When most scrappers think of Christmas scrapbooking, many images come to mind that are rather conventional. For example, images of a family around the Christmas tree, photos around the Yule tide fire, and other pictures usually included in Christmas cards.

While most scrappers search for ideas that "leap off the page", perhaps it is better for scrappers to abandon the idea of the page altogether. In other words, even though scrappers do their best to make pages that fit well in an album, there are other ways of expressing Christmas ideas than just in the album.

One of the best ways to do an annual Christmas scrapbook is to start a mini-album. A mini-album is exactly what it sounds like, a scrapbooking album designed only to celebrate one memory or a few memories. They are meant to be small, like the size of a half or quarter page, and not hold many pages. A mini-album is a perfect way to use your scrapbook skills, and when complete, they can sometimes be used as either gift cards or gifts in and of themselves!

After all, many people send a letter that explains what their family did during the year, but statistics have shown that very few ever read these letters. Imagine how much your family's mini-album will stand out from the usually run-of-the-mill family letters which are nothing but words that few want to take the time to read. A mini-album uses pictures that say a thousand words, along with text and decoration of a Christmas page really showcases that which you value.

In addition to all the things your family has accomplished in the year, you can really put anything into this Christmas scrapbooking mini-book. Generally, it is good to see Christmas images associated with it. This means taking a picture of yourself with your family in the conventional surrounding mentioned earlier, such as around a Christmas tree or fireplace. Keep in mind that one might have to take such photos months in advance.

You may also want to avoid the cliché, so to speak of Christmas scrapbooking and go with something altogether different. There are no rules of what you can and cannot do with this, but you should embrace ideas that celebrate the season and the artist's family.

The mini-book should use Christmas colors, including red and green patterns. Decorations should also be holiday-themed, including ribbons, bows, or even wrapping paper. Once again, it is not wise to limit oneself with traditional Christmas patterns, as the mini-album is one idea where the scrapper can really use his or her imagination.

Even though the Christmas scrapbooking mini-album takes a lot of creativity, it is practically made for mass production. With a little prepared pattern and some paper, along with some lettering, a mini-book is a snap to assemble. All one needs to do is fold some paper in two, then bind them together using staples or even thread.

Once the frame is assembled, it is easy to let creativity flow as photos, stamping, embossing, and every skill the scrapper knows can be put proudly on display.