If you haven’t yet been to a card-making event at the National Postal Museum (or even if you have), then mark your calendar for this fantastic holiday activity: The Annual Holiday Card Workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday, December 8-9, from 10am – 4pm. And I can tell you from firsthand experience that these open-house events at the Postal Museum are always perfect for all ages, well-organized, festive, and super fun.
All of the supplies is provided — a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color, and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids (and adults, for that matter) can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”
Once finished, cards can then be placed in envelopes, addressed, and adorned with a distinctive National Postal Museum postmark at the museum’s stamp store. In keeping with educating children about the postal service and how mail works, kids can pop their own cards in an official USPS mailbox that is decorated to exactly resemble — none other than –SpongeBob SquarePants! Of course, visitors should also explore the whole museum and everything else it has to offer — you can read more about it all here.
The workshop takes place in the museum’s lower-level Atrium, which is full of various postal transports from over the years, including a real train car, semi-truck (yes, kids can climb in and pretend to drive!), a horse-drawn carriage, and airplanes hanging from the ceiling. Thanks to Smithsonian Gardens, the Atrium will be decked out in festive foliage, as well!
The layout of the card-making stations and supply tables encourages sharing, friendliness, and a sense of community, particularly important in this day and age. And the museum’s friendly staff and volunteers are always available to answer questions, provide examples of completed cards, or help in any other way!
So, remind children of the real reason for the season: Giving! And impart in them the tried and true lesson: It’s the thought that counts. Sometimes a handmade gesture can mean so much more to a friend or a loved one than any store-bought gift. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than taking the time to express your love and gratitude for the important people in your life with a heartfelt greeting?
Annual Holiday Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, WDC
When: December 8-9, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
