Anything Flys™ with These Alternative Christmas Cards

Every family has a different idea of what their perfect Christmas card might look like. For some families, just getting the kids to smile for the camera might mean victory. For those whose kids have left home for school or careers, you may want to highlight a new vacation spot in your Holiday card. Other cards may focus on the family pet, or a favorite holiday recipe, or even a simple Christmas quote that makes you smile. Whatever you’re looking to showcase this year, we want to help you pick the perfect idea for you. That’s why we created this guide on alternative Christmas card ideas. After all, anything can happen– and that’s something to celebrate. That’s why we believe that when it comes to getting those envelopes in the mail– anything flys. 

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Fun Alternative Christmas Card Ideas

Ready to find the right inspiration to help take your Christmas photo cards to the next level? These alternative Christmas card ideas aren’t just authentic and easy to recreate– they’re also fun to put together. Pick your favorite idea from those below or visit our full Christmas card guide for additional help.

1. Star of the Show

Alternative Christmas card idea with a young girl.

Is your child the real star of the show in the family? If so, showcase their stand out attitude, smile, or laugh on this year’s Christmas card. Pick a design where you can make their portrait stand apart from the crowd.

2. Just Mess-n Around

Alternative Christmas card idea with a daughter and father baking.

Love baking? Show off your Christmas cookie skills? More of a cross country ski fan? Then include a photo of this year’s ski trip. Highlighting hobbies in your Christmas card is a great way to let your friends and family know you’re living your best life.

3. A Little Roomie Love

Alternative Christmas card idea with two roommates.

You and your roommate have made a home for yourselves, and you don’t know what you’d do without them. Show your roomie a little love with a cute Christmas card design featuring the two of you.

4. Road Trip

Christmas card and ribbon.

The holidays don’t usually go by without a road trip or two along the way. Poke fun at your Christmas misadventures and long car rides with children with this fun Christmas card idea.

5. Silly Prop-osals

Alternative Christmas card idea with a funny family photo.

Don’t be afraid to include props in your Christmas photo. Whether those props include funny glasses, holiday attire, or photo booth signs– make sure it represents you and your family to a T.

6. A Rock’n Christmas to You

A funny family Christmas card sample with a family of rockers.

Does your family have a unique style? Show it off in this year’s Christmas card, loud and proud. And for an extra touch of color, break out a set of matching Christmas sweaters.

7. It’s Like Wrangling Cats

Three kids on a Christmas card.

If you have an extra-large family, gathering them all together for a Christmas photo may be a challenge. Embrace the chaos by using a candid photo of the family trying to get ready for your portrait, or by taking photos of kids individually, for the ultimate funny family Christmas card.

8. Blessings to All

Beach vacation photo for a Christmas card.

Not all Christmas and holiday cards need to include a family photo in the snow. Send out a simple Christmas blessing on a sandy beach to all your loved ones to let them know you’re thinking of them.

9. Stop Horsing Around

Horses on a Christmas card design.

Didn’t have time to take a Christmas photo this year? Don’t worry; you can always use another favorite photo from the year, even if it’s of the mountains, local animals, or anything else. What represents you best?

10. A Unique Christmas Tree

Christmas card idea with a cactus.

Don’t be afraid to have a little fun or include humor when it comes to creating your holiday card. This card, for example, puts a spin on a timeless Christmas song and represents a fun vacation the sender enjoyed during the year.

11. New Home for the Holidays

Alternative Christmas card idea with a moving announcement.

Use the excuse of Christmas cards to send your friends and family an updated address after a big move. Include the full address alongside a fun holiday message so the rest of your friends and family know where to mail their Christmas cards to.

12. Puppy Love

A dog posed with a Christmas hat for a holiday card.

If there’s a new furry member in your family, show them off in your annual holiday greeting cards. Not only will it make a great keepsake as your pup grows older, but friends and family are guaranteed to love the cards.

13. Gatefold Christmas Card

Gatefold Christmas card on green Background.

Gatefold Christmas cards make for a traditional greeting card presentation, with plenty of space inside for letting loved ones know how your year went. Customize the card with any of your favorite photos, quotes, and other memories of the year.

14. Peace, Love, and Belly Rubs

A funny family Christmas card sample with a dog.

Your kids aren’t the only ones you can dress up for the ultimate funny Christmas card idea. If your cat or dog is used to being the center of attention in your family, consider making them the star of your Christmas card. Buy them a themed hat, place them front and center in your Christmas decorations, and start taking photos.

15. No Party Like a Friends Party

Fun party and friends on a Christmas card.

If you think of your friends as family, consider sending out a Christmas card featuring the entire group. Include a photo from a holiday party, event, or even night out on the town and make sure to send it to your loved ones.

16. New Year, New Perspective

Alternative Christmas card idea with an upside down laughing family.

Sometimes the key to a great Christmas photo is to try looking at the idea with a new perspective. Flip the family upside down on a couch or other furniture, and take plenty of goofy photos.

17. New Year, New Us

Girl jumps for joy for Christmas card.

Take a jumping photo after a long hike, get a cute haircut, or showcase a new outfit to show off the “new you” in this year’s holiday cards. It’s not only fun to make, but it’s a great way to showcase your personality.

18. Reindeer Caught in the Headlights

Cute christmas card photo with surprised dog and child.

Sometimes the silliest face of all is a super serious face. Break out your most festive attire and mix it up with a less-than-festive facial expression. Loved ones will have a tough time holding back their laughter.

19. Proverbs for a Peaceful New Year

Alternative Christmas card idea with proverb.

If you’d rather focus on the message of your Christmas card, consider including a proverb or favorite piece of scripture in place of a photo. This is a great way to share your faith and well wishes during the holidays.

20. Your Natural Element

Man poses for Christmas card photo next to his trailer.

Don’t be afraid to show photos that aren’t as “polished” as you usually include in your Christmas cards. Goofy morning routine pictures or photos from a dress up game can be even better.

21. Rudolph the Red Nose Dog

A cute christmas card idea for a family with dogs.

Change up this year’s Christmas photo by creating a dog-themed holiday masterpiece instead. It’s a fun reminder that greeting cards can be special no matter what photos you use, or who the star of the photo is.

22. Kids at Heart

Three dogs pose for a cute Christmas card photo.

There’s no rule that says family photos can’t be full of Christmas magic and wonder without kids. Don’t be afraid to have lots of fun in your photos to let everyone know just how excited you are for the holidays.

23. Show off the Fur-Babies

Alternative Christmas card idea with cat and dog in costume.

You know your pets are the cutest Christmas fur-babies in the world– but does everyone else? Show of your dog, cat, or house-full of pets this holiday season by dressing them in their best holiday outfits.

24. A Growing Family

Alternative Christmas card idea with two sisters.

The Christmas season is the perfect chance to introduce a new baby to the world. Let everyone know what a great new blessing you have to come this New year.

Alternative Christmas Card Messages

Are you searching for the right Christmas card message to bring your photo to life? These Christmas card wording samples will do just that. Pick your favorite below or use them to inspire a unique message for your holiday cards.  

  • “We’re all hoping that you have a fantastic holiday season and a fabulous New Year.”
  • “Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season.”
  • “I wish you a very happy whatever-your-favorite-holiday-is. It’s one of my favorites too!”
  • “In this loveliest and happiest of seasons, may you find many reasons to celebrate. Have a wonderful Christmas!”
  • “I hope that this coming year brings all the fun, success, and happiness you’ve been waiting for.”
  • “Wishing you a festive holiday season and a very happy new year.”
  • “Here’s to a new year full of love, laughter, and just enough wine to make all that happen.”
  • “Happy Holidays from the kids! And by kids, I mean the cats.”
  • “It’s friends like you that make this season so special and magical.”
  • “Thank you so much for all that you’ve done this year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

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