If your holiday spirit doesn't come in a box, then maybe your Christmas cards shouldn't either! This year, skip the store shelves, get the whole gang together, and try something new.

Here's everything you need to know to create a homemade Christmas card that your family will be

proud of!

To create the scrapbook-style cards that you see pictured, all you need to do is follow these guidelines. Because these Christmas cards are individually made, each one can be unique or you may opt to create several identical cards. Either way, these steps will help you celebrate the holiday with a style that's all your own!

The first thing you'll need, obviously, is the base card stock.

You can choose the design or color of your choice from most craft or scrapbook supply stores. Alternatively, there are card making kits that come with pre-folded card stock and ready to use envelopes. This option may be a slightly more expensive one, but it cuts out some of the prep work with the added convenience of eliminating the search for the right envelope.

Once you've got your card stock, decide what size you'd like the final product to be.

For a 5" x 7" card, cut the stock into 10" x 7" pieces. For a 4" x 6" size, start with 8" x 6" card stock. Fold the cards in half, and then slip the undecorated card into an envelope to make sure that it fits. If it's too big, trim the edges slightly. The decorated card will be snug by comparison, so know that if it's hard to fit now, it will only be more difficult later. Plan ahead accordingly.

The next step is to choose several accent colors or designs to create the patterns you see in the samples or any other one that you might choose.

For a crafty country feel, use Christmas ribbons to make patterns on your homemade Christmas card. For a more modern look, scrapbook paper is available in sleek, metallic, and contemporary designs. By switching between fabric and paper, you can create a very different feel in the style of the card without changing the basic design. To re-create the look you see here, all you have to do is cut lengths of ribbon or sections of paper into rectangular pieces. Arrange several sections on the card before you glue anything down to ensure that you're happy with the overall appearance of the greeting. 

Once you've completed the background design, the next step is to add text.

Again, the best place to look is the scrapbook supply section of the craft store.  Here, you can find precut letters of nearly any size or style. Choose from elegant fonts or opt for something a bit more rowdy and joyous for your homemade Christmas card. As with the background material, your choice of lettering is a great way to personalize the look of your card to match your Christmas spirit!

Before you glue any letters down, arrange the whole message on the card. Simple phrases such as "Merry Christmas" or "Silent Night" are best on the rambunctious card style you see pictured. Once the letters look good, use a strong glue to affix them to the card. Consider a gel super glue to make sure they stick. 

Next, add decorative items. There will be plenty of accents on the scrapbook aisle, many of them holiday themed. Christmas stickers, glitter, and festive shapes are just a few of the additions you can make to give your Christmas cards a personal touch. Use the designs pictured for inspiration, or create your own! Once you've finished the outside of the card, allow it to dry completely before adding a personal message to the inside.

Finally, you're ready to slip the finished cards into envelopes and mail them off to friends and family members.

Even the littlest hands can help create this easy design, making these simple homemade Christmas cards a wonderful activity for the whole family -- and a great way to share the holiday spirit with friends!

For more information on Christmas greeting cards, homemade photo card samples and tips, go to funny Christmas card.