Let’s admit it, it is fun to receive Christmas cards. There is something thrilling about seeing a letter awaiting you in the mailbox and the feeling you get when you open it to see a Christmas card inside. It really makes us feel loved knowing that someone took the time to think of us and showed it through this simple gesture. I love carrying on this tradition now as an adult with my own family!

Many people will find creative ways of displaying the cards they receive during the holiday season, but what should you do with them afterwards?

Save them! And pray for each person throughout the year!

I can’t take credit for this idea, but I absolutely LOVE it and am going to do it from now on!!

How it works

We took each holiday card and used a hole puncher to put them neatly on a single key ring. Each day I flip to the next family’s photo and say a prayer for them. Our stack sits in a special spot of our home that we’ve converted into a prayer table of our little prayer “war room.”

I’ve also seen others on social media share how they are simply putting theirs in a basket (no punching or key ring required) and then placing it beside their bed to pray for their loved ones before bedtime.

Any area that helps keep them organized and front of mind will work!

Why I love it so much

First, I know how much time and effort goes into getting your picture taken, choosing a card layout, finalizing your design, writing a note with life updates to accompany it, order, stamp, and send these cards out. I don’t want that effort to go to waste and end up in the recycling bin.

Second, it is a spiritual work of mercy to pray for the living and the dead so this is a beautiful way of incorporating that into your daily life. It is easy to say we will pray for someone but this practice really puts it into action! There is intentionality behind it with this method.

I also like that it ensures my prayer is focused outside of myself and my own family, and instead keeps my mind open to praying for members of our whole community. We would hope they pray for us on a general basis, not just when we ask them for a specific intention. This way we get to return that favor by proactively praying for them!

You could take it a step further and reach out to the person you prayed for that day. Either by sending them a text or even calling them up on the phone. While it is powerful and meaningful in and of itself to pray for our friends and loved ones, it can also be a reminder to reach out to them on a more regular basis.

So, what do you think?!

Is this something you plan to try out for yourself?

Any ideas for how to make it even more impactful?

Let us know in the comments below!

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