A tradition that started after we got married, we have been sending out Christmas cards since 2013. With this being our last holiday season as a family of two I thought it might be fun to look back at all of our past designs. Below is a culmination of all of our holiday snail mail. From simple to over-the-top, Christmas/Holiday cards are one of my favorite to design. It gives me freedom to get a little more creative and have fun getting in the holiday spirit. Nothing like jamming out to a little N*Sync - Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday (you know you are humming it) and designing something to share the joy of the season with friends and family.
Our 2013 card was a culmination of our wedding photos by Henry Photography. I had just started Ivory House Creative and this was my first ever holiday card design. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.
For 2015 I wanted to highlight our travels to Europe and Canada. To do so, I created a design centered around a fun map style info graphic paired with our year in review. Photos by Hollylynn Photography.
In 2017 I decided on something simple with a modern touch. I went with a single photo design and a monthly highlight on the back, including the latest addition to our family. Photos by Hollylynn Photography.
I decided to up the ante for 2014 and went with a tiered fastener style card. Each page highlighted our year in review. This was definitely the most unique of my Christmas card designs. Photos by Hollylynn Photography.
In 2016 I tested some of my illustration skills switching up the design style a bit featuring an illustration for one big event from each month and you can’t forget the photos by Hollylynn Photography.
Following along with the simplicity theme, I kept 2018’s card design clean with a hint of plaid. I also focused more on New Year’s since I was running a bit behind mailing them out! Photos by Hollylynn Photography.
This year’s cards…
might be the best ones yet! I wanted to incorporate our holiday/maternity mini session with Ashley Lynn Photography. This was a great (and quick) way for us to squeeze some photos into our busy schedule while capturing a few moments with our growing bundle of joy.
For the design I wanted the card to work as an announcement of sorts that we could share with all of our family and friends. The back highlights more photos from our session and of course I included a quick photo of our pups. In order to add a little pop of color and extra “Christmas-y” feel I added a red plaid envelope liner and red calligraphy style addressing.
Christmas cards can sometimes seem daunting. But receiving them in the mail is always such a joy! Plus it is always fun to look back at our old cards and reminisce on the highlights of our life. They are like a mini keepsake for years to come.
If you find yourself saying you don’t have time with all of the holiday hustle, then go with a New Year’s card. It is a great alternative and gives you a bit more time to get those cards and memories sent out to friends and family stress free!
Check out my variety of New Year’s card designs here.