• A Christmas shower doesn't have to get lost in the holiday shuffle.christmas tree image by Maria Brzostowska from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Christmas is a truly joyous time of year to be celebrating the upcoming birth of a new baby. Holding a Christmas baby shower can be fun and festive, but it can also be tricky, as the average person may receive so many cards in the mail that she may overlook the invitation to the shower. Creating standout invitations that are as clever as they are cute can help ensure that the shower isn't overlooked.
  
  

Ornamentally Speaking

• Pick simple, single-color balls so that guests' sentiments take center stage.ornament image by askthegeek from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Purchase boxes of simple plastic ball-style ornaments from any discount retailer, and send one out to each guest. Attach a tag with the invitation information and request that guests decorate the ornament in honor of the baby and bring it with them to the shower to gift it back to the expectant mother. Your invitations will stand out, and will double as a sweet and eco-friendly reminder of all who attended.
  
  

Sweet Treats

• Gingerbread boys and girls are sweet to eat and invite with.gingerbread man detail image by Rob Hill from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Visit a local cookie baker and have him whip up a batch of delicious gingerbread babies. Have the event information written on the cookie in edible ink, and send out each gingerbread baby wrapped in a cellophane bag and festive ribbons. Include a note to RSVP before eating, though! Alternatively, you can send a traditional invitation along with the cookie, to ensure that the information does not get lost.
  
  

It's a Wrap

• Everyone likes to open presents, including your guests.present image by martini from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Put a holiday spin on the traditional invitation by creating a paper present. Cut card stock into a large cross shape that can be folded onto itself like a box. On the inside center panel, write all the invitation information, and then cover the outside in wrapping paper, fold it into a box and finish it off with a ribbon and a bow. Your invitations will be a gift filled with love that will pique the interest of the guests and make them wonder what else you have in store for them.
  
  

Stocking Stuffers

• Tiny stockings make a big impression.christmas stocking with toys image by Photoeyes from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Purchase small, inexpensive stockings for each guest's invitation, and use the stocking to hold the actual paper. Include a message to guests to bring the stocking with them and to place a dollar in their stocking to hang on the money tree that you will be providing at the shower. This is an easy and inventive way to grab your guests' attention and do something nice for the expectant mother as well.
  
  

Outside the Box

• Nothing stands out so much at Christmas time as something that has absolutely nothing to do with the season. Choose a summery theme such as a luau as your base theme, and send out an invitation that is bursting with colorful hibiscuses, coconuts and grass skirts. If you still want to incorporate Christmas, include Santa in a grass skirt or a Hawaiian shirt. The juxtaposition of a luau look with the Christmas season is a sure attention-grabber.