or draw your tiny sweaters if you want to. 

4. Snowy Hills

With some basic folding, you can create a beautiful accordion-style Christmas card idea that resembles snowy slopes. Add in some lines and a few trees so people know what they’re looking at. 

5. Handwritten Touch

It always feels nice to receive a handwritten card, but making them is time-consuming. Follow this cheat code for your Christmas card idea by writing out your message and scanning it. You can then print it over as many cards as you need to. 

6. Abstract Lines

Go geometric with this hand-drawn Christmas card idea. A series of intersecting lines and circles come together for a retro tree and twinkling stars. Let your creativity show with this visually appealing but unique design in any set of colors you like. 

7. Pretty Polka Dots

Take a page from Pointillism with this easy Christmas card idea. You can create all sorts of holiday designs using ball-point paint pens or a round brush. A series of dots can turn into a wreath, snowman or tree in no time at all. 

8. Mushroom Gnome Home

Different from Santa and his elves, gnomes can be festive holiday creatures, too. Some multi-colored craft paper and paint markers can become a cute little mushroom home and an adorable bearded resident. 

9. Make Your Own on Canva

For the younger family that’s looking to save money and considers themselves tech-savvy, Canva is the place to be (online) for pulling together a quick and easy Christmas card idea. 

10. Button Ornaments

Do you have a random container of spare buttons? Get rid of them in a creative way with this handmade Christmas card idea. Glue them onto a piece of paper in different spots and draw a thin line down from the top, making them look like hanging ornaments. 

11. Re-use Paint Chips

Add some color to your holiday greetings with this easy Christmas card idea. Slice the top off a paint chip sample, creating a triangular shape. Glue it on the page to look like an abstract tree and don’t forget the start on top. 

12. Holly and Jolly

You can use a printable template or stick a bunch of holly leaf stickers on paper for this Christmas card idea. The idea is just to send a whole bunch of adorable holly leaves and berries with a holly jolly holiday greeting. 

13. Doily Christmas Trees

It’s becoming pretty clear that there are many ways to make homemade crafty trees for easy, homemade Christmas card ideas. Fold and layer some paper doilies to make a beautiful, snow-laden tree. Colorful markers or glued-on gems pop as ornaments. 

14. Stack of Christmas Presents

The easiest way to dress up your hand-drawn Christmas card idea is with a whole bunch of colored squares and rectangles, decked out like Christmas presents. Solid colors or easy patterns can be drawn or painted on for an adorable and festive design. 

15. High-Tech

Want to deliver a different experience to your friends and loved ones? With the help of a tech-savvy friend or partner, you can create your own QR code that attaches to a basic Christmas card and brings friends to a holiday slide show or newsletter. 

Funny Christmas Card Ideas

16. I’ll be Gnome for Christmas

Make use of this clever play on words with an “I’ll be gnome for Christmas” Christmas card idea. Whether you’re dressed up as gnomes or simply adding 

17. In Costume

Channeling pop culture can make for a funny Christmas card idea. If you were proactive enough to capture a family photo on Halloween, then your job is done! Parents and kids dressed up in Game of Thrones gear will definitely get a giggle. 

18. Winter is Coming

If you, like so many others, were obsessed with all things GoT, you can add a play on words to your funny Christmas card idea. “Winter is coming” is true and will make recipients smile. 

19. Keep it Plain

For your closest friends and family, this funny Christmas card idea takes very little effort. The front of the card reads “I was going to send a family photo with this year’s Christmas card” while the inside reminds them “But you already know what we look like!”.

You can whip this up on your own computer or hand-write it in a few seconds. 

20. Oh Deer!

This funny Christmas card idea is even better if you were a little late sending your cards this year… “Oh Deer! It’s the holiday season” makes perfect sense next to a little reindeer or mighty stag.

21. Christmas Spirits

For the friend who loves to toast the holiday season, many funny Christmas card ideas have a wordplay on alcohol. Prosec-ho-ho or “enjoy the Christmas spirits” can go inside or outside the card. 

22. Just Another Card

Hit ‘em with the classic fake out with this funny Christmas card idea. The front reads “This isn’t just another generic holiday card” while the inside lets them know “Just kidding, it totally is”. 

23. Cheesy Card

You can easily get the kids involved in making a Christmas card idea that resembles a wedge of cheese, but a storebought version that shows different artistically drawn cheeses and a caption that says “this is the cheesiest Christmas card I could find” works too. Even better, include this when you send a gift basket of charcuterie supplies. 

24. A #Trending Card

Call even more attention to your Instagram with this playful and kind of funny Christmas card idea. You can find several templates online that either make your family photo of choice look just like an Instagram post or combine a handful of your best posts from the year into one neat card. 

25. Family of Paper Dolls

Order tiny cut-outs of each of your family members and string them together for a funny Christmas card idea that’s also a miniature bunting. For even more of a laugh factor, do funny poses like jumping or cartwheels to add extra dimension. 

26. Avo Great Christmas 

Avocados are a beloved food not only because they’re delicious, but in cartoon versions, they’re quite cute. Incorporate them in your funny Christmas card ideas with an avocado wearing a Santa hat exclaiming “Avo good Christmas!”.

27. Picky Eating Mouse

We all have that cousin, friend or other relative who is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegan and who knows what else. This funny Christmas card is just the right amount of mocking, with a mouse in a Santa hat staring down at a plate of cookies wondering “Are these cookies gluten-free?”. 

28. The Hard Truth

The holidays are famous for non-stop parties, buffets and incredible food, often leading to some inadvertent weight gain. Poke a little fun with this humorous Christmas card idea, featuring a big pair of Santa pats on the front and the announcement that “Christmas time is here, get your fat pants ready!”.

29. It’s Christmas Thyme

For the amateur chef or foodie in your life, a simple bouquet of thyme with a red bow on the front of this funny Christmas card idea is enough to get them smiling. Under the thyme bunch says “It’s Christmas thyme”. Feel free to get creative with other food puns here.  

30. A Modern Christmas Carol

Have your Christmas card idea be one to remember: a personalized singing telegram from the TikTok famous group African Star Singing. Besides being pure joy, your message can be personalized with photos and words, complete with upbeat song and dance.

Now that’s the best way to spread holiday cheer. With a little donation, this could even count as a unique Christmas gift, sort of like a celebrity cameo. 

Christmas Card Ideas for Kids

31. Washi Tape

Buy a bunch of rolls of colorful, patterned washi tape at the craft store and let your kids help you create handmade Christmas card ideas. Abstract trees and little boxes for presents are easy to make with little tears of tape, even for young kids. This can go on a colorful piece of craft paper, along with a quick note. 

32. Footprint Snowman

Get the little ones involved with footprint snowmen for a cute Christmas card idea for kids. Blue cardstock and white paint on the bottom of their tiny foot turn into a makeshift snowman with a few quick touches like the hat, carrot nose and a little ribbons scarf.

This is a fun Christmas craft when all the cousins or friends get together.

33. Coloring Book Joy Cards

Print out some JOY lettering on white card stock where the letters are filled with holiday designs. There are tons of free and paid templates online for this fun Christmas card idea for kids. Hand the kiddos some crayons or markers and mail out your unique, one-of-one Christmas artwork.

34. Candyland Houses

Draw inspiration from your child’s favorite game or story and make the front of your Christmas card idea a cute candy house. Whether a charming storybook house or a cartoon gingerbread house, this idea is adorable and wholesome. You can make multiple versions and hang them around your home or turn them into coasters for DIY Christmas decor. 

35. Recycled Magazine Trees

Be eco-friendly with this Christmas card idea. Cut out the shape of Christmas trees using an old magazine page. Your cards will be filled with blue pool trees and tropical rainforest trees. 

36. 3D Christmas Tree

For the slightly older kids who are into crafting, you can make 3D paper trees to glue onto paper for a fun and geometric Christmas card idea. To make things even more eye-catching, use brightly colored paper for your trees and glue it onto a square of black craft paper. Use a white paint marker to add gently falling snowflakes. 

36. Cookie Cutter Cards

Re-purpose those holiday cookie cutters and use them as stencils for fun Christmas card ideas. Use glue and glitter, paint or patterned paper for easy and cute designs that the kids can do. This can turn out to be a rewarding and beautiful Christmas painting idea if you choose that medium. 

38. Handprint Elf

If you’re bringing Christmas card ideas to life with a toddler, this handprint elf card can’t be beaten. Trace and cut out their hand on some tan paper, where the pinky and thumb become the elf’s ears. Add googly eyes and a fun point elf hat to complete your design. 

39. Celebratory Sponges

Get your little ones crafting with this textured Christmas card idea. Use old, dried-up sponges, ideally green but any color will do. Cut them into a triangular shape and let the kids glue beads, pom poms and other decorations on them like tiny trees. 

40. Merry Grinchmas Hand Card

After pressing their palm into dark green paint, add yellow Grinch eyes and his maniacal grin over top. The top can read “Merry Grinchmas!”. 

41. Reindeer Hand Card

Just like the elf hand card, trace your child’s hand on brown craft paper to eventually turn into a cute reindeer. An extra piece of paper over the thumb becomes the head, along with some stick-on antlers and adorable drawings become their expression. This Christmas card idea is as cute as it gets. 

42. Fingerprint Christmas Lights

Kids and adults can work together to create this festive and easy Christmas card idea for kids. Dip your fingertip into different colors, wiping clean in between and randomly arranging them on the page. After they dry, connect them with swirling lines of black marker to look like tangled Christmas lights. 

43. Popcorn Santa

This time, it’s okay to let kids play with their food. Create a playful Santa for your Christmas card idea for kids, complete with a 3D beard made out of popped popcorn. A drizzle of glue gets the shape just right, while kids follow behind with a handful of kernels. 

44. Melted Snowman Tea Light

Kids love light-up shoes and things that glow in the dark and this Christmas card idea is just perfect. A white blob with randomly placed buttons and arms looks like the melted body of a snowman. Tape on a flat tea light, using the fake flame as the nose and adding eyes and a coal smile with Sharpie. 

45. The Man With the Bushy Beard

Whether using your handprint or just a drawing, you can add a fun, fuzzy texture to Santa’s beard with this Christmas card idea for kids. Cotton balls are cheap and you probably have plenty right now. With a little glue and some imagination, Santa can come to life on your card. 

Beautiful Christmas Card Ideas

46. Floral Wrap Around

The juxtaposition of this Christmas card idea is what makes it special. Choose a floral printed background for your family photo. You can use a photo from a tropical vacation to stay on theme. 

47. Embroidered Christmas Trees

If you’re crafty, you can make some beautiful Christmas card ideas from embroidery gloss. Abstract Christmas trees are made from floss attached horizontally or vertically. Don’t forget a glittery star sticker to finish your design. 

48. Snowglobe Cards

Make your own snowglobe Christmas card idea with your family photo front and center. There are plenty of snowglobe templates to follow online if you want to get really crafty. 

49. Watercolor Design

Stand out in a sea of photos with a serene watercolor Christmas card idea. If you’re going the homemade route, keep your design simple like a simple green wreath made with a few red dots like ornaments. 

50. Paper Wreath

If you have a Cricut, then this beautiful Christmas card idea is for you. Affix a flat, but fluffy appearing wreath of green paper to resemble a wreath. Glue on a little red bow for a simplistic but stunning Christmas message. 

51. Watercolor Words

These handmade Christmas card ideas are perfectly dainty and to the point. On white card stock, watercolor the whole background, leaving only the word of your choice white. Give yourself lines with a thin marker first, then paint all around in soft shades of red, blue, green or whatever colors you like. 

52. Printed Poinsettias

There are so many downloadable and printable poinsettia Christmas card ideas. These stunning flowers instantly convey the holiday spirit in a minimalist, chic fashion and with whatever message you like inside the card. 

53. Papercut Cards

Set aside some time to create this beautiful Christmas card idea, the paper cutout card. Downloadable templates can guide you on exactly where to cut so your card reads one of many holiday greetings. 

54. All That Glitters

Tiny sparkly stars or snowflakes are elegant and beautiful for your Christmas card idea. They’re festive without being over the top and featuring yet another tree. 

55. Wrap it Up in a  Bow

Glue a big (or little) bow on the front of every card. This classy Christmas card idea instantly gives them an expensive feel, even if you printed them at home and glued on the ribbons yourself

56. Use a Different Shape

If you’re going to order your choice of Christmas card ideas, picking a shape other than square or rectangular is a great way to make yours special. A circle is elegant and timeless and makes it even easier to include a beautiful lush wreath or snowglobe in your design. 

57. Paper Quilling Tree

Decorative quilling paper strips turn into neat scrolls that can be arranged into a festive tree for this beautiful Christmas card idea. Though homemade, this design looks eye-catching thanks to lots of spiraling circles. It’s slightly more advanced, so this craft is more for adults.  

58. Beachy Vibes

If you live someplace where the palm trees get wrapped in lights, sending a Frasier fir Christmas tree on your Christmas card idea might feel disingenuous. Keep it classy and fun with a beautiful watercolor flamingo in a cute Santa hat or a palm tree with colorful lights hanging from it, next to big cursive lettering saying fa-la-la or some other holiday message. 

59. Candy Cane Striped

A bold red and white striped background is festive and classic. There are tons of templates to bring this beautiful Christmas card idea to life, but you can go the homemade route too. Add a solid cutout in front of the pattern so your message is easier to read. 

The easiest way to spread holiday cheer is with any one of these Christmas card ideas. There’s a special feeling of excitement and anticipation when you check your mailbox in December. If you’re going to go the family photo route, it’s not the end of the world if you haven’t planned ahead and captured your shot months ago.

While getting the kids to cooperate and all smile at once can be a challenging feat, at least you can bribe them with Christmas gifts for teens when “Santa’s watching” doesn’t have the same weight to it.

Delight your friends and loved ones with a Christmas card idea that sparks joy. This doesn’t even begin to cover what you write in a Christmas card. Some folks love the hand-written newsletter vibe, while others think a picture is worth a thousand words. 

For even more fun Christmas ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!