Countdown to Christmas

1.5 months before Christmas: Christmas Cards

Last year, we sent out Christmas cards early in December but our family and friends in the Philippines did not receive them until February. Yeah--seriously!

So I have decided that this year I am going to send Christmas cards early--as early as mid-November for those going out to the Philippines and early December for those going out to other countries.

I enjoy making cards myself but it takes a lot of time, and art materials here are expensive. So instead I just design them with the help of iPhoto or online tools like Shutterfly or Kodak Gallery. To me, sending cards are so personal so I make it even more personal by using photos. I used to find photocards so cheesy but I later learned to like them and appreciate the efforts put into them.

This year I am even more excited about our card because we are going to have a baby in the picture! I didn't waste time buying Lucas a Christmas hat for the photoshoot as well as another Christmas outfit so I have options. I take photos of him every chance I get and when I have enough photos to choose from, I'll pick one of them for our Christmas card.

I am lucky enough to have a baby who loves being in front of the camera. I just hope he won't change. He smiles a lot and believe me, he follows instructions too--as if he understands. When I took the photo above, I let him grab his feet, told him to hold it steady (so his assets won't show) and then smile. And he did just that! This is one of my favorite shots of him!

I haven't decided if I'll use this photo for the card. I might pick one where he's not showing too much skin or I might use a family photo. We'll see...