Why So Serious?

The holidays are a lot of work. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s is what our family celebrates. It’s a lot of work. One piece of the work I never dread is designing and sending my Christmas cards. Why? I never take it too seriously. So many people stress about getting the perfect photo with the perfect backdrop and perfect outfits and perfect smiles, blah blah blah blah blah. I’m over it.

I’ve given up on trying to be perfect a looooooooooong time ago. And I think you should too. It’s way more fun to make people laugh, which is the approach I’ve embraced always. Social media can be so polarizing, making people feel like they aren’t good enough, but you know what? Christmas Cards were the OG way to brag to friends and family. How quick they were sent out after Thanksgiving, how perfect the pictures were, how many accomplishments the kids achieved, etc. etc. etc.

I feel like people don’t send Christmas Cards as much anymore because they don’t want to take the time to dress up and try to look perfect on a photo card. I’m here to tell you to STOP. Stop trying to be perfect! Just set your kids down in the snow or on the grass, with a snowman, your dog licking them, goofy smiles and all, and take the damn picture. Just have fun. If you aren’t having fun, you aren’t doing it right.

My Christmas Card a couple years back illustrates that. My boys did not want to smile. For anything. So I told my lovely photographer friend to take pics of them scowling. I sent these babies out and got more compliments than I ever have before. And guess what, my kids have never scowled for a picture again! Ha ha.

Seriously, this is my challenge to you. Stop trying to be perfect. Take the damn photo. Send the damn cards. Have fun!