I have to be honest; I get a little nuts about my holiday card. As soon as it is fall, I start thinking about who I am going to have take the picture, which web sites or stores have the best card designs and how I can ensure my card is a real show stopper.
Now you are either thinking yeah I get it, or wow, this girl is off her rocker. But I have to say, I think this town has a number of highly competitive Christmas carders. How do I know this? Because in early October when I called my top three favorite photographers, they were all booked until January! It took me seven phone calls until I found someone who could give me 45 minutes or a mini-session as it is called.
I think having a child pushed my card competitiveness into overdrive. Before children, I did what is expected. The year I got married it used the super cute wedding photo. Year two it was me, my husband and my dog. The year I was 8 months pregnant I didn’t send a card; you got my birth announcement in January (good enough). But year one with a kid, it hit me! I needed that super cute picture I had been receiving all those years from my friends, and I knew exactly what I didn’t want to send.
This year I am really happy with my card and I can’t wait to send it. December is my favorite month for mail. There is nothing that makes me happier than the classic family photo card. They adorn my fridge, wall and mantel all month long. And every year I have a few favorites. My friend Tricia has the best picture of her brood in matching holiday pajamas. I love it! I also love a good beach trip photo. There are so many fun and creative ways to show off your family. So get creative and find a picture that captures your essence and drop it in the mail.
4 comments
I am a full blown competitive carder. It is a science. It is an obsession. It is going to send my husband into an early grave. I’m with you Lisa!!! Someone help me!!!??!
Now that I have kids, I totally get it. Before that – not so much. Can’t wait to see your card this year!
I already got my cards out this year (much earlier than normal) but it’s because I combined our “we’ve moved” and “happy holidays” cards. But the pictures are key – I found one this year that has 6 small pictures on it and it’s perfect, because I don’t have to have one picture that is perfect of everyone.
I also started keeping an album a few years ago with all of our photos that come at Christmas – either in cards or in the form of cards. It’s not a fancy album, just a slap in place sort of album, but it’s neat to look back every year and see how the kids have grown, not only my own but our friends’ and our family’s kids, too!
I do love to send a good Christmas card! But receiving all the cards our friends send is far better! I love seeing how the kids & families have grown each year. Betsy, that is a fantastic idea!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I think I have a little album laying around that I can use, so I can’t wait to do that!