Many of you know this already, but if you’re new here: I absolutely adore Christmas cards. I display them on our fridge all year because they bring me so much joy. This is the first year we finished ours so far in advance, and I’m secretly thrilled—usually we’re rushing at the last minute!
Since Arlo isn’t very interested in posed photos right now, we kept it simple and shot pictures in our backyard. We pulled out some ornament pillows and had a big, playful pillow fight, snapping candid photos as we went. Simple, relaxed shoots like this capture more natural moments and make the process fun instead of stressful.
If you’re working on your cards, here are some outtakes from our shoot for inspiration, plus my top five tips for getting your cards finished and mailed without drama.
This year, like last, we ordered our cards from Minted. I appreciate the range of styles and layouts, and that they collaborate with independent artists. We usually go for foil-pressed designs because the texture feels special, and they even offer recycled paper options if you prefer eco-friendly choices.
We chose a design with a simple layout to balance a busier tile pattern on the back. The gold foil looked lovely in person and gave the card an elegant, festive touch.
Five Tips for Getting Your Cards DONE!
- Use photos you already have. One of my favorite cards shows multiple moments from the year—it’s a lovely snapshot of family life and saves time compared with scheduling a new shoot.
- If you want a new photo but your kids resist posed shots, plan a low-stress session. A familiar location—your home, a nearby park, or a favorite outdoor spot—lets kids be themselves and forget about the camera. Bribery (a small treat or activity afterward) works, too.
- Shop your closets before buying outfits. Coordinate colors or textures you already own and supplement where needed. You don’t have to dress in classic holiday hues; a festive card design will give any photo a seasonal feel.
- While choosing a card, upload your photo to preview it on different layouts. Many card sites include a “use my photo” feature that helps you visualize designs and narrow choices quickly.
- Consider ordering matching stamps and pre-addressed envelopes to speed up mailing once your cards arrive. It’s a small extra expense that makes sending them effortless.
Family photos by Marie Buck Photography
I hope these ideas inspire a stress-free approach to your holiday cards this year. Planning ahead, keeping things simple, and embracing candid moments make the process more enjoyable—and the results feel more genuine. Happy card-making and ’tis the season!
This post was sponsored by Minted. All opinions and content are my own; thank you for supporting the brands that support us.