Useful Christmas websites

For the last post of this year, I want to highlight some websites that are useful around Christmas.

Online Christmas Cards

Have you missed posting deadlines, or like me, were you horified at how much it cost to post all those cards? These sites allow you to send Christmas cards (as well as Birthday cards etc)  via the internet.

I like 123greetings because you don't have to sign up or create an account in order to send cards for free. However, if you do create an account, they will remind you of all upcoming birthdays and events, so you never need worry about missing a birthday again.

Smilebox allows you to design your own card, using your own photos and images. It has a basic free version, as well as a paid version. It's easy to yse, and has some lovely designs, but check to make sure the ones you pick are part of the free service.

Jacqui Lawson cards are not free, but are lovely, and cover events all year round. 

Of course, you could go for Elf Yourself, and upload pics of yourself and four friends (with their consent of course!) and the site creates an animation of you as elves.

Secret Santa

Struggling to organise a secret Santa or any gift eschange? Elfster is a secret santa generator, which will assign partners to everyone who is participating. It is free to use, and participants need to sign up to an account. You can give details of the secret santa, and people can also post ideas or their interests, so people can find gift inspiration.

Christmas ideas for Kids

There are a range of sites listed in this blog, including one that allows you to track Santa on his delivery round - via Norad Santa

Wishlists & Gift ideas

Some people are really hard to buy for. A large number of sites allow you to create wishlists to circulate, and help friends pick the perfect gift for you. I like to use Amazon wishlists.

You could also consider vouchers for experiences such as these:  https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/

Cooking

Not sure how long to cook that turkey? There are a wealth of sites that can offer you the information you need, along with inspiration and a range of recipes. I like BBC Good food and Good Housekeeping

Another site you might want to explore:

Merry Christmas.com promises games, jokes and recipes for that special Christmas.

However you celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a lovely time with friends and family. See you in the new year.