Christmas Card Flip Book

I have been a professional photo organizer for 4 years now, but I have been taking photographs and preserving memories on my own for a long time! One favorite project of mine is preserving the amazing photo Christmas cards we receive each year. In the beginning, I made photo books with them – but that involved the tedious work of cutting them to fit and making copies. For me to commit to something long-term, I usually need it to be fast and easy. Then my mom showed me her Christmas Card flip book – and I was hooked! 

While the idea is super simple, I have learned a few hacks over the past few years to help this project work well AND take minimal time! The photo cards I receive are now turned into little coffee table books – with our card on top of each year. I hope this helps solve your dilemma of how to easily store and enjoy Christmas cards year after year!

Tools Needed:

• 3-hole punch (This has worked much faster than the way I used to do it with one!)

• Metal Rings (I use 1.5” – smaller would work but bigger would be overkill unless you have a large number of cards.) https://www.amazon.com/warmecho-1-5Inch-Binder-Nickel-Keychain/dp/B07G9CY72H/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=metal+book+rings&qid=1609271815&s=office-products&sr=1-12

• Ruler (Optional– I do not use one.)

What to do:

1. Use 2 of the 3 holes on the punch and center the card between them.  (This is where you can use ruler to measure exactly – but I just eyeball it! These will be the holes where your cards will get hooked together!) 

2. After punching, stack the cards in two piles by orientation – vertical & horizontal.

3. Tweak the order however you want! (Family first, size order, reverse size order, etc.)

4. Slide one ring through all the left side holes and hook.

5. The right holes will easily line up – thread through the ring and you are ready to go! 

6. Enjoy putting them out and reliving the memories year after year!

Helpful Hints:

• I keep all cards with handwritten notes or photos.

• I refold letters to fit them on the rings, so they are still readable while flipping.  (Don’t be afraid to cut things down to fit best!)    

• I have learned if you put the biggest card right under yours, it will give the book a cleaner look. Alternatively, you can order from smallest to biggest and it will have a different look. I simply stack as I punch, regardless of size! This is about memories and not perfection for me. 

• Putting the stiffer cards on the top and bottom helps protect the pile and make it more durable!