I grew up with shiny Christmases. Lights! Decorations! Crafts! Presents!* My mom laid out the works every year without fail. I still enjoy the pageantry — if that’s the right word — of a holiday-decorated home. Admittedly, I don’t have the chops (or the time) to pull off the indoor wonderland my mother created annually. I put up a tree and a few other trimmings, but that’s about it. As the season turns dark, away from Winter Nights and towards Yule, I usually start looking for pieces to add to my holiday decoration collection.

If you’re like me, you can spend hours searching on the Interwebs and only find one thing suitable for your holiday home. This is a quandry I have faced since I became Pagan *mumble mumble* years ago. I often look for Pagan-influenced but decidedly non-Christian items to decorate my home. Sometimes they are easy to find. Sometimes they are not. In the hopes of helping you find pieces for your Pagan holiday home, I am going to share lovelies that I find online over the next month or so. This week, I’m recommending holiday cards.

I LOVE sending cards every year (though I’ve fallen off the wagon lately), but I always have a tough time finding cards that reflect my beliefs. Usually, I try to find secular cards with generic but warm holiday wishes. I don’t want to freak out my non-Pagan kith and kin with an all out Pagan message. But now I think I have enough Pagan peeps near and dear to me to find cards with an all out Pagan message. I mean, I’ll still get the generic “Wishing you a happy holiday” cards to avoid the aforementioned freak outs.** But it’s really nice to have a reason to search out Solstice or Yule greeting cards.

“Where might you find Solstice or Yule greeting cards, GG?” I’m glad you asked! I have found some worthy of sharing. Full disclosure – I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to holiday decorations. I don’t have any kiddos, yet, so my tastes lean towards posh.*** I like simple but bold color patterns and sleek designs. Even when it comes to holiday cards. I like a thicker cardstock and a nontransparent envelope (preferably on recycled paper). And I don’t want the cards I buy to look like I printed them at home.

That being said, I have not actually handled the cards I found online. They just look pretty (and posh). Also, I wish I could include photos of all the cards, but I’d have to get permission from all of the vendor sites, so I’m just including links. Sorry for any inconvenience!

“Wishing you a Blessed and Happy Yule”

This card because the image reminds me of the sun and the moon at the same time. It has wonderful imagery that isn’t bogged down in details. And I really like the burgundy color.

“Happy Yule”

This card could be from any religion on the holiday except the text reads, “Happy Yule.” I like that it is sort of generic in appearance. It’s friendly and approachable (for lack of a better word). I also love the whimsical (and Disney-esque) stars floating around the text.

“Magical Yule”

I am not Wiccan, so I would not buy this for myself. But it is adorable with its pentacle and wizardy snowman!

“Holiday Witch Candy Cane”

Another terrific Wiccan find. The artwork is delightful. This artist has a few Yule cards on Café Press.

“Wishing You a Magical Yule”

I am enamored with this artwork on this card, too. How can you go wrong with fairies and birds? But I’m not crazy about the text. It’s doesn’t seem to fit the polished look of the rest of the image.

“Winter Queen Holiday Card”

This image is a little busy for my taste in cards, but the style is reminiscent of Mucha, whom I adore. This card is also very Mucha and very pretty.

“Happy Solstice”

This card is neat because you can use it for summer or winter solstice!

“Swedish Christmas Goat: Julebukking”

This card has a goat on it. ‘Nough said. And Julebukking sounds totally fun!

Opal Moon Cards

This site has several cards that I like. They are a little busier than I prefer, but the symbolism is rendered with care making these cards worth the shipping from the UK.

Even if you don’t like the cards I’ve recommended, I hope these sites are a good resource for you. Of course, the best Pagan cards are those you make yourself because they are laced with love and care. But I work full-time and am not always feeling crafty in my spare time — or not crafty enough to satisfy my poshiness. These cards are a wonderful option for those of us who aren’t awesome at DIY. Though you may want to buy DIY from someone else! In which case, search Etsy for “Yule” or “Winter Solstice” cards. Or better yet, find a local artist who makes cards at an art festival or a winter festival.

What say you, Royal Readers? Do you send out holiday cards? Do you prefer to send secular or religious cards? What kinds of cards do you prefer to receive? Please share a link to your favorite card sites and contributing to the card hoard. 🙂

* I actually don’t do presents any more. But I’ll save that story for another post.
** Not that my family and friends would freak out. Most of them know I’m Pagan. I don’t hide it. I don’t advertise it, either. Maybe they’d be cool with it. Hmm. Maybe I’ll put out some feelers.
*** When I do have kiddos, holiday decor will be more about them having fun, and less about me being posh.
+ Featured image, The Swedish Yule goat in Gävle 2006.