Friday, November 27, 2009

Holiday Round-Up: Christmas & Hanukkah Cards

{Last Year's Christmas Card}

Even in just the past few years, I've seen a noticeable down tick in the number of cards I receive during the holiday season. Perhaps holiday cards have simply become old fashioned (and, let's be honest, way too much effort) in a world of instant connectivity. After all, why waste the money on a card and a stamp when a simple text message will convey the same message instantly? In the corporate world, more and more businesses are switching to e-holiday cards (yuck!) under the guise of environmentalism, but I suspect it's more to do with cost savings than saving trees.

There's a world of difference between a thoughtful card and a text message or e-mail and I think there are some good arguments for keeping the tradition around (even in this digital, eco-conscious world). For one, the effort of sending a card is always noticed and appreciated by the recipient. For another, best wishes are just about the only gifts we exchange with most of our extended network of friends and family -- why not make those wishes a bit more thoughtful and sincere? And besides, who doesn't love getting mail?

The past three years I've had my holiday cards made for me by a friend (who also happens to own her own stationery store here in Houston). This year though, I'm woefully behind and will likely have to resort to pre-made cards. So just in case any of you are as behind as I am, I've rounded up a {Christmas} dozen of my favorite ready-made holiday cards.


Source List: 1. Fa La La La La cards from Kate Spade ($30/set of 10). 2. Hanukkah Candles cards from MOMA Store ($18.95/set of 8). 3. Reindeer Roll Call cards from Ink Spot Workshop ($30.50/ set of 18). 4. Merry Christmas Cards from Annechovie ($18.50/set of 8). 5. Printable Holiday Cards from Up Up Creative ($6/3 downloadable styles). 6. Holiday Welcome Cards from Vera Wang ($31/set of 10).

Source List: 1. Dog Silhouette Personalized Christmas cards from Fire Hydrant Press ($42/set of 25). 2. Scroll Ornament cards from Vera Wang ($37/set of 10). 3. Red Tree holiday cards from Kate's Paperie ($17/set of 10). 4. Cherry Blossom holiday letterpress cards from Snow & Graham ($14/set of 6). 5. Dreidel Dreidel letterpress cards from Albertine Press ($15/set of 6). 6. Merry and Bright holiday cards from Stationery Boutique ($25/set of 16).

14 comments:

Kitty said...

Hi Averill, I like the Cherry Blossom option. Peace and Goodwill: who doesn't want to receive a little of that in the mail? I know what you're saying about the downtic in holiday greetings. Most of the ones we get are photo cards. I'm woefully behind as well, waiting for the opportunity to take a decent family photo. xo kitty

Sarah Klassen said...

I'm really drawn to no.2 in the second set. There's something so sophisticated and elegant about it...and the color is just gorgeous!

Patricia Shepard said...

I share your love for stationery. I am a huge card sender (birthday, TY, and holiday) and though I rarely receive them from others (YOU and a few choice others aside!!!) I get such a kick out of sending them, because it really just takes five minutes of focusing on someone you care about, and they end up getting so much pleasure from it. It's just about taking the time to really think about people you are grateful for. This year we'll be moving and on the road over the holidays, so we're doing a New Year's card instead...lobsters may or may not be involved...stay tuned!

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

LOVE the fa-la-la-la-la ones! I'm a slacker that never does cards, although I always have good intentions. :) Maybe one of these years!!

Kara said...

I love cards yet I never send any. I really should.

Laura@JourneyChic said...

All of these are so cute - I love the one with the reindeer names!

Haven and Home said...

Those are some beautiful cards. I have on my to do list to make one this year, I hope it happens!

Beth Connolly said...

Great choices. I always send Crane. They seem like a present they are so elegant. But so few people send cards now days.

Karen said...

I love that you included a Hanukkah card too. I usually send my Jewish friends a generic "happy holiday" card. This is so much better.

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous selections, darling!
So chic!

xoxox,
CC

Christy said...

I love all your selections! And this is the first year we're doing photo-cards, full of Fiona photos of course. And Dublin - smack dab on the front! Hope you show us what you end up using this year!

Anonymous said...

Your card from last year is adorable! Love it!

pk @ Room Remix

Maple said...

Great choices! Wish I had sprung into action earlier and gotten Natalie to do my Christmas cards. I too will be resorting to the premade card- with wedding photos!

Stacy InkSpot Workshop + Fire Hydrant Press said...

Thanks for featuring both my Reindeer Role Call cards from InkSpot Workshop, plus my Dog Silhouette cards from Fire Hydrant Press!! Super cute blog!

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