The Christmas Cards We Make

We share the Joy of the Season through greeting cards.

          A few weeks ago, I had a get-together with friends on Christmas card-making.  Aside from a good bonding we had, it was also a good chance to unwind.  I remember that one of my holiday chores when I was growing up was to write letters and send Christmas cards to relatives. If receiving a card or a letter gives great joy, what greater joy there is in receiving a handmade card by a friend or by a relative.  However, making cards as gifts may not be applicable for all but it is surely a unique and pleasant way to remember and share the joy of the Season—the advent of the Christ Child.



Aside from a good bonding activitiy with friends, card making is a good rest from the stressful work-days.

          Making handmade Christmas cards would surely demand time and effort but it effectively conveys an important message:  I do care about you and I would like to share this great Joy with you.  It is not the size, nor cost, nor splendor of the card that is most important but the intent and spirit behind giving it.  In these days when many things could be done instantly and when many of us are just very busy, the value of a simple job done carefully in view of the person to whom that job or gift will be offered is even made greater. 

Basic materials: a pair of scissors, white glue, colored paper, card board.  Card magazines could help you get ideas.

          It is easy to start this hobby especially around Christmas time.  The basic materials needed are just a good pair of scissors, white glue, some colored and fine-point sign pens, card board and colored paper, and your imagination.  The whole kit and caboodle can be in a neat or fancy bag or even in a recycled sturdy box.  There you can put another container the various ornamental scraps you can gather from candy wrappers, magazines, old Christmas cards, gift tags, or old calendars, etc.  The possibilities are limitless especially if you know how to improvise creatively and make do with what you have.

Find the object of centerpiece for your card; then cut and paste.

          Once you have your basic materials, you can now explore on how to use them.  One simple way is to cut the paper with precision and paste neatly as attractive centerpiece or subject for your card.  Layer it over another paper to emphasize it further because it serves as its border. Punch art is also interesting and easy.  You can also do an origami (paper-folding) which will be the card’s main motif. Do play with colors to make your card happy and zestful.  The color wheel can guide you at the beginning but do trust your preferences after some time.  A short cut is to ask advice from those who have a good eye for art.  

Behind the Christmas cards we make are the persons we love and care for.

          My Ninang Lootsee is an inspiration for me as regards thoughtfulness and card making.  She has consistently remembered my family and my cousins’ families too—all our birthdays or special events. Her creative works always stun us and receiving a card from her makes us gasp to say “Wow!”   Ninang generously shared with us this craft of making cards.  Though I can never equal her elegance and expertise in this hobby, I keep on at it. I fumble and proceed so awkwardly slow in making my cards yet I try not to lose heart.  Keeping on with the craft is to sustain relationships because behind the Christmas cards we make are the persons we love and care for--to them we impart not only friendship but the gift of ourselves.  This is the greatest art lesson I learned from my Ninang.  Merry Christmas!