October... It's practically Christmas
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Supposedly it is fall, but in Memphis it still feels like summer! We pretend it is fall with all the pumpkin spice goodies and the pumpkins as decor. But I still break a sweat just walking to the mailbox. Regardless of the temperature, I do look forward to opening the mailbox and receiving holiday cards in the mail! Every year I try to come up with unique ways to display the cards without resorting to putting it on the fridge with a magnet like these ideas down below.

As much as I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail, it seems like each year it gets pushed to the back burner while trying to decorate the house, put up the Christmas tree, and wrap the gifts (because I hate using bags). Since Christmas is right around the corner (roughly 77 days but nobody is counting, jk), here is a quick checklist for you to get ahead of the game this holiday season.

“Married & Bright”; Photo Credit: Kelly Ginn Photography

“Married & Bright”; Photo Credit: Kelly Ginn Photography

1. Making a list… checking it twice!

If you don’t already, make yourself an ongoing list in excel with the names and addresses of your friends and family. It will save you so much heartache (and headache) when you have it at your fingertips and can edit it throughout the years. Once everything is compiled, draft a list of who you want to send a card to. If you do this, you’ll be organized and know how many you will need to make or order this season.

2. Card options… sky is the limit!

I’m always interested to see what people do for their cards. One option is to send out handcrafted cards, but if that is you, you better start crafting. Another option is to send out a newsletter to update everyone on the last 365 days. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy but you still want to write a little something meaningful, you can send out what I call the “Hallmark” card… aka a nice designed card that has a blank inside. My personal favorite is the photo holiday card. You don’t have to have a professionally taken photo but it is always nice to have an annual tradition to have photos taken especially when families change with adding in-laws or babies into the mix. Here are a few family photographers I recommend… some of them are even running Christmas specials. If this is the route you are wanting, you better get your photo session booked soon!

Double Sided Photo Card; Photo Credit: Shelby Renee Photography

Double Sided Photo Card; Photo Credit: Shelby Renee Photography

3. Beat the Post Office Crowd

Not only will the retail stores be crowded with people, so will the post office. Save yourself time and order stamps online… plus you could personalize them if you wanted to! If you order them online, give yourself a week or so for them to get to you. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get your cards made and for them to be delivered. Also keep in mind if the holidays fall on a weekend… it would be awkward to get “Merry Christmas” after the holiday has passed.


Noel (double - sided); Photo Credit: Belisario Photography

Noel (double - sided); Photo Credit: Belisario Photography

Just imagine come Thanksgiving, you have finalized your address list, created/ordered your cards, addressed them and all you have to do is put them in the MAILBOX!!!!! That is my goal this year… have my Christmas card ready to go out by Thanksgiving (or atleast by that weekend). So come December 1st, my Christmas cards will be in a mailbox near you! If that is your goal, I would love to help you out!

Let me clarify… if you are wanting to be crafty, I am not your girl, but if you want a designed card that you want to print and send out, then YES! I AM YOUR GIRL!

Ready to be ahead of the game… click here for me to create an epic Christmas Card for you!

Have any questions, feel free to email me!