Monday, December 10, 2007

Christmas Secrets

I wrote a really depressing post yesterday and then I felt a bit lighter and decided to leave it in the saved folder for a while. In lieu of the heavyweight contender for the Most Depressing Post of 2007, I give you this, our Christmas card (edited, of course):




Gorgeous, right? And I'm not just talking about the children. ;) My friend Heather has made our cards for two years and I am always thrilled with the results. In the past I've done the canned, printable or orderable cards from various online sites, but they don't compare with the work Heather has done for us. This is (an edited version of) last year's card:




I don't think I've ever recommended any sort of product or service here on the blog, but because it is Christmas and I know people are in the market for these things, I thought I'd pass this tip along. She does premades and customs, and the prices are really good for the level of work she does. I feel much better about supporting another mother at Christmas time rather than purchasing a sub-par product from any of the major companies that similar services. So if you are in the market, I can't recommend her enough.

And as for my other Christmas secret? Our tree really isn't that big. We have it on top of the table so as to keep certain little hands (ahem, KayTar) from making the lovely ornaments her personal juggling balls.



We have a huge solid wood table that seats eight (and has extra leaves that can be added in) and we are only four, so we barely miss the space and it really does keep little hands to themselves, mostly. And it makes tons of room for gifts, as evidenced in last year's photos.



For the record, these were not all OUR gifts. My parents spend Christmas Eve with us and bring all their own gifts along, more than doubling the gifts under the tree. But the Tree on a Table really helps to accommodate things.

And this would be where I wrote some sort of wrap-uppy sentence or two, but my brain isn't working, so let's just pretend that's what I did, okay? And if you are looking for some meaty brain food, make sure to drop by the Just Posts today. It is the first anniversary of the social justice marriage of two ladies that I love dearly. Stop by and take part of all that big hearted goodness.

23 comments:

Becca said...

What an elegant tree! So pretty. And I do love your Christmas cards. I'll have to get the name of your friend for next year.

~aj~ said...

Love your cards! I don't know why I didn't think of Heather doing mine this year. Walgreens screwed up my order and now I'm in a big Christmas card jam. I have to make a mental note "Remember Heather next year!".

motherbumper said...

I love your cards - your friend is very talented. And we have a table top tree also - for the EXACT same reason (just slot Bumper in for Kaytar). Take care sweetie and sending warm Canadian hugs your way.

Aliki2006 said...

Hugs to you...sometimes just writing things down can make all the difference, post or not.

I love that tree-on-a-table. You had me fooled!

Maddy said...

I solemnly promise that I will make a real start on Christmas after the next December birthday. Those are lovely.
BEst wishes

This is my calling card or link"Whittereronautism"until blogger comments get themselves sorted out.

InTheFastLane said...

Wow! If Jack Jack wouldn't just climb on the table, I might go for that idea. He has completely rearranged every ornament on our tree and several branches are now needle-less.

I love the kids' pictures!

Janet said...

They are lovely cards. We don't have a decent picture this year so I'm sending out (gasp!) pictureless cards. Maybe. They are still sitting on my mantle.

I see your sneaky table in the picture now! We may have to do that - - Elyse keeps bringing us ornaments with the tops pulled out.

Chaotic Joy said...

Oh where were you earlier today? Probably here and I hadn't looked yet. Those cards are gorgeous, and what she did for last year has my name written all over it. I would love to work with her next year and save myself a repeat of this years Christmas Card debacle.

Junie's Blog said...

The tree thing is funny! Not a bad idea as all the ornament end up on one branch around here! lol And yes Heather does GOOD work yall!

Julie Pippert said...

You are four hours too late, dagnabbit.

I just ordered my cards. I swore after the birthdays I'd put out some decorations and order the cards posthaste. So...done. And too bad! Hers are so nice and I'd prefer to throw business her way!

I have plenty in my drafts that will likely never see the light, as is at least.

And sorry about all that has been going on to prompt you to need to write that down.

(HUGS)

Julie
Using My Words

Beck said...

That's a beautiful Christmas tree! And those are beautiful Christmas cards! I love this time of year, even when I'm sad. I hope you're happier today.

flutter said...

love you. I am holding your hand until the darkness fades

Kristin said...

I really love how your cards turned out...couldn't get Heather's link to work on my computer though...I wish I was as artsy as she is. Make me some dough too. :)

Tree is ingenious. We put big heavy wrapped "presents" (boxes of clothes or kitty litter) around the base of ours to keep baby Easton out a few years ago.

Girlplustwo said...

oh honey. me too (with flutter)

what lovely cards. so.

xo

Don Mills Diva said...

Love those cards and I think our tree is going on the table this year too.

Unknown said...

they are so, so beautiful - your children - and the cards!

painted maypole said...

we did the tree on the kitchen island for a few years for the same reason

and those cards are great!

Karianna said...

LOVE the cards!

Run ANC said...

More room for prezzies. That's my kind of tree! I've already told you that I love that photo.

Jenny, the Bloggess said...

Your kids are so cute I just want to eat them up in an entirely non-creepy way.

Amy said...

She did a great job on your card! Heather is very talented :)

Christine said...

you're all the brain food i need, love.

carrie said...

Beautiful cards (I love that they are wearing the same sweaters!). And a beautiful tree too -- I like the small ones! :)