Every year we like to pop in before everyone abandons their keyboards for the holidays to share our Christmas card and a few heartfelt words of thanks. This year is no exception: we finally have a photo we love, and it felt like a small holiday miracle. That picture happened to be taken on the very day we told Clara she was going to have a little brother, which made it extra special.
We had several other ideas for the card — Clara wrapping up a tiny Burger gift, Clara riding her bike with a small Christmas tree tied to the back while Burger ran alongside — but a mix of book deadlines, hospital decorating, showhouse meetings, and gloomy weather kept us from pulling off those plans. Still, we’re grateful for the one great shot we managed to get. It captured the moment perfectly and felt like just the right image to share this season.
Because outtakes are part of life, we can’t resist sharing a few favorites that didn’t make the final cut. One shows Burger cowering in blurry fear while Clara aggressively hugs Captain Barnacle, which is equal parts hilarious and endearing. Another shows Burger in full-throttle enthusiasm while Clara offers a look of absolute neutrality. There’s also a sweet photo of Clara kissing her doll so intently it almost looks like a dramatic rescue — though Burger is absent from that frame.
One more image we considered was taken in front of a large “Love” sign. It might have worked for the card, but we were a little too far away in that shot and you can hardly see Clara clutching Captain Barnacle, who, as always, never leaves her side.
We had our cards printed through an online service and were able to use a coupon for 20% off plus free shipping, which was a welcome savings. Addressing all those envelopes with only about a week to spare was stressful, but we finished it — and it felt extra exciting to announce that we’re expecting again. It’s the first time we’ve referenced a baby on the way since our very first Christmas card back in 2009, so that made this year’s card feel particularly meaningful.
For those who enjoy a little nostalgia, here’s a brief recap of our family cards over the years. We’ve kept a tradition of sharing a yearly update and image, and it’s been fun to look back: last year’s card, the card from 2011, the one from 2010, and our very first from 2009. Each card marks a chapter in our family’s story and captures snapshots of life as it was in those moments.
This weekend the house is bustling: several family members are arriving in town and we’ve got a list of typical holiday tasks to tackle — baking cookies, priming cabinets, and wrapping up a few last-minute projects. It’s that lovely mix of cozy family time and practical to-dos that seems to define the season for us. We wanted to share our holiday card and our warmest wishes before the chaos settles in, to say thank you for stopping by and for following along with our little adventures.
We sincerely appreciate every visit and message, and we hope your holidays are full of joy, whether that means cookies fresh from the oven, quiet moments with favorite toys, or whatever small things bring you comfort and happiness. Even amid the bustle between Christmas and New Year’s, we’ll still be checking in now and then. We’re planning to kick off the new year with a painted cabinet reveal early in 2014 — a nice way to start fresh with color and a little DIY energy.
Update: We also shared a collection of holiday decor favorites this season, featuring many budget-friendly picks under $15 that have been fun to use around the house.