How to Store Christmas Cards and Other Sentimental Holiday Paper Goods
Each year I want to save some Christmas cards we’ve been given. However, I never figured out a good way to hold onto them- until this year. Thanks to my daughter being two and a half, I now have a multitude of things I want to keep. Christmas artwork, The Night Before Christmas to read each day of December, and special footprints of my precious babes. They’re all fun and sentimental holiday paper goods that I want to keep safe for years to come. I’ve finally unlocked my favorite way to keep these special items safe and organized without overtaking my storage space (since I have no storageee). Enter: how to store Christmas cards using the separate container method.
Why should you store cards and artwork together with holiday decor?
Keeping holiday cards and artwork within your holiday totes ensures they’re easy to find when the season rolls around again. Instead of rummaging through random boxes or drawers to locate last year’s treasures, you’ll know exactly where to look. Plus, storing them in a separate container within the tote protects them from being crushed or damaged by heavier items like ornaments or string lights.
Choose the right storage container
The key to the separate container method is finding a container that’s sturdy, appropriately sized, and moisture-resistant. Look for:
- Plastic Scrapbooking Case: These are excellent for holding a multitude of paper goods, and of different sizes too. You can even label each box by year if you’re keeping multiple seasons’ worth. (These are the ones I use and love.)
- Accordion File Folders: If you’re after more compartments to separate categories, these are perfect for sorting both cards and kids’ artwork by year or child. Plus, they’re slim and easy to tuck into your tote.
- Flat Storage Bins: Ideal for larger artwork that you don’t want to fold or crease. Choosing ones with lids keep dust and moisture out.
How to store Christmas cards: Protect and preserve
Before stashing your cards and artwork, consider taking a few steps to keep them in pristine condition:
- Use Acid-Free Paper or Sleeves: Placing fragile or highly sentimental items in acid-free sleeves will help prevent yellowing or deterioration over time.
- Add a Silica Gel Pack: These little moisture absorbers can be tucked into the container to reduce humidity. This is especially important if you store your holiday totes in your basement or attic.
Store it all together
Once you pack all your cards and artwork securely in their dedicated containers, place them in one of your holiday totes. If you can, tuck it/them on top of softer items like stockings or tree skirts rather than underneath heavier décor to avoid accidental damage.
If you want to take your organization to the next level (which I recommend because a year is a long time to remember ANYTHING), label the outside of your tote to note its contents. This will save you from opening every bin to find what you’re looking for.
A sentimental tradition
Storing your holiday cards and kids’ artwork this way isn’t just about organization—it’s about creating a legacy. Imagine pulling out the tote years from now and flipping through cards from loved ones or showing your now-grown kids the drawings they made when they were little. Keeping these treasures safe ensures they’ll bring joy for many holidays to come.
With just a little planning and the right tools, you can keep your sentimental items protected and perfectly in sync with the season’s décor. Happy organizing!
