Why Christmas Cards Are Important {Plus Our Family Pictures!}

It wasn't until my husband and I got married that I sent out my first Christmas card.  Even then, it was just a picture of the two of us with the words Merry Christmas and a short note about wishing the receiver the best in the coming year.  It was nothing fancy and I felt a little silly sending it out, but the flood of Christmas cards we got in return honestly filled my heart with happiness.  There is something about going out to your mailbox and opening it up to find mail that isn't an ad, bill or junk mail that can put a smile on your face.

This post is sponsored by Pro Digital Photos.  As always, all thought and opinions are 100% my own.

There's such a magic around Christmastime.  People are more thoughtful, kind and forgiving.  It's a time when we tend to think about loved ones, both here and gone, and about reaching out to those who we may have had a conflict with in the past.  There are some friends and family members that I only hear from during the holidays, which can be a little sad.  BUT then I remember that I was on their mind enough for them to write my address on an envelope, stick a $.49 stamp on it and then put it in the mailbox.  And that makes me feel happy!

Every day, we have the power to impact another person's day either positively or negatively.  The Christmas season is generally full of joy and laughter and special moments.  And if I can add to that by sending a Christmas card to a family member or friend, especially one I don't see or talk to often, then I'm going to do it.  Writing notes.  Sending a card via snail mail.  It's really amazing if you think about it.  It's such a small and simple act of kindness and thoughtfulness that takes so little time, but can make a huge difference in both your day, and the person you give the note to.

You might be thinking:

But the holidays are so busy!  How can I fit just one more thing into my already crazy schedule of running a home, taking care of my family, chauffeuring my kids around to school and extracurricular activities, helping with homework, school parties, holiday parties and get all the Christmas shopping done?  

I hear you my friend!  But let me remind you of a few things:

Sending Christmas cards out is NOT a competition
It doesn't matter if you have 5 people on your list or 50.  The number of people on your list is no indication of your value as a person.  Additionally, what you choose to include on your card is completely up to you!  You want to write up a newsletter about your family doings from the year?  Great!  You want to write nothing besides, Merry Christmas and your name?  Go for it.  There is no wrong way to send a Christmas card.

It doesn't have to be complicated to be appreciated
Whether you send out a card with a picture of your family on it, or a simple store bought card, it's completely up to you and you shouldn't feel bad about your choice.  You do what works for you, your family and your schedule.

Whoever you send your cards to is going to be happy you thought of them! 
(With the exception of those random grinches or pre-reformed Scrooges.)  Like I mentioned above, sending a card is something small you can do today to make a difference in someone's life.

This year, we printed our Christmas cards with Pro Digital Photos and I could not be more thrilled with how they turned out!  They offer both the option to design your card from scratch, or use one of their 100s of templates (and that's just Christmas).  I opted for a template and I'm so glad I did.  It took me all of 10 minutes to create my account, add my photos, change the text, choose my upgrades and place my order.  They have cards available at all different price points, plus you get discounts for every increase in quantity that you order.  Pro Digital Photos is a great option when it comes to selection and quality for the price.

And because I think my family is pretty much the best, here are a few of our most recent family pictures! *wink*  Also, my kids are serious troopers!  We took these pictures in the evening as the sun was going down and it was in the 40s when we got back into the car!

Do you send out Christmas cards?  Why or why not?