Page 8 | If someone sent you a (nicely) handmade Christmas card, would you think…

FestiveFruitloop · 2025-12-20T14:27:55+00:00

YABU: that they couldn’t afford to buy ‘real’ cards? YANBU: that they just liked making Christmas cards? Assuming the card has clearly been made by an adult and not a child. Context to follow, just curious. (Regular member, not a journo. 😄)

Newsenmum · 21/12/2025 18:28

angela1952 · 21/12/2025 18:25

We have a friend who does this, I think that she is just mean. Before she took to sticking her cards together she used to send postcards which were a pain because they don't stand up like a Christmas card.

Mean? 😭 to sit there and put time and effort into making you a card?
One minute all cards are pointless and should be thrown sway, next minute they need to be bought and expensive.

angela1952 · 21/12/2025 18:31

Newsenmum · 21/12/2025 18:28

Mean? 😭 to sit there and put time and effort into making you a card?
One minute all cards are pointless and should be thrown sway, next minute they need to be bought and expensive.

Show quote history

I'm sure that you do put in a lot of time and effort and your cards must be lovely. However my friend doesn't, they're awful. This isn't the only aspect of her life where she shows her meanness, it's just who she is.
She's very well off and everything that she does shows this side of her character.

Newsenmum · 21/12/2025 18:33

angela1952 · 21/12/2025 18:31

I'm sure that you do put in a lot of time and effort and your cards must be lovely. However my friend doesn't, they're awful. This isn't the only aspect of her life where she shows her meanness, it's just who she is.
She's very well off and everything that she does shows this side of her character.

Edited

Show quote history

I suppose if there are other things she does that seems mean then you know that’s how it is. Doesnt make much sense though because it would be easier to buy!

Duckchops · 21/12/2025 18:40

FestiveFruitloop · 20/12/2025 22:40

I sometimes incorporate parts of old cards too, as some designs can make good backgrounds, but I like to change the designs up so they're as little like the original cards as possible. I sometimes base parts of designs on gift tags as well, the fox pic on one of the above is a gift tag (from WH Smith if I remember rightly, and some of their sparkly gift tags also make nice card toppers. 😄)

Show quote history

I stash Christmas cards away with the decorations for the future. In the case of homemade ones, I'd either get them out each year with the decorations, or I'd somehow turn them into tree decorations. My son's godfather would find fun gift tags for his presents with the idea that they go on the tree

This has literally reminded me of fun 3D cards that my parents have sent in the past and have been tucked away. I'd forgotten. I'm off to go and dig them out of the box!! (They look amazing when backlit...)

NB: I started this reply because the lady that runs my pony's yard gave me a homemade card this year with her dogs on and I love it. I'm going to challenge her to do one with her horses next year 🤣

Lastfroginthebox · 21/12/2025 18:48

Neither of the OP's options. It depends on the giver and the card, but mostly I'd feel honoured that they'd taken the time and trouble to make one - especially if it was artistic and original. Creating a card isn't necessarily a cheap option anyway.

Lastfroginthebox · 21/12/2025 18:53

I have to say that I don't like the cards that are made from various kits with 'toppers' and ready-made bits stuck on. They are often naff. But I appreciate a card with original artwork. However, I'd never assume the giver was mean. They thought of me and spent time and trouble, and thought that I'd like the card.

Original poster

FestiveFruitloop · 21/12/2025 19:09

angela1952 · 21/12/2025 18:31

I'm sure that you do put in a lot of time and effort and your cards must be lovely. However my friend doesn't, they're awful. This isn't the only aspect of her life where she shows her meanness, it's just who she is.
She's very well off and everything that she does shows this side of her character.

Edited

Show quote history

What are they like? Just curious really.

OP posts:

SarahsHoneydew · 21/12/2025 19:13

As someone who makes my own cards I can assure you, the equipment and materials needed cost way more than shop bought cards, not to mention the thought and personalisation that can go into it

tillylula · 21/12/2025 19:24

Depends if its a folded peice of paper or an actual card with the bits stuck on. I love receiving homemade fancy cards!

Original poster

FestiveFruitloop · 21/12/2025 19:30

MotherOfCrocodiles · 21/12/2025 16:02

They are nice

Just wondered if there is any way the friend felt it was too personal (home made card with the cracker from a dinner you went to) and thought you were hitting on him?!

I mean, he knows that you make them for everyone and have for years. But unfortunately the kind of person who might forget that about you is often the same kind of person who tends to think everything anyone does is an attempt to attract their irresistible self…. Rather than just a hobby…

I know where you’re coming from. But it didn’t feel like that was the vibe, plus it would be coming out of nowhere after many years of giving them to everyone in this particular friendship group, so hopefully I’m safe on that front! 😄

OP posts:

CatsnCoffee · 21/12/2025 19:36

I and some others I know are quite germphobic and wouldn’t like to imagine someone’s greasy, post-dinner fingers handling the materials used for our cards! I would keep those details to yourself!

TeaBiscuitsNaptime · 21/12/2025 19:40

I would prefer a handmade card from an adult. If it was clear effort had been put in to it. I would think it more personal than getting a mass produced one, which I'm not dissing either. The ones I sent were mass produced but id think it was nice to receive a handmade one

XenoBitch · 21/12/2025 19:42

This thread has inspired me to dig out some craft supplies and make my mum a card for xmas.
Thanks OP 😃

Princessfluffy · 21/12/2025 19:44

I think if you want to save money you don’t send any cards at all, that’s perfectly socially acceptable nowadays. I think making cards is lovely, especially as an antidote to these online digital times.
Some people will treasure the cards, others won’t. Our society as a whole doesn’t currently place a high value on handmade things. Machine made in China is often preferred. It’s a shame and I hope things are changing.

PrettyPickle · 21/12/2025 19:46

It would make my day if I got a handmade day, it is so much more thoughtful and personal.

BeddieT · 21/12/2025 19:47

I know an older lady (90 this year) who just loves to make them. They must coat her significantly more than buying the equivalent so it’s not a cheapness thing.

PollyBell · 21/12/2025 20:00

I would think it is a nice Christmas card it feels only on here people have to make some back story to every little thing in life

PluckyChancer · 21/12/2025 20:08

I made a few handmade cards this year but only sent them to a few people who I know will appreciate the creativity and effort that went into it. 😊

Flowersforyourchocolateprettyplease · 21/12/2025 20:16

FestiveFruitloop · 20/12/2025 16:09

It was a thoughtful look and a sort of 'Oh, right...' followed by something like 'Well, waste not, want not...' It's come up twice as DH was joking about the cracker paper on another occasion and friend seemed to look a bit thoughtful again and didn't seem to have a ready reply to trot out, which is very unlike him. I have a feeling it was about the cracker paper in some way, as in 'blimey, times must be hard' maybe, but I could be wrong. Not trying to overthink things here (although I will say, the friend in question has a tendency to), it just made me mildly curious if he thought I was down on my uppers or something. Not that it's going to stop me making cards and using whatever works well to make them. I might stop talking about the provenance of the materials, though. 😄

I once read an agony column letter in which, if it was real, someone who took a great deal of pleasure and care in making cards, was sent a cheque from a friend, with their Christmas card, for a small amount of money 'so you can buy some cards to send next year'. 😧I've always hoped someone had made that up as it's so depressing!

Show quote history

I'd imagine this was more about having to save them for you.
There's enough going on around Christmas to be thinking about yet another thing.
Seems a little request but I'd then be overthinking if my crackers are good enough quality to keep, not to forget to bin them, having somewhere to store them till I meet see you etc.

I realise this isn't normal thinking but he could be similar.

Mardyybum · 21/12/2025 20:20

One of my super artsy friends sent us a (very lovely) shop bought card and I was a bit disappointed to have not received a homemade one - she’s a working mum to 2 little ones so I will let her off this time 😂

Original poster

FestiveFruitloop · 21/12/2025 20:41

Flowersforyourchocolateprettyplease · 21/12/2025 20:16

I'd imagine this was more about having to save them for you.
There's enough going on around Christmas to be thinking about yet another thing.
Seems a little request but I'd then be overthinking if my crackers are good enough quality to keep, not to forget to bin them, having somewhere to store them till I meet see you etc.

I realise this isn't normal thinking but he could be similar.

Show quote history

No, I don’t ask friends to save their own crackers, I agree that would be a pain. I meant that at the dinner I went to I asked everyone to pass me their cracker paper once they’d pulled them, as it was so nice.

OP posts:

Original poster

FestiveFruitloop · 21/12/2025 20:44

CatsnCoffee · 21/12/2025 19:36

I and some others I know are quite germphobic and wouldn’t like to imagine someone’s greasy, post-dinner fingers handling the materials used for our cards! I would keep those details to yourself!

Why would their fingers be greasy though, assuming dinner wasn’t KFC? Not meaning to be snidey there, just don’t get why anyone’s fingers would be greasy after eating a knife-and-fork meal…

OP posts:

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 21/12/2025 20:56

CatsnCoffee · 21/12/2025 19:36

I and some others I know are quite germphobic and wouldn’t like to imagine someone’s greasy, post-dinner fingers handling the materials used for our cards! I would keep those details to yourself!

@CurlewKate, it took a few hours, but your prediction proved right.

Sartre · 21/12/2025 20:59

It costs more to make them. I made them with DC for close relatives and teachers this year. Had to buy new paints that were autumnal colours for the trees, more white card and some special sharpies for the nice letters on the front. Ours weren’t elaborate, I’m sure some people will buy more things to make them plus not everyone has the paintbrushes and glue stick so that too.

You can buy a pack of cards from the shop for a couple of quid in contrast.

Theroadt · 21/12/2025 21:19

How horrid to even think the question! If someone goes to the trouble to make something for me I am grateful and touched and appreciative of the effort.