You should send a holiday card this year, and these tips will help you make it the best one yet. When I was a kid, I actually hated when my parents’ friends sent photo cards instead of cards adorned with cute woodland animals and comical elves.  Honestly, I had no interest in seeing how much other people’s children had grown–how absolutely BORING!  Now, though, I cherish cards from friends with their annual updates. 

With those we love scattered around the globe, we don’t always get to see each other in person as much as we would like.  Social media makes it possible to keep a peripheral eye on the goings-ons of those you care about, but it doesn’t replace a card. There is something so homey and comforting about opening a real envelope, with a real photo of the people you really love inside.  To me it’s worth the cost of the card (and the stamp) to send a tangible greeting to those that matter so much to us. And if you take the time to send a card, you want to make it the best. And the best card has photos of YOU (not of other people).

Getting that just-right photo, might feel a little overwhelming.  Moms get anxious about coordinating outfits. Dads worry about having to smile while also directing the kids to behave.  Kids just want to know if ice cream is involved (this photographer says–YES!)  Having a relaxed family photographer, who can capture genuine connections goes a long way toward easing these anxieties.  It doesn’t have to be so serious! The truth is, you are proud of your tribe. You are excited to share all they’ve been up to this past year, and you want to show off–a little (eh-em..or a LOT).  Getting the photos taken is only a small part of creating the best holiday card. The tips below will help your card really shine this year.

First, this may be your family or friend’s one and only reminder that you are alive until next year–so the pressure is on.  I mean, if you don’t get this right, you will have to wait another twelve months to redeem yourself.  You should approach the card creation process with the kind of intensity you devoted to choosing your wedding registry silverware.  If you don’t make it to page 12 of the possible designs on Snapfish are you even trying?  Rounded edges, embossed finishes, believe me, the world is standing ready to judge all of these choices.

Second, don’t use the same photo from last year.  I know that no one saves their cards for a full twelve months. It is possible you could get by with turning in the same photo year after year.  However,  it’s apparently considered poor form if you AND your kids literally haven’t aged a day in the past 12 months.  

Next, you should not leave any of your kids off the card.  Consider having their faces visible, but if you can’t get eyeballs, at least make sure the silhouette of each of your darlings makes the frame.  Whether the adults need to be included is up for debate.  I’ll be frank, there are days when I have considered putting ONLY a photo of The Brakes and me, and leaving out all of the children.  It seems, alas, that the Grandparents frown on this sort of behavior.  

Finally, it brings me so much joy to see cards from families I know and love, proudly displaying their kids grumping at the camera, or giving bunny ears during an otherwise stellar portrait.  We’re all out here, doing our best each day.  Social media bombards us with ultra-polished  and sanitized versions of the lives we are living. If you’re taking the time to send cards this holiday season, why not include a little slice of real life. 

There are many ways to go about choosing the right photos. Include ones that are a reflection of your children’s personalities and your family’s special bond. It’s not silly to include one or two that just make you laugh.  As you spend some moments this season crafting, designing, and curating, don’t forget that these are also the moments you are living.  This time, right now, is precious and full of love, laughter, joy and meaningful connection.  And if THAT feeling makes it onto your card this year–you’ve nailed it.