Making and sending Christmas cards is an ideal way to get kids involved in the holidays through a fun arts and crafts project. Cards can also teach children the value of giving, which is especially important at this time of year. Whether sending to family or friends, a note in the card makes it all the more personal.

The entire family can get involved in making and sending Christmas cards. While the kids are drawing pictures for the cards, Mom and Dad can get the envelopes ready for mailing. Make sure to purchase the right materials for such a project, including different colored markers, double-sided tape, glue sticks, child-safe scissors, stamps and envelopes. Purchase a variety of envelope sizes so they fit unusual or awkward-sized homemade cards.

Letting kids make their own Christmas cards can bring out their creative side while providing a low-cost crafts project. Plus, you get to use up all those crafting odds and ends around the house, such as construction paper, glitter, ribbon, washi tape, finger-paints and whatever else is leftover from past projects. Fold a piece of colored construction paper in half to make the shell of the card. Have the kids draw pictures of Christmas-themed items, such as Christmas trees, presents and Santa Claus, and cut them out with scissors.

Outlining a cookie cutter and coloring in the picture is another way to create drawings. Mom or Dad can help by drawing the shape of a Christmas tree, for example, and having the kids color it in with finger-paints. Kids can also create original designs on the computer and use a color printer to print the pictures.

Use a glue stick or double-sided tape to attach the drawings on the front and inside cover of the card. Embellish with glitter and pieces of ribbon or washi tape. Leave plenty of room on the inside of the card for kids to write their personalized message.

Sending holiday cards can allow your kids to connect with different members of the family. Feel free to make the greeting personal. For example, a card sent to a cousin may say, “Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings you that bike.” Or to an Aunt, “Wishing you a Merry Christmas. So happy we are family. Can’t wait to see you on Christmas Day.”

Chances are Grandma and Grandpa will be delighted to get a homemade card with a personal greeting from their grandchildren. For these, you can stick to warm greetings of love, such as, “Sending you peace and love on Christmas,” or, “Blowing you a Christmas kiss from New Jersey.” Or simply, “Merry Christmas Grandma and Grandpa. I love you!”

Anything goes with greetings for friends. Tell a joke, write something meaningful or it keep it casual, such as, “Have a holly jolly Christmas,” or, “All the brightest and best of the season.”

If you are unsure which holiday your friends celebrate, then stick to a general holiday message, such as, “Wishing you a happy holiday season,” or “May your holidays be as sweet as candy canes.” For the latter, you can even attach a candy cane to the card.