…that was Burger’s inspiration for our latest greeting-card photoshoot, which produced this cheerful mistletoe-themed card we mailed to family and friends:
This year’s “Merry Kissmas” card was a playful and personal way to send smooches across the miles. We love how pet-themed holiday cards capture personality and spark smiles. A dog who enjoys posing makes the process easy and fun, and a simple props setup—like a sprig of mistletoe—can turn an ordinary photo into a memorable card.
We also have a soft spot for last year’s Rudolph-themed card, which came together thanks to Burger’s photogenic nature and a little Photoshop creativity. The Rudolph idea let us blend classic holiday imagery with our own pet’s charm, resulting in a card that felt both festive and uniquely ours:
Both of these annual holiday cards began as simple JPG files. We saved the final images to a CD and took them to CVS, where they were inserted into one of the store’s preformatted Kodak holiday card templates. It’s an affordable, straightforward approach: we printed a stack of cards for something like 18 cents apiece and mailed them to relatives and friends. For us, the combination of DIY photo, basic editing, and budget printing gave the best balance of personality and cost-effectiveness.
Creating holiday cards with a pet offers several advantages. First, the personal photo makes the card feel intimate and authentic, especially to close family members who appreciate updates and inside jokes. Second, you can tailor the design to your style—minimalist, humorous, retro, or lavish—without spending a fortune. Finally, keeping the process simple (one or two props, natural light, a steady camera) reduces stress and makes the experience enjoyable for both photographer and pet.
If you’re considering making your own greeting cards this season, here are a few practical tips we follow:
- Choose natural light when possible—morning or late afternoon sun gives the softest, most flattering tones.
- Use a plain background or subtle holiday backdrop so the subject stands out.
- Take lots of shots and choose the one that best captures personality—pets can be unpredictable, so more options help.
- Keep edits minimal unless you’re aiming for a themed design; small adjustments to exposure and color often do the trick.
- Consider local printing options for quick turnaround and competitive pricing—photo labs and drugstore photo centers are convenient and inexpensive.
We love hearing how other people spread holiday cheer. Do you prefer handmade cards, store-bought designs, or photo cards featuring pets and family? Maybe you send cookies, small gifts, or digital greetings. Different traditions reflect different priorities—some people cherish the tactile feel of a mailed card, while others favor the immediacy and eco-friendliness of an e-card.
For us, the ritual of making and sending a physical card adds a layer of meaning to the season. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect on the year, and reach out to people who matter. Whether it’s a funny pet photo, a classic holiday portrait, or a DIY design printed at an affordable shop, the best cards are the ones that feel personal and thoughtful.
What do you do when it comes to sending holiday cheer to friends and family? From glittering greeting cards to cookies by mail or simple digital messages, tell us how you share your seasonal sentiments and which traditions you look forward to most.