It's that time of year again, when the normal t0-do list is impregnated with holiday wishes, must haves, and need to do's. Most of which are inspired by creative new ideas that always seem brilliant in the beginning. I'm holding back this year on most of these ambitious goals, but one thing I never miss out on is the sending of Christmas cards.

I don't remember sending cards as a kid. Family cards that is, obviously as a kid I wouldn't have been the sender. Had I been, they would have been filled with glitter and probably glued shut. (I digress.) When I was living on my own in Alaska I started using Christmas cards as a way to stay in touch with friends and family. Being 3000 miles away makes for some strained relationships and I may not keep in contact all the time, but I thought of them during the holidays, and that mattered. Along the years I have discovered that many of them where kept as keepsakes. Yearly progressions of Erin I suppose, since they all included a picture.

The first few years (insert brilliant idea that seemed so grand in the beginning) I handmade those little babies. What's better than getting a hand crafted personalized card from someone you love? Well ... one would be that I often didn't get them done in time and you received them late. I'm no scrapbooker, this artsy stuff is fun at first, but much harder than it seems. Props to all you handy ladies (possibly gentlemen) out there who master the art of cut and paste. I appreciate you. 3 years into trying to be that person I threw in the towel and by the 4th year I came to my senses, leaving handmade cards to the artisans.

For the last 4 years my Christmas cards have upgraded (in Erin's world upgraded means stylish simplicity) to photo cards printed and mailed directly from Shutterfly. Give me just a minute here ...

Dear Shutterfly,
I love you.
Sincerely,
Erin (<- the girl who admits handmade cards get glued shut)


Megan is the one who turned me on to shutterfly. Originally for photo sharing, but they obviously have soo much more. And when it comes to Christmas cards, the only binds I find myself in now is my indecisiveness. The pages and pages of Christmas cards (and Holiday cards for those of you sending them out in time to count Thanksgiving - Go YOU!) can keep me occupied for hours. That and realizing too late in the year that I don't have a suitable picture to slap on the card. After all, they are collectors items, I can't just use ANY picture.

Someday when I'm feeling extra ambitious I'm going to collect my favorite Alaskan photos and make one of these babies! Just don't hold me to a date. ;) Shutterfly may make it simple, but this girl can procrastinate anything.

But here's my little message to all you non card givers -

Everybody loves a little love. Spend a $1 and send a card. Best cheap present you'll ever give.

3 comments

1. Brian on 11:16 PM, November 29, 2010

   I love your cards.. I can't wait for you Christmas cards!
   
   Love,
   
   Me (President of the Erin's Christmas Card Collecting Fan Club)

    
2. Rice Family on 10:19 PM, November 30, 2010

   ok. wait a minute. was this intentional - you and megan just made the same post! You even both say "i digress"! You are advertising for shutterfly, right? Or is it national shutterfly appreciation day?

    
3. Chad on 12:59 AM, December 24, 2010

   It's about that time, eh?
   
   "Hmmm...I think she's interchanging (un)important with not interesting. Either way - nonsense! I shall have to remind her of this the next time she tries to go two weeks without blogging!"
   
   :)
   
   Merry Christmas!