This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
While there's an ecological argument to be made for e-cards, there is something undeniably lovely about traditional greetings arriving through the letterbox – especially now that most of us receive precious little personal post throughout the rest of the year. I love hanging up cards in the living room, and keep especially nice cards as keepsakes, to display again, or to recycle into next year's gift tags.
1. This image, which is taken from an original paper collage, shows Chawton Cottage, Jane Austen's Hampshire home which she shared with her mother, sister and friend, Martha Lloyd. It's a lovely, traditional winter scene, with the added bonus of literary connection! £2.52 from AmandaAWhite on Etsy.
2. As you might imagine, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is a popular choice for literary Christmas cards. I like this ‘bah humbug’ one as the badge is detachable, which will allow you to wear your Scrooge-ish misanthropy with pride. The card is £5.50 and can be personalised with the wording of your choice on the front. Available from Not On The High Street.
3. Yes, it's Dickens again with his quote 'there seems a magic in the very name of Christmas'. The card is printed onto linen card stock from a hand-lettered picture. There are ten cards in the set with ten mint green envelopes for around £16. From PattieJansen on Etsy.
4. T'was the night before Christmas cracker card. As well as being poetic, this card is unusual. It has a cracker snap to provide a 'bang' when pulled open and comes with a joke and hat. The card is printed with a pretty pearlescent finish and comes in a variety of colours. Each card comes with an envelope, 'Pull Me!' sticker, and full instructions. The cards cost £4.50 each of six for £24 and are available from Not On The High Street.
5. Mole and Ratty cards. These charming cards are reproduced from Philip Mendoza's illustrations for The Wind in the Willows. A pack of ten cards (two designs) is £4.99 from Museum Selection.