Christmas cards
Christmas cards are displayed with holiday-themed merchandise at Harrods in London's Knightsbridge on Aug. 7, 2007. Rosie Greenway/Getty Images

Christmas cards are a thoughtful way to send love, joy and well wishes to family and friends around the world. But making or buying these cards, licking stamps and stuffing envelopes is time consuming and expensive. Thanks to the likes of Paperless Post and Red Stamp, there are plenty of free, easy options that will spread Christmas cheer this season. Here are five ways to send Christmas ecards to loved ones near and far without charge.

Paperless Post: This stationary website offers classic, tasteful designs with plenty of free holiday ecard options that you can customize with your own photos.

Some Ecards: If you’re sending a card to someone who appreciates dry humor or dark comedy during this joyful holiday, check out this free ecard website where cartoon Christmas cards poke fun at the season’s traditions and sayings. Some of the cards have even become viral hits on Facebook. Pick one or make your own.

Portable North Pole: Use this free service to have Santa send a personalized video message to a loved one. Simply choose whether you want Old Saint Nick to put him or her on the “naughty” or “nice” list and fill out a few questions about their personality. The recipient will get a video where Santa actually says the person’s name out loud, along with several good and bad habits they possess.

Red Stamp: This site features simple digital cards in a bunch of different holiday templates and colors that can be sent for free. Customize the card by adding your own photo and personal message.

Wordeo: Bring your Christmas message to life in a video ecard using this free mobile app. Create fun video stories, add your favorite holiday music and share with loved ones.