The good, the bad and the awkward – personalised holiday cards offer up a bounty of all three, usually on the same piece of cardboard.

While Queensland politicians haven't managed to quite trump former British prime minister Tony Blair's fantastically awkward was-just-punched-in-the-twig-and-berries-fa-la-la-la-la expression, they've done their best to honour the tradition Sir Henry Cole started in 1843.

Campbell Newman spruced his card up with children, following the politician-with-baby trope to its natural conclusion – that if one baby makes for a good campaign photo opportunity, then eight must be election gold. That and he is very fond of children – the offspring from his office staff kindly donated theirs for use in the Premier's official card.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli proved he was more of a fan of Italian chocolate than anyone knew, borrowing from Ferrero's Kinder Surprise to set up a Crisafulli Surprise Christmas card that was all business and tradition in the front and all casual Christmas Crisafulli-sick inside.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg also went the drawing route – but he took the safe option of having his children illustrate. It's the roast chicken of Christmas cards – still personal, but almost impossible for it to go wrong.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson favours a pun.  Last year it was his wife Robyn, himself, a train set and a joke about getting the signal to return home – this year it's Robyn, himself and "junior K9 advisors" Taffy and Dash with a "don't drink and drive or you'll end up in the doghouse" ha-ha-but-really message.

"Christmas cards are a great way to acknowledge those you work closely with over the year," he said.

"What I try and do is make people smile when they read my Christmas card and show politicians do have a life beyond George Street."

But Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was all about George Street with his card – which comes complete with a QR code that links to a campaign mess ... cough ... Christmas message on YouTube, featuring must watch vision of his own bold sartorial pairing of a green shirt and orange tie and the Transport Minister's Kennedy-inspired hair and jazz hand routine.

But this year's feat of Christmas card strength win went to Treasurer Tim Nicholls, who managed to include George Street, a festive abacus, a smile, a colour co-ordinated tie AND the government's Strong Plan motto into one photo, complete with gold coins.

His personal card game is as strong as the government's love of that adjective, but it has also sparked the most conversation.

"I love it," one MP said.

"You can't tell if he is putting coins into that sack, or taking them out."