Holiday Photo Cards from Our Family

While we’re still waiting on the last cabinet to be installed, we found a fun way to fill the time: making holiday cards. We don’t usually send out photo cards every year, but a Target coupon for free photo greetings gave us the perfect excuse to get creative and share a little seasonal cheer with friends and family.

Why we decided to make cards this year

There’s something simple and warm about receiving a printed card in the mail. In an era of texts and social media posts, a tangible greeting feels more personal. The coupon made the decision easy — we could try a new design without committing to a large order. That low-stakes approach encouraged us to be playful rather than perfect, and the result is a card that reflects our sense of humor and the small joys of our household.

Meet the star of the photo

The photo we used stars Burger, who became the accidental lead after a few minutes of goofing around, some patient posing, and a bit of Photoshop to bring the idea together. Burger’s expressions were so funny and endearing that it felt natural to make him the focal point. We kept the editing light and tasteful to preserve the character that made the shot work in the first place.

Design choices and process

We aimed for a clean, friendly design that would look good both in print and online. That meant choosing simple typography, a balanced layout, and colors that complemented the photo without overpowering it. We experimented with a few different captions and treatments before settling on a message that feels warm and casual—exactly the tone we wanted to convey.

Because we were working from home between small projects and errands, the whole process was low-pressure. Taking time to arrange props, coax a smile out of Burger, and tweak the image in editing felt like a pleasant break from our usual routines. The final card is a snapshot of that small, creative weekend moment.

Spreading holiday cheer

Even if we don’t always send holiday cards, it’s nice to pause and acknowledge the season with a simple greeting. For us, the card is less about tradition and more about connection — a way to say hello and share a laugh. We hope anyone who receives one feels a little brighter for having opened it.

A note from all of us

In case we forget to say it later: happy holidays to everyone from John, Sherry, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Chihuahua. Whether you celebrate with big gatherings or quiet moments at home, we hope your season is peaceful and full of small delights.

If you’re thinking about making your own cards, consider keeping the design simple, focusing on a genuine moment, and letting the personality of whoever you’re featuring—whether a family member or a pet—shine through.