christmas card reveal


For me, one of the top ten perks of having my newborn back in 2009 was at Christmastime. I finally got to join the troops of parents who made the cute holiday cards out of their kids' photos that I'd always envied.


2009
But the first year, I was stressed. My baby was two months old, always crying, and it really put a damper on any creative abilities I thought I'd accumulated for the Christmas card talent I was supposed to have in adulthood. I let Picture People make this card out of one of the pictures from his first photo session and called it a day. 

These were the days when I thought every single photo of my newborn was amazing. Nevermind his frown and half closed eyes.

There's a small victory I soak up from this card, though. Three years later, he still sleeps with the same bear. Except he's half as fluffy.

2009


2010
The next year, I had a photographer do a photo shoot with us at North Carolina's Art Museum. I'd hoped to include Matt and I in this one, but I honestly didn't like any of the pictures she took. I picked my favorite one of Carter and used Tiny Prints to create my card design the week before Christmas. I think I paid more than $40 for last minute shipping alone.

christmascard


2011
Last year, I got really into Pinterest and was inspired by the whole do it yourself world. I started to think I could possibly take a professional-looking photo myself, and, at the very least, I'd be using my own creative vision instead of someone else's photography.

I had an idea of what I wanted to do, and luckily my baby was old enough to be bribed with candy for sitting still. I could never tell you how to photograph in low light, but I got lucky with this shot and started to believe that almost any photo I took with determination and vision could be better than the professional photo cards I'd had made in the past. I used Tiny Prints again, just to add the text and have it printed.

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2012!
This year, we put our tree up extra early just so I could get the lights in the background of the card. One lazy morning, I gave Carter a crash course on the concept of Christmas cards. I showed him his old ones and some I'd saved that people sent us last year. He was in a good mood and totally compliant to every word. Probably because I told him he could have three gummy worms when we were done. 
I tried a few different setups with candy canes and winter hats. I moved on to a milk and cookies idea I'd had and set them in front of him. Eyes full of thanks, he immediately reached for a cookie.

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"Wait! Don't touch them yet, Carter! I have to refocus the camera." 

Then this face happened. And I got my 2012 Christmas card.

christmas card

(Yes, I let him eat the cookies.)

The first picture with the little smile reaching for the cookie tormented me. I was dying to use it.  I felt so cynical even considering sending out a Christmas face that was anything but happy.  But the frustrated, crumpled eyebrows pulled at my heart.

Clicking back and forth between the two for hours, I decided not to let myself get sucked into a world that uses Christmas cards to make our lives look perfect. In reality, he will probably make that same face on Christmas eve and a hundred other times this week. And I love that disgruntled, little furrowed brow just as much as I love his smile. 

28 comments:

  1. I commented on your pin before I saw this blog post. I love the picture so much more after hearing the story behind it. :)

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  2. I would make it a 5X7 with the first photo on top, the second underneath it, and a small rectangle with your text right under that. So everyone can see both great pictures and they tell the whole story.

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  3. I think you made the right choice ;) Great candid. Merry Christmas!

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  4. OMG, every single Christmas card you made is just soooo beautiful!!! If I had to choose which one I like best, I honestly wouldn't know! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

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  5. this is so cute, i think the face is perfect! i like a funny christmas card! :)

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  6. Adorable Christmas card! The grumpy face is too cute!

    So happy to see some new blogs. I have missed your posts.

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  7. Gorgeous. I think his frowny face is just too cute. And so natural too. You ca bet that if you had been after a frowny face that he wouldn't have played ball, but the fact he did means you caught a really cute moment that tells a cute story.
    X

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  8. So cute! Love seeing new posts from you Meghann! :)

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  9. Either of those make perfect Christmas card photos! You've definitely managed to one-up yourself each year.

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  10. Loved this! When I saw the first pic of him reaching for the cookies I thought that was perfect, until I scrolled down and saw the last picture...I laughed out loud. Too cute and way too perfect in the world of raising a 3-year-old. Miss your Blog (the only one I read)

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  11. So cute! it has been fun seeing him grow up!

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  12. I looooove that you picked it. Lol, hes so handome! And you have talent with the camera.

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  13. Hey Meghann, was just thinking of you. I hope you're okay x

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  14. You should blog more often !! Your blog is so amazing :))

    xx

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  15. Miss reading your updates on your blog. Hope all is well!

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  16. Hope you are doing well despite the absence of blog updates...thinking of you!!

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  17. I miss you! I hope everything is going well for you and your family. If every you decide to return to blogging or youtube I am sure there are many fans/followers/virtual friends, myself included, ready to welcome you back with open arms.

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  18. Hey Meghann. Just checking in on you again. It feels strange not to hear from you for so long, especially since I was following your youtube when I was pregnant with my son 4 years ago! I hope you are all doing well and are happy x

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  19. When I am about to spend time with kids, I am ready for everything, even for doing math home assignments. I use, though, a little bit of tricks via homework help online services.

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  20. You coming back? I miss your writing!

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  21. Great Article. it is really interesting, I hope everybody lick this Post.

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  22. so expressive pictures they are... :)

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