Bear with me as I gear up to that quirky xmas decoration post - I'm delighting in some other examples of quirkiness!Is it me or is this not your normal family xmas pic? Before you think anything too untoward, be reminded that this is my brother Kevin and his wife and daughter. And yes, those are real chickens they're holding - their chickens! I can just imagine the scene with my SIL bringing those little banties into the photographer's studio along with all her other *props*.
This was last year's card and the one for this year hasn't arrived yet, but I had some hint of the *theme* for this year's shoot a few days before Thanksgiving when the SIL wanted to send me on a shopping run for matching aprons to complete the cooking concept of this year's pic. I honestly don't know how she comes up with the creative energy to think these things up and then the time to carry it through so well. How could I not look forward to receiving a card like this?
I'll admit to being terribly bored by most xmas cards and think them to be a waste. Most I throw away immediately. (Shame on me... I know!) The ones I keep secreted away in a special box are ones like this, or those with photos of my friend's kids, or the handmade ones, or the ones from special friends or family who take the time to actually write something meaningful. Cause, let's face it, often it's the only time we hear from a lot of people and if you're going to take the time to send a card, couldn't you also be bothered to write a little something in it as well, besides your name?
;-)
Every year I look forward to a card from Joan who mentored me as a first year teacher. She doesn't write much besides an update on a few of the kids we taught together and the fact that she's almost (but not quite) ready to retire. I recognize her deliberate teacher's block print on the envelope and smile at the thought of what news her hand will bring me.
There's always a handwritten note tucked inside the card from the director of the bird observatory where I volunteer; Pete's sure to wish me well in the new year and thank me for volunteering for them for more years than either of us can remember.
I don't know... I feel like cards aren't worth the effort if they don't communicate something beyond the standard greeting pre-printed on the inside. What do you say? Any in particular that you anticipate each year?
10 comments:
Yeah, I don't do cards at all. Every year, as I get cards from other people, I feel guilty and say I'm going to send cards out--and then I just don't. And when others give me cards at work, I display them on my desk; at home, they go almost immediately into the trash after reading. I'm evil.
Oh, and I like your sister's "themed" cards. Yee haw!
I totally agree with you, Laura. Since we moved to NC, I've been writing a "Christmas Letter" - aimed for the folks we used to see at Christmas but don't see anymore.
This year, I didn't feel like doing it. Without the letter, I didn't want to send cards, either. It's a lot of effort involved and if you don't have the time or energy to write more than, "Merry Christmas, from the Ferraccis", it's not worth it.
But, DH talked me into it. I wrote a boring letter with illustrations and mailed them. Cutting the list short - very short!
You gotta love those CHICKENS! LOL!
And I wanted to send them to all of my blogging buddies, but you all know more about me than those family and friends I sent the letter to!
Yes, there has to be at least a short paragraph of personal writing from the sender.
I like your sister's photo.
I'm sitting looking at a photo on the wall that we created for our Christmas card years ago. In it are all the kids, we two, 3 dogs, a rabbit, and multiple chickens.
That was our farm theme year.
I must admit, it seems silly to me to write cards to the folks I see every day and can wish happy holidays in person. I don't send them cards. I only send cards to folks that are far away... and almost never on time, because I feel like I need to write a letter to go with the card... and I hand write each one, because those "Hi Everybody" cards seem impersonal to me. I look forward to the postcard from Karen and Paul. They almost always pose for a shot on the beach in swimgear... and they do something fun with it. Last year, their dog had a santa hat, too!
I've never sent anyone a Christmas Card but I've thought about it-and it's the thought that counts-right?
I had big plans this year to make my own, like I have been doing for the past few years. But I never got to them. I found some leftovers from last year and thought about sending them, but the pet list has changed and everyone would see me for the slacker I am.
*hanging head in sorry, sorry shame*
I send cards by email. I make my own on my photosuite. It's free, original and doesn't use paper.
But, I like your families pics. And themes. Whatever paddles their canoe lifts their sails.
They are but deff keepers.
Please pass this along to your SIL.
All I Need To Know In Life I Learned From My Hens
by Michaele Oleson
http://www.freelancebiology.com/?p=11
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Wake up early, stay busy, rest when you need to, but always stay alert.
Visit your favorite places each day.
Scratch out a living.
Routine is good.
Plump is good.
Don’t ponder your purpose in life–your brain is too small.
Accept the pecking order and know your enemies.
Weed your garden.
Protect your children fiercely–sit on them if you need to.
Take them for walks, show them the little things and talk constantly.
Make a nice nest.
Share it with friends.
Brag on your accomplishments.
Don’t count your chicks before they hatch.
Protect your nest egg.
Test your wings once in a while.
Squawk when necessary.
As you age, demand respect.
Leave a little something for those who care about you.
Chase butterflies.
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I've just been reading all your holiday posts. Such fun. You are quite creative.
Happy Holidays.
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