Thursday, December 18, 2008

My Waterloo: Christmas Cards


So far this holiday season, I think I have done really well. I did most of my shoping in advance, D and I have avoided breaking the bank with gifts, and I have enjoyed the parties, happy hours, and other festivities without eating too much, drinking too much, or doing anything too silly! However, I have met my match with one facet of the holidays….Christmas Cards!

As I write this, I am feeling bad because I am not sure we going to send out Christmas cards this year. The reason is the absolute worst…indecision. All year long, I thought I would design a card with D and I’s photos to send to everyone. In fact, I did put several together, filled out the order forms, but stopped just short of pressing “purchase.” I worried that the custom cards were too expensive, and then I questioned my choice of photos, then the colors, and then I wondered if, in a few days, I would find a coupon online…you can see where this is going…

D and I continue to get cards from our friends and family that make my day, and I just feel bad that we don’t have any cards to send to them. D says that I should just go to Target and pick out some cards and quit obsessing about it, but I have stubbornly told him that I would rather not send a card that doesn’t reflect us, and I worry that the only cards left are the cards that no one wanted.

Then, the other day, I started to think about why we even send Christmas cards. I realized that I shouldn’t have been so worried about picking out the perfect card and displaying the perfect photo of our life. Rather, sending cards is a chance to let the special people in our life know that we are thinking about them and took the time to let them know. I wish I had spent my time looking for a card that would make our friends and family smile, rather than one that made my hair look good! Oh me, how did I get it so wrong this year?

So, thank you for reading that long story. Do you think I should suck it up, go to Target and find some cards to send this weekend or not worry about sending cards this year?

9 comments:

Sarah said...

I'm sending photo cards that I got from Vista Print, I think I got 40 for $10! But if I were you I'd go to Target or Hallmark and get some cards that make you smile and I'm pretty sure it will make the recipient smile too! : )

Alison said...

Wow, I had no idea I could get some that cheap! Next year, I will be going there for sure!

Milltini said...

I always INTEND to send cards, but never actually do. I have some sort of problem with actually getting to the post office to buy stamps of all things. I am right there with ya on this conundrum.

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

Whatever you decide will be fine, but I'm a fan of the non-personalized cards myself just as much as the photo ones.

I used to be a Target card person, and I can vouch for the fact that they have some adorable ones. This year I upped the budget and went for some lovely Crane ones, but again - the only personalization is the note I put inside & "family" address stamp outside. It's really the thought, more than the card, that counts.

coffee break said...

Christmas cards are really difficult to decide on I agree, after ordering a set we realized that the black in white looked to blah and ended up ordering an entirely new set. Thankfully walgreens was forgiving and gave us the second set for free, Good luck!

Mags said...

I struggle every year with finding the right card to send out, with this year being the absolute worst. Two years ago, I didn't even send out any cards...and I felt so bad. I love receiving all the cards I get, so it really is the thought that matters.

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

I struggled with this as well. I ended up not buying any. But next year I will be ahead of the game and sending out cards!!

Unknown said...

I think you should totally get some cards at Target.
Me and my fiance are looking for cards to send without breaking our budget too.

My fiance recently proposed with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from www.idonowidont.com and we're sending xmas cards to announce the news.

Shannon :: The Scribble Pad said...

If you still have yet to decide on cards - start looking for Valentine's day ones and surprise the people you love with a card in February!