Not Your Average Photo or Hand Made Christmas Card!
Is it really time to stress Christmas cards? Yes. Yes, it is. Well, no, if you are going to go to the store, pick up some pre-fab thing, sign your name, and send them on their way. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Most people probably don't even look at what the card actually says, they are just happy that you didn't forget/ignore them this year. I may be neurotic, but I know when I don't get a card from someone, but other people do, I feel slighted. (Please let me know I am not crazy...)
Okay, to stay on track- BUT, if you are trying to send cards that make someone think, "WOW!!!!" then you better get on it. With Thanksgiving looming, there are only a few good weeks left in order for your friends/relatives/people you play nice with to receive their card by the day after New Years.
For the past several years I have opted with the photo card. It lets people who don't live nearby and don't have Facebook see my family's smiling faces. Just, we don't do the posed picture in snow wearing our matching sweaters. If that represents you, go for it. If not, maybe get more creative. You can go with a collage (3-4 so they are still viewable and not a half inch in size each) of favorite moments from the year. They can be a picture of each single family member (youngest kid with a plate of spaghetti, oldest kid on first day of school, dad reading or golfing or at a sports game, mom painting) instead of a group shot. Or go with a group shot from your favorite moment. One year, we did the family in our Phillies t-shirts at the Lincoln Monument. It wasn't our finest picture (it was SO hot that day!), but it summed us up perfectly. Whatever you do, let it reflect you! (And for extra personalization, choose a company that lets you pick your own words, not just your name). There are great pricey options, but photo-services Shutterfly and Snapfish are very affordable (and often have coupons). VistaPrint is affordable as well, and also allows you to edit all text on the card, not just your name. I have used all of these services in the past and have been happy with the outcome. Search around for what fits your style and pocketbook the best.
I noticed, though, that EVERYONE does photo cards now. So really, even with the non-posed shot, we still blend in. So, to stay one step ahead of the Jones', opt for handmade cards. These can get as fancy as you please, or can be simple and kid friendly to make. Use your imagination! You can make it look like a gift using decorated card stock and ribbon, add glitter and snowflakes (like pictured below), hand write a message, or as I chose to do: write a little poem and then sign around the card. I used construction paper, markers, and glitter pens from the dollar store, making this quite inexpensive. For the size pictured below, it is 1/4 of a sheet of construction paper with embellishments attached. Just remember, that heavy additions will cost you at the post office counter, so think lightweight. Instead of felt or foam glue ons, use a stamp! You can even make your own stamps by using small, shaped Christmas ornaments such as stars and candy canes. I have posted a picture of our first card that we made (the squares on the page are the names edited out). This features a tiny cut out snowflake, a small cutout Christmas tree with glitter for the star, and a poem. I did write the poem myself, and I feel that self-written words really add that extra touch. But the possibilities are endless, and you could even choose a Christmas carol, Bible Verse, or a family update. I also plan on doing other cutouts such as candy canes and Santas. While they don't look highly professional, it is sure to make the recipient take pause when they open the card as they are guaranteed to get nothing like it, and it is also a really great way to spend a cold evening!
Note: check back for a snowflake making tutorial! Here, I only glued the snowflake on in the center, so that the edges stick out and it gives the card fun depth.
Okay, to stay on track- BUT, if you are trying to send cards that make someone think, "WOW!!!!" then you better get on it. With Thanksgiving looming, there are only a few good weeks left in order for your friends/relatives/people you play nice with to receive their card by the day after New Years.
For the past several years I have opted with the photo card. It lets people who don't live nearby and don't have Facebook see my family's smiling faces. Just, we don't do the posed picture in snow wearing our matching sweaters. If that represents you, go for it. If not, maybe get more creative. You can go with a collage (3-4 so they are still viewable and not a half inch in size each) of favorite moments from the year. They can be a picture of each single family member (youngest kid with a plate of spaghetti, oldest kid on first day of school, dad reading or golfing or at a sports game, mom painting) instead of a group shot. Or go with a group shot from your favorite moment. One year, we did the family in our Phillies t-shirts at the Lincoln Monument. It wasn't our finest picture (it was SO hot that day!), but it summed us up perfectly. Whatever you do, let it reflect you! (And for extra personalization, choose a company that lets you pick your own words, not just your name). There are great pricey options, but photo-services Shutterfly and Snapfish are very affordable (and often have coupons). VistaPrint is affordable as well, and also allows you to edit all text on the card, not just your name. I have used all of these services in the past and have been happy with the outcome. Search around for what fits your style and pocketbook the best.
I noticed, though, that EVERYONE does photo cards now. So really, even with the non-posed shot, we still blend in. So, to stay one step ahead of the Jones', opt for handmade cards. These can get as fancy as you please, or can be simple and kid friendly to make. Use your imagination! You can make it look like a gift using decorated card stock and ribbon, add glitter and snowflakes (like pictured below), hand write a message, or as I chose to do: write a little poem and then sign around the card. I used construction paper, markers, and glitter pens from the dollar store, making this quite inexpensive. For the size pictured below, it is 1/4 of a sheet of construction paper with embellishments attached. Just remember, that heavy additions will cost you at the post office counter, so think lightweight. Instead of felt or foam glue ons, use a stamp! You can even make your own stamps by using small, shaped Christmas ornaments such as stars and candy canes. I have posted a picture of our first card that we made (the squares on the page are the names edited out). This features a tiny cut out snowflake, a small cutout Christmas tree with glitter for the star, and a poem. I did write the poem myself, and I feel that self-written words really add that extra touch. But the possibilities are endless, and you could even choose a Christmas carol, Bible Verse, or a family update. I also plan on doing other cutouts such as candy canes and Santas. While they don't look highly professional, it is sure to make the recipient take pause when they open the card as they are guaranteed to get nothing like it, and it is also a really great way to spend a cold evening!
Note: check back for a snowflake making tutorial! Here, I only glued the snowflake on in the center, so that the edges stick out and it gives the card fun depth.
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