In the manner of simplifying for the holidays, we have really looked over our traditions to decide which are worth keeping~ the ones that have meaning to our family, add to the purpose of the season, and are worth the time and effort. And which ones really just add to the stress.
Honestly, I have battled with Christmas cards. The whole ordeal of the pictures, the stamps, the addresses, a little family update without sounding too braggy. But then I get pictures and cards from my dear family and friends in my frozen mailbox in December and how I love to put their smiling faces on our pantry door where we can see them every day. And how I cherish the beautiful notes from my Grandmas who still write out a full card every year in their beautiful penmanship~that is becoming a lost art.
I read an article in Real Simple years ago, and was so touched by it that I cut it out and put it in my inspiration binder.
It was from Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of Wired (a technology magazine!) and his words echoed what my heart feels about Christmas cards:
“Taking a step back and marking the passage of time is an even more valuable exercise these days, when we’re all so perpetually busy,” he said. Besides, he added, paper is the only form of communication that is accessible to everyone on your list, old and young, plugged-in and not. Sending a content-free card may not be worthwhile, in my opinion. Writing a meaningful card, however, is time and effort well spent. When you do it, people feel genuinely connected to you—far more so than they would by reading your Facebook update or having a quick catch-up chat on the street.”
Amen to Kevin. It is a tradition that we are keeping!
We got our cards from Minted last year, and I have never received so many compliments! They are beautiful, thick, high quality, and oh-so clever. It was perfect card since it would be our last winter in Blacksburg (we had no idea we would be moving)
I shared some of my favorite Christmas card ideas last year, here are some of my favorite 2013 designs:
I still adore the Family Year in Review:
If you have multiple pictures, look at these Quilted Photo Cards:
pure joy: Merry Stars Cards
one of my favorite scriptures: Isaiah Photo Cards
Adorable: Belief-O-Meter Cards
and just beautifully simple: Holiday Revelry
The best part?? Minted wants to give a 320 Sycamore reader a $150 credit on their site! You can enter here. Drawing will close on November 17th. Good luck! Winner of giveaway is Lindsay Hansen.
If you are itching to get your cards now, there is a crazy good deal at Minted right now. Here’s what you do:
1. Click here to get your $25 referral. (and then you use your referral code with your friends after you do the deal)
2. come back and choose your favorite holiday cards, the best deal is on a set of 55 cards ($108)
3. Use the Coupon Code JOY25FS to save $25 on a $50 purchase and get FREE shipping when you are checking out.
4. If you choose express service, you will get an extra $20 off.
If you don’t choose any of the fancy edges or upgrades, you should get 55 cards for $38.00 with FREE shipping and free envelopes! That is such a good deal on quality cards like these. Warning: you will be hooked on Minted cards. Good through 11/11/13.
Do you still do Christmas cards? Or do you think it is something that will go the way of card catalogs and rotary phones?
disclaimer: I adore Minted and approached them to see if they wanted to work together again. They are providing our Christmas cards this year and this post may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
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