One year, around early November, my mother spent her morning raking the oak leaves from our large backyard into a waist-high pile. She dressed the three of us-my two brothers and me-in green and brown sweaters, and directed us to her mountain of leaves. “Sit and smile,” she told us, and we did as she snapped and clicked away with her camera. And when she said to scoop and toss leaves, we did. That’s how it was with Mom. The next shot could always be the Christmas card. And if November came and the right shot hadn’t been taken yet, she set us up to find that perfect photo. I remember photo shoots in front of the chimney, on her sofa, at the beach in the summer, with my baby brother wearing Christmas pajamas. The list goes on.
I don’t remember how the leaf picture turned out. But what I do know, is that the desire for the perfect holiday card must be passed down through the genes, because Oh! I love sending Christmas cards. There’s something warming about opening cards from my friends and family, learning what they’re up to, how their year has passed, seeing faces that I haven’t seen in so long. Stamped mail might be old fashioned, but it just makes me so happy. Christmas cards are on my to do list.
This weekend the weather is supposed to be nice-sunshine and about 70 degrees. I don’t have festive clothes to put my kids in, but I’m excited to pull out my new camera and see if I can capture the perfect shot for this year’s card. What do you think: beach or park? Front steps or playground? I’ll let you know what I come up with.
What about you? Do you take photos for holiday cards? Do you already have your pictures this year?
what can i say! you caught me red handed in my memories of christmas past! i suppose this feeling of sharing the blessings in cards is typical of young moms… we do so love YOUR cards - your mom
I think it might be a mom thing. And don’t worry, I ordered my cards on Friday. You’ll be able to ogle your grands all season long. 😉