What to do with all those Christmas cards.

I have this huge pile of Christmas cards just waiting to be put somewhere.  Every year it's the same thing-keep them for a few weeks after Christmas and eventually toss them.  But this year I really don't want to do that.  So I've looked for a few creative ways to preserve our Christmas cards from friends and family.

My favorite quick and easy idea I found was this:

Take a picture of each Christmas card with your phone and add it to that persons contact info.  Then you can see their lovely picture every time they call.  Plus you still can toss all the cards, but not feel so bad about it:)

This idea was found here: http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/12/19/the-creative-lighting-struck/

I think it's pretty genius!

The other idea I love is also easy, but a bit more intentional.  

Punch a hole in the corner of all your Christmas cards, put a ring through and viola.  You have a prayer journal.  Pick a different card each day or week and pray for that family with your kids.  Then toss the cards as they've been prayed for.  A simple way to be reminded that our friends and family should be prayed for.  Also a great way to show our kids who their second cousins, in-law, three times removed is:)

The idea for this was found here:

http://www.honeybearlane.com/2011/12/christmas-card-booklet-by-sara-sarah.html

This next idea is sorta cheesy, but mostly cute.

Cut Christmas cards into smaller sizes, then arrange and glue together to form the shape of a wreath.  You can use it for years to come and it would make a nice decoration.  Here's the link with directions:

http://eco-activista.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-to-do-with-christmas-cards.html

So go on now...do something fun with your Christmas cards.  And please share any other ideas you have!

~Emily