It's Christmas card time! (and a Shutterfly giveaway for YOUR holiday card!)

For many years (up until Sydney's first Christmas, I think) I wrote a belabored Christmas newsletter that I painstakingly edited down to one page. It's funny actually, how I could come up with PAGES of information about what was going on in our lives pre-kids. It was a lot like blogging I suppose ... a bit narcissitic and involved a lot of navel-gazing and everyone prefers it when there are cute kids involved but I DIGRESS. Once I had something (or someONE) worth a Christmas newsletter? I was too tired and overtaxed to get it done. From there on out it's been a personalized photograph card, and even getting THOSE addressed and mailed in time is a bear.

This year I've been toying with the idea of doing a newsletter again, but the idea of sitting down at my computer for a few hours and banging something witty and actually interesting is still, well, overwhelming (and impossible, because my kids GO NUTS when I open my laptop). So! I've been checking out a lot of cool "bullet point" newsletter cards over at Shutterfly and I have to admit they are COOL! It's the right balance of photos and a few fun - and QUICK - updates about the year in the life of your family.

Like so:

Or this!

Just a few words about your year, updated photos, and a "Merry Christmas" wish, all-in-one. Sounds like a perfect Christmas card for us this year!

And now for the fun part, the giveaway! Just enter a comment on this post and tell me if you'll be sending out holiday cards this year (and if so what kind!) and you'll be entered to win $50 off an order of $50 or more* on Shutterfly.com for your holiday card order this year!! The drawing will close next Friday (Nov. 16) and soon after I'll announce a winner. Good luck!

Also, check out Shutterfly's special offers here. I don't know about YOUR family, but mine has come to expect an updated photo mug every year for Christmas. A personalized photo gift is the sure way to make Grandma cry happy tears under the Christmas tree, folks.

*The fine print: $50 off excludes tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos and expires 12/14/2012 – no extensions.

This post was sponsored by Shutterfly. I received free product in exchange for this post, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Comments

[jan]

Yes, we always send out Christmas photo cards since having kids five years ago and I always look for the best deal since we mail out A LOT!

[Seussgirl]

I used photo cards for the first time last Christmas and loved them! I saw an idea (Pinterest maybe, probably) about using the photo cards you receive to make a contact book or "Who's Who" for kids that might be fun to do this year.

[Melissa A]

Yes! I have cards already setup on Shutterfly, I'm just trying to choose which I prefer. I love this 'highlights' card idea too though...although if I win, I'd use this towards a photo book I have waiting there instead :) Pick me!

[Mary]

I love this idea, that you can put a little more information than just "Merry Christmas!"

[Angela (@Aferg22)]

I always send out photo cards, and Shutterfly is my favorite site! I have never sent out a newsletter, but I have been toying with the idea, so the card + newsletter in one is perfect.

[HereWeGoAJen]

First, I want to know why those people in that second card moved to Switzerland for such a short period of time.

I am considering a newsletter this year too. I suspect I will run out of time and not do it, but we will see. I am definitely doing cards though and using Shutterfly! :)

[Melanie]

Love it! Getting our Christmas card pica taken tomorrow...

[Caci]

We've never sent out a Christmas card. We've wanted to, but just never get around to doing it. Love the picture & highlights card idea. Maybe if we happen upon a good family photo, we might have to take the plunge.

[shannon]

Sometimes we send out cards, sometimes we don't. This year will probably be a check in the don't column because we've had a lot of big expenses (tires on 2 cars, etc) and are scrimping just to get the kids some things for Christmas.

[Scott]

We send out about 125 Photo Christmas cards. I love all the new Shutterfly designs. So many choices to choose from. I will order from them no matter what so $50 would really help with the cost. It only my sons 2nd Christmas.

[Michelle]

We usually sent out photo cards too. This year I am going to use a collage of our snapshots as we are waiting until spring to have our professional family pictures. I love he highlight card idea. Hmmmm..... I never do the whole newsletter but I am loving the bullet point style.

[Courtney]

I'm gonna try to send out cards this year...love the "Highlight" style!

[Jesabes]

I'll definitely be sending out Shutterfly holiday cards this year! And calendars and coasters and anything else we can think of. (The coasters are our favorite, actually.)

[Michelle]

I do a Shutterfly card every year, so this would be awesome!

[Shannon]

We do send out cards every year, now that we have 2 lil' chitlins we do photo cards. We have used Shutterfly for other things (ahem photo calendars)... would love to try them for Christmas cards!

[tess]

i would love to send out holiday cards- if i could afford them...and i want to send a photo card with all 3 of my kids on them
tcogbill at live dot com

[sindy murray]

I will like to send some this year and I would like the ornament type!!

[Miranda]

We'll do a photo card, but I haven't thought much about it beyond that. This is our first Christmas as a family of four, so I'm excited to have Damien's smiley face appear on the card.

[Lisa]

I do send Christmas cards every year, and I do a letter, too. I always feel so cheesy doing it, but people tell me that they love them, so I guess I will continue....

[kathleenicanrah]

just got married this year-- and would love to do christmas cards for the first time!

[Kristen]

Yes, I'll be sending out photo cards.

[Laurie]

We send out photo Christmas cards each year.

[sindy murray]

I will like to send ornament cards!

[Dana N]

Yes, I will be sending out photo cards - especially since we just got professional photos taken! :)

[Jenny]

What a great idea! I was thinking about writing a letter (since we haven't in 5 years) but everyone's letter all sounds the same and I frankly just don't feel like it. Will definitely look into this option.

[Sarah]

I LOVE to send and receive photo Christmas cards. And, I always use Shutterfly - $50 would be awesome!

[Lawanna]

Just had pictures taken, and we're ready to send out cards. This would be a great way to do it.

[Lauren Crowston]

I want to win! :)

[Daniela]

With the new arrivals we will definitely be doing photo cards!