Christmas Cards

No, no, no you scream when you see the title. Not yet!

Yes, now. 

Now is the time to start thinking of the Christmas card.  If you are going to send out greetings this year it would be very helpful to you to at least have the plan in place now so that when you are ready you can just gather everything together and get it done.

For example, lots of people include photos in their cards. Is there a vacation photo you love?  Have it printed now.  Avoid the rush.  If you prefer a portrait type photo make the appointment now when the studios are not busy. If you have a larger family these photos can take a long time and it is so much more pleasant when there isn't a line of impatient people waiting their turn behind you as your toddler refuses to cooperate. You can even bring Christmas outfits or seasonal clothing for the children to change into at the studio. Who has to know it was taken in August?  I received a cute studio photo once of a family of children in adorable Christmas pjs.  All different. Turns out smart momma purchased then for a song on E-bay in July and had the photo taken in August. Genius.

Begin gathering your addresses and updating your list now.  I have mine saved in a file that is already to print on labels.  While you are out buying school supplies buy the labels.  Have one of the older children type in the names and addresses (great typing practice - counts as school!).

If you are making your cards, and I encourage you to do that, the various school supply and craft store sales that happen at this time of year could be helpful.  Involve the whole family in the design.

If you write a newsletter, get going now. Have each child write a paragraph. There is still plenty of time without anyone feeling pressured.

Please check out these posts from last year to help get your cards started;

Alice's Family Christmas Card Post

Mary's Homemade Christmas Card Ideas

If you have any ideas for photos and cards please leave a comment or email them. I would love to share them.

Comments

[Mary Ann]

I save money on portraits by taking one of my boys at home with a digital camera. I take many shots, and we pick the best one. Then I upload it to an online photo printer such as snapfish.com. I order prints and they are delivered quickly. Wallets for the cards, 5x7s for godparents, 8x10s for us and grandparents. I usually take the photo in mid-November and have the pictures by December 1.

[Peggy]

I just wanted to add one more great greeting card company to your post, http://www.RememberGreetingCards.com/peggy is a completely customizable greeting card company that has more than 4,000 cards to choose from. The best part about this card company is they will print, stuff, stamp, and mail each custom card for you, yes real greeting cards NOT e-cards. The cards are less than $100 ea. a great value. You can also pick a card (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.), type in your greeting (in your own hand writing that can be up-loaded if you’d like); select a group to send that card to (from 2 to 2,000), and the system will insert their name on to each card for example, Dear Sandy, or Hi Lori, or Mr. & Mrs. David Smith, all with one click of your computer mouse. I also use this card system for my sculptured nail salon business, we use the greeting cards to thank new clients and thank you for your referrals, this has become our best marketing tool, as we get many more referrals simply by sincerely thanking our clients. Think about it when was the last time a business thanked you for your business! Check it out at: http://www.RememberGreetingCards.com/peggy and get 2 free cards to try. Just scroll to the bottom and fill out the form. I would recommend sending one card to a family member at your address so you can see the great quality of the cards. This really makes holiday card sending fun and easy! Did you just say, what about pictures? Yes you can up-load your pictures (as many as 5 per card), cover photo as well.

[Alice Gunther]

I promise to photograph your family if you do mine!

[Amy]

I get labels for my Christmas cards at www.colormefamily.com. Because you can pick your own message, I put something about Jesus, such as "Celebrating the Birth of Christ".