I spent quite a while brainstorming Christmas cards for this year. Finally I came up with an idea, something totally “us.” But then Brandon and his fiancee Diane had crazy-busy schedules, and the few times they were available, either Lindsey wasn’t available or Kathryn was at her dad’s.
It was looking like we weren’t going to be able to get a family photo at all this year, or at least not in time for Christmas cards. I was disappointed.
But then we totally last-minutely made it happen on Thanksgiving morning, and I was tickled about it! We didn’t plan our wardrobe; whatever we all ended up wearing was just fine since I always want photos (whether for a client our for our own family) to be about the personalities of the subjects in the photos. And this year in particular, I wanted our photo to be a slightly humorous interpretation of who we are. (Coincidentally, our outfits did end up subtly coordinating.)
The result:
I worried a little that people might not “get” it, especially with Lindsey and Kathryn not even looking at the camera. (I tend to second-guess myself.) But those who know us know that I’m a tea snob aficionado, Ken is camera-happy, Kathryn frequently has her nose in a book, Lindsey is a little too addicted to texting, Brandon drums on everything, and Diane is busy planning their wedding. The fact that Diane really liked all our little props made me feel better (because I thought she might think me nutty). We also took some ordinary no-prop photos, but stuck with this one for our cards.
I found a slightly retro design I liked (with my very favorite colors!), and once the rest of the family gave the stamp of approval, I ordered these cards from Shutterfly, and we all love them.
One friend already told me these are our “best cards yet,” and another said they were “hilarious.” That made me happy. 😀 But there is still a problem: what are we going to do to top this next year?
I’d better start brainstorming now!!
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
That’s terrific! I’m not really pleased with our cards this year – with four kids and two adults it seems like one of us ALWAYS has our eyes closed so we just had to choose the best where everyone was looking up (but not necessarily the right direction!). Maybe we need to try something like this next time to take a little pressure off. 😉
I absolutely love this Christmas Card! Great job, Jamie!
Love the card idea – great picture!
LOVE it!! Perfectly captures each of you. What a great idea!
I LOVE it!!!
I love it! I’m a fellow second guesser if it makes you feel any better. 🙂 This gives people a better look into your lives and what makes everyone “tick” this year. Love it. 🙂
Oh, Jamie, this is wonderful! Dragging out the couch and posing so casually. I love it, props and all.
Love it!!! We got a card from friends that had beautiful pictures of their family on the front, and it said Merry Christmas. The back was a crazy shot if the family (baby crying, dad texting, etc…) and it said “or not!” so clever.
I am glad everyone could be there for your picture!!
Love that idea, too!
It is great. Too cute!!
I love it! Love that it’s so personal and fun and at the same time, a beautiful family photo!
Um. a real topper would be a grandchild. 🙂 But I guess that’s God’s doings, not yours, right? Congrats and wonderful photo!
Let’s not add grandkids til a while AFTER Brandon & Diane get married. 😉 But maybe in a couple of years!
Absolutely! Wait till after the wedding is good. But lets hope not wait TOO long.
Love it! I don’t even know you, but it shares so much about your family!
I LOVE these Jamie! {You’re so stink’n cute too ;)}
I love them! What a great idea.
I love it! They’re great! Perfect! You do have a problem for next year, though. 😉
Oh my goodness! I LOVE the picture!!! And the idea! 🙂 (And, for the record, I totally “got it” before I even read the post!)
What a fantastic idea and a great photo!! I agree, it might be a little tough to beat, but you can do it 🙂
Love it! AND you lit a fire under my behind to get ours going!
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I think the traditional Christmas greetings cards are dying out. Everyone keeps harping on about reducing carbon foot print, saving trees, recycling etc. and Christmas E-cards are an excellent way of doing this. I am all for E-cards and prefer to receive them over a traditional Christmas card.
You guys crack me up! Maybe it’s because I get it (fellow nut) and also because we did something similar for ours. After we took the somewhat traditional family photos outside, we did a few silly ones where the kids and dad were all texting (they actually texted each other) and I had my rotary phone in my lap. Tells you a little about how I’m not as techy as the rest of the gang. Anyway, it was fun and I like the idea of a family’s personality coming through. Sure wish I could chat with you over a cup… Read more »
Haha! Love that, Denise!
I love your family picture! I love pictures that reflect the people and their personalities! 🙂
Jamie,
it’s AWESOME! and the thing I’m most surprised about?! the dog is absolutely composed! I love your idea and it turned out SUPER! great job! 🙂
your family is so gorgeous!
amy in peru
I love pictures that reflect the people and their personalities!, it was fun and I like the idea of a family’s personality coming through.
Sure wish I could chat with you over a cup of tea! Merriest Christmas!