Our 2011 Family Christmas Card!

It's that time of year again!

     After a week of horrendous stomach flu and then a few days' jaunt to California for my uncle's memorial service, I've finally had some time to plan our Christmas cards for this year. 

     I know, I know.  Most of you have had your Christmas cards or letters ready since mid-October, right?

     Please don't tell me if you have.  I just might cry. 

     I did think about it, mid-October.  But my grandmother passed away then, and we made our first jaunt to California for her burial service.  We've had a busy, fulfilling few weeks around here, other than the stomach flu.  That was NOT fulfilling, in the least!

     I decided to do what I did last year for our Christmas cards:  use Shutterfly's photo and card site.  In years past, I would type out a full-page letter, print it off, fold it, place it inside a Christmas card, sign the Christmas card and often write a little note to make it more personal, and finally stamp and send off the letters.  Since we have around 75 people on our Christmas card list, it took me quite some time to do this. 

     Last year, with Shutterfly, I was able to upload a family photo to a beautiful, professional-looking card, type out a full letter to be printed inside the card for me, and then have them shipped quickly to me.  It was so nice not to have to spend a lot of time folding all those letters to stuff into the card envelopes! 

     This year, we've done the same thing.  I uploaded the photo you see above, and typed out a full-length letter for the inside of the card.  Then, when the cards arrive, I'll sign our names inside, include a little handwritten note if I have time, and send our Christmas greetings on their way to friends and family!

     I've always been impressed with Shutterfly's easy personalized card-making and invitation services they offer on their website.  Granted, I do enjoy dinking around on the computer and getting our family photo to look just how I want it.  I enjoy typing out our Christmas letter, and all that goes along with it.  But it's truly not difficult to navigate their website, and they hold my hand all the way through the personalized card-making process, so I love that! 

     I wish I could send you all one of our personalized Christmas cards, but I can't.  Know that I treasure you, my readers, and I sincerely wish you a blessed Merry Christmas!    

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I received 25 free photo cards from Shutterfly in exchange for reviewing this process on my website for my readers.  No other compensation was provided.