Post by Deirdre! It's been a while…
I miss my friends and family throughout the year. It is such a delight to arrive at the holidays and have an excuse to reach out to and hear from all the loved ones in my life! Since their faces are dear to me and their families are growing, I cherish the photos that come in the mail each December. I enjoy pointing out to my children, “this is my high school friend and her family,” “these are Dad’s cousin’s kids,” etc. I lovingly hang up every one and we soak them in until The Artist is tired of bending over to get through doorways and there is truly no excuse to observe the Christmas season any longer (usually February 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord). I’m so grateful for each and every photo, whether polished and professional or scrappy, we-squeezed-this-in-before-the-toddler-melted-down-and-the-point-and-shoot-lost-battery.
So what I’m about to say may come across as a little curmudgeonly.
Keeping the above in mind — hear me out.
I recall the days of Advent from my childhood when the mailman would bring the best deliveries of the year: one beautiful Christmas card after another from friends near and far. These cards were almost all folded greeting cards, each with an image of or related to the humble but glorified scene from Bethlehem. A glowing Nativity, an image of the Magi, a Madonna and Child, a painting of herald angels. Although the kind and quality would vary, my favorites were the reproductions of the master artists (and probably, usually, the ones with the prettiest Marys).
For the period leading up to and stretching over Christmastide, the best of Western religious art and other valuable traditions was on display there in our living room for us to flip through. After the Christmas season, we would carefully store these away to be enjoyed in future years and, almost always, reinvented and appreciated all over again as they were converted into craft projects.
Sometimes photos of the senders were included inside and these we enjoyed as well – after all, seeing a photo of friends was much rarer in those days. But the message inside was not actually as important as the message on the front, and the photos – while they interested me and probably meant even more to my parents – didn’t captivate me as much as the beautiful images. After all, the medium is the message, and the message we received in all those postal greetings was loud and clear: Christ is made Man as a little baby; Mary is His pure and beautiful Mother, warm and loving; Joseph is His quiet protector and ours; Angels rejoice!; the Star shines down on us; the Wise Men are coming with their mysterious gifts…
So many images to greet the eye and invite the mind to reflection.
Such an ambiance for our holy days.
How often do children today – or any of us – have the opportunity to pore over pictures of this caliber during the Christmas season?
I ask because I note that, over the years, these images have been almost entirely replaced when it comes to Christmas cards (and even other Christmas decor). When I was a child, there was already tension between religious images and, say, the more secular images of Santa’s workshop (toys! toys! toys!) or vague winter scenes (feel good about the season! We don’t know why!). But today it is different. For, as much as I personally do love each individual card made up of a family photo and an accompanying written Christmas greeting, I can’t help but note that the images that have replaced the Manger scene, the Holy Family, the Magi…
…Are images of ourselves.
Having watched this trend grow to the point of the sacred image being almost drowned out at Christmastide, I’ve decided that it’s time to take a hard look. So here are some considerations in favor of a return to the exchange of traditional images at Christmas time — instead of the family photo card:
- Christmas is about Christ.
Christmas cards provide a chance for us to remind each other of the beauty of and the reason for the season: Christ was born of Mary in a stable in Bethlehem. While we are communicating and sharing this joy, it also affords the occasion to catch up with each other and give family updates. But is that the point of the card? We have to be careful that we don’t replace “share the Good News of Christ” with “show our friends how we’re doing.” Each Christmas is a chance to re-focus on the mystery of our Savior born into our world, and the Christmas card itself is a fantastic way to do that. In fact, it can be powerful evangelization for those members of our lists who might not be seeing any religious imagery anywhere else all year!
To me, this is one of the prime ways we can work to ‘keep Christ in Christmas.’
2. The Couple/Family Photo Card Trend leaves some Excluded
Christ came for everyone and Christmas is for everyone. But not everyone has a lovely family to feature in a holiday greeting card. I once saw a holiday card that consisted of a photo of a young man standing alone with his printed greeting next to his headshot: “Merry Christmas from Jack.” (I don’t actually remember his real name.) To be frank, this struck me as absurd — marking the end of the year and the anniversary of Christ’s birth by sending a headshot of yourself out to your entire mailing list?! Yet I had to note that it is not categorically different from a greeting accompanying a photo of a couple or a family. After all, if everyone is sending a picture of themselves to him, what is he supposed to do but send a picture of himself to everyone? Or are we only allowed to start sending Christmas greetings once we are married and/or start our families?
Well, a tidy solution is to send a picture of baby Jesus, instead!
Everyone can send a beautiful picture of, say, the Nativity scene (and can always tuck a photo inside!).
But the fact is that there won’t be a selection of appropriate cards for single guys like “Jack” to choose from unless we generate a demand by all choosing such cards.
3. Our Imaginations Need to be fed on Beautiful Art
Not only do I advocate choosing cards that visually depict the Mystery of Christmas; I also advocate choosing beautiful ones! This is a wonderful way to enhance Christmastide and feed our loved ones and ourselves on true Christmas beauty. Aside from the Nativity scene at church (hopefully your church has a nice one) and quality Christmas books, from whence are you receiving the treasury of beautiful, traditional Christmas art and allowing it to elevate your heart and mind?
We see pictures of ourselves and our loved ones more than anyone in history and, I think you’ll agree, more than we objectively need. Let’s not cast aside a veneranle tradition and miss the opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest artists’ finest offerings in the form of images of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and all the other holy things associated with the Mystery.
4. Traditional Christmas Cards Keep Well – and so do Photo Prints!
I like to tuck a print of a family photo inside a folded Christmas card (I don’t actually share many photos online and I know loved ones want to see the growing kids; this is also how I do birth announcements). This way, the photo can be enjoyed on its own: popped into an album or frame or put on the fridge (admission: I invest in the separate prints also because I hope it means we do end up on friends’ fridges and they therefore remember to pray for us more!).
But a Christmas-card-photo gradually becomes off-season/out of date.
On the other hand, a beautiful traditional card can have another life as part of a Christmas craft!
5. A Holy Image will always be Timely
Some years are harder than others for feeling and being photo-ready. It’s a lot of pressure, especially for large families, families with little ones, families without photographers handy, and/or couples or families going through something tough. And consider the receiving end: there’s no guarantee about what will be the most heart-warming kind of way to present yourselves to everyone on your mailing list.
A beautiful image of the Christ child, however, will always be appropriate, always be timely. Send the message of the Nativity and God’s grace will work out the rest.
- What crafts did we do, you ask? Well, you can seek hundreds of ideas on Google and Pinterest, but I’ll just tell you my two favorites:
- 1) Habou came up with this awesome pastime for us: Soak old cards in a shallow dish of water until they become soft. Turn a damp card front-side down on a paper towel and gently rub at the back until the white backing of the cardstock wears away and comes off in little bits. Discard bits and you’re left with just a very fine, thin version of the front image. Carefully tear this image and combine it with other fine bits of cards and wrapping paper, foil, etc. to make a collage on a paper mache or wooden box using Elmers glue or Modge Podge on a paintbrush. When the collage is dry, paint over it with some kind of varnish. Voila! A pretty, collaged Christmas box to give as a gift or use as a container for a Christmas treat. We used to collage any available surface and make gift boxes, plaques, Advent calendars… you name it. It’s really fun and, if you’re starting out with high quality images, actually looks beautiful!
- 2) Make a 3-D ornament like this but it comes out looking way more beautiful because, again, you’re using beautiful images/paper!
I know that one of the major challenges here is just finding quality, beautiful cards to order. It’s hard to avoid kitsch and it’s difficult to avoid paying an arm and a leg. I realize that many may opt for the family photo Christmas card simply because it’s much more affordable.
Again, I just want to note the matter of supply and demand. This will remain a niche market unless we take collective action and order the good stuff. Suppliers will rise up to the challenge, just as there are currently Five Thundred easy options for purchasing Christmas family photo cards!
Here are some companies we’ve ordered from or from which we’ve received high-quality cards (and keep a lookout for Black Friday sales!):
- The Met Museum Store
- MFA Boston
- Masterpiece Studios
- Ancient Faith
- Printery House
- Magnificat Magazine
- Mother of Our Savior (see details about having your family photo printed within these Christmas cards for an additional fee)
Please do comment below with your resources as to the best sources for quality, traditional Christmas cards: the ones with beautiful images of or related to the Christmas mystery (I’m talking about more than just scroll-y lettered Scripture verses!).
You can also comment to share your favorite craft using beautiful old cards!
And if you’ve ever sent me a Christmas card, of any description… from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Emily says
You know, this really speaks to me this year. I’m single, so I don’t send out photo cards. And I generally do send out a religious card, as well as a “non-religious” one to my friends who aren’t religious. But this year I think I’m going for all the good religious cards, all the time! Thanks, Deirdre! I’ve always loved the way Magnifcat’s cards look, and I might as well support them!
Emily D. says
Just coming back to say–I did almost ALL religious cards this year! I did have to rummage for the left overs in order to be thrifty, but most of them are beautiful cards that I hope people loved! I bought some from the Benedictines of Mary in Missouri as well–gorgeous cards, wonderful nuns!
Elizabeth says
The FSSP has sets of 12 cards that one can order and also enroll the recipients in a Christmas Novena of Masses. They always have lovely classical art images.
https://fssp.com/novenas/
BridgetAnn says
We do this too! Beautiful art and *enrollment in Masses*!! I like to slip in a wallet-size family photo inside as well.
You did a beautiful job of addressing this topic, Deirdre- thank you.
Janelle Hieronymus says
The Carl Schmitt Foundation sells Christmas cards featuring the artist’s work (they’re not my favorite of his paintings but someone might love them!)
https://carlschmitt.org/store-greeting-cards
Leigh says
Thank you, Dierdre! I have always felt a little uncomfortable about sending everyone I know a card that is just a picture of my family, for many of the reasons you mentioned. It almost feels like I would be bragging about my own good fortune in having a beautiful, healthy family. So I just don’t do anything. I don’t know why I never considered still sending a card without a family photo, or at least not making the photo be the main focus. Your collection is beautiful and inspiring!
Along these same lines, I also don’t display a family photo in my home, aside from a few baby pictures of my kids. I just know that no matter how much photoshopping is applied, something about my own appearance would probably bother me every time I walked by! I’d rather use the space to display art.
Patty says
Dear Leigh, I don’t know you but I can tell from your post that you are a beautiful and thoughtful woman. I understand the part about not liking one’s own image in pictures but we need to remember that we are made in God’s image so it’s OK to be happy with who we are. I recently had cancer surgery on my lip and was having much difficulty in handling the slow healing. It is still uncomfortable to smile but not so hideous as a month or two ago. I know my family still wants to see me smiling as I am sure your loved ones do you. God made you so beautiful! I felt compelled to write to you.
Leila says
Patty, I love your reply to Leigh. Leigh, I hope you do have some photos of yourself, especially with your children! Not necessarily ON Christmas cards, but somewhere… your family will always treasure them. And you will appreciate the memories (and be kinder to yourself) when you get older. I know whereof I speak 🙂
elizabeth says
Pelican Printery House is another resource for traditional Christmas cards, and many other occasions! https://www.etsy.com/shop/PelicanPrinteryHouse
Elizabeth Lemme says
Here is a link to one of the Christmas cards… there are more available, and more new designs forthcoming! https://www.etsy.com/listing/663569788/catholic-christmas-card-calligraphy
Clara Coleman says
Yes, I love this! I much prefer using the lovely religious art cards. I love decorating with the cards we receive during the Christmas season. I know one family, that takes one Christmas card and prays for that family each day at the family meal time. I love that idea.
My challenge is organizing all the moving parts to come together to get the cards mailed out on time. Organizing buying the cards, selecting and printing the photo for the inside, getting the return labels, finding/making a list of those to send cards to, then either printing address labels or handwriting recipients address on the envelopes and then of course signing the inside of the card. I end up sending them out every other year because some years, it is too much. And some years, we send cards without photos. But I love the idea of it and I keep trying.
I like supporting out local Knights of Columbus when they sell cards, otherwise I don’t have a preferred place to buy them. Wherever I can find pretty and religious cards.
Rebekah W says
Thank you for saying what’s been on my mind! The Institute of Christ the King has beautiful Christmas cards, and you have the opportunity to enroll everyone on your list (or just send some people other cards, of course) in a Christmas Novena of Masses, too! What better Christmas gift is there?
http://www.institute-christ-king.org/resources/institute-store
(It looks like they haven’t released this year’s designs yet, but they should be coming soon!)
Catholic Mom says
I have loved sending beautiful Christmas cards for most of the last 30 years….always the nativity with holy family or the Madonna and child. Caspari makes beautiful cards, and sometimes you’re lucky enough to find one with the nativity or Madonna and child. We saved cards every year, hanging them up as they arrived and praying for each family at dinner that night. We reused them as thank you notes, made construction paper stained glass window frames for them, and so many other craft projects. But I’ve been thinking about stopping.
Over the years we have noticed a dramatic decrease in the number we receive (because of social media and email?) Do folks not want paper cards anymore? It’s also becoming cost prohibitive. Several moves in 30 years has resulted in so many friends we like to touch base with and over 100 Christmas cards going all over the world. Depending on the size and weight of the card, including a letter and picture has become almost impossible for fear of needing a second stamp. Buying cards at the end of the season became a necessity to save some money. There are very few religious cards to choose from by then. I don’t do social media, so Christmas involves a lot of catching up!
But you are right. Beautiful art is necessary and what better way to evangelize and show pride in being Catholic. Especially in a society where Christ is increasingly shelved or completely forgotten, perhaps the well chosen card, with no family pic or long family letter, is all we need to remind friends we’re thinking about them at such a special time of year. I’ll keep sending for now.
Rebecca says
I agree with you 100% and have felt so strongly about this in my almost two decades of adult life. I have long felt like some Millennial lone ranger sending old-school cards instead of more fashionable photo cards. I am so glad to hear that what I am doing is good. I have always found beautiful cards for $4/box at Half-Price books. They always carry a Bouguereau option. He is my favorite artist so I just rotate his images year to year.
Shyla says
Oh I absolutely agree and love this so much! To this day, the only traditional Christmas cards of the Holy family I receive are from my mother and a dear (almost 90 year old!) priest. I remember as a child collecting all of the traditional images and keeping the beautiful pictures! Even now, I will keep these images and pin them up inside my pantry or tape them to the front or inside cover of my planner. My little girls are learning to do the same thing! I’m so glad you posted about this!
Shyla says
Forgot to add: I love the cards from Magnificat: the ones I have are not dated, so they are perfect to use every year (if you have extras!)
Molly B. says
Totally agree! That said, one devout family I know includes a beautiful Christmas prayer card in their annual Christmas family photo card, I’ve always thought this a nice compromise. And, while I have switched our family’s offering from a photo card to a traditional religious Christmas card plus included family photo print, I will say – with a big list, the photo card is SO MUCH easier. But the ideal isn’t always the easiest, is it?
The recs for sources look great, thank you commenters!
One more rec – Thomas Aquinas and More also has reasonably priced beautiful religious art cards, too. https://www.aquinasandmore.com/online/catholic-gifts/advent-christmas/christmas-cards/
Kate says
Great and timely post! I do like receiving photos, but I prefer them within a traditional Christmas card. I calligraph, so I try to design a new Christmas card every year to send out – a sort of greeting and gift in one. I choose a few lines from Scripture, a prayer, a sermon, the Liturgy of the Hours, a religious poem. If I don’t have the time to design my own cards, I send Christmas Mass novena cards to family and almost-like-family friends.
Like you, we include Christmas cards we receive as part of our Christmas home decor. Afterwards, I save the cards I like. They have often come in handy for crafts with our homeschooling group and at our parish. This month, we are using old cards to make gift tags. One card can yield a number of images. They are then glued to card stock and a ribbon inserted. We are packaging them in bundles so they can be sold at our parish in a fundraiser. Children can also use old cards to make ornaments. In teaching religion, the cards have also been used when the children make an illustrated “Life of Christ” or Marian book or prayer book. (Not all children enjoy drawing, so this is a good option.) This gives more variety (and provides a better image) than simply choosing an image online and printing it out for a class. The kids love to sort through the pile and pick the perfect picture. Think “life before the internet” (or LBI).
Katie says
Love traditional Christmas cards and snail-mail in general! We especially like Ad Crucem and Emmanuel Press for ours!
https://www.adcrucem.com/products/ad-crucem-christmas-sampler-14-greeting-cards
http://emmanuelpress.us/christmas-cards/
Robin Mureiko says
I’m in total agreement! Thank you for this!!! Got to get my cards! 👍🏻
Candice says
I always try to send beautiful religious cards. I pick the ones I like and have even framed a couple (and I’ve been told friends on the receiving end have done the same with our cards). Catholic Company is usually my source for cards. It gets pricey, but no more expensive then ordering photo cards from Shutterfly. Between the cards and the postage, it does become a real expense, but one I feel is worthwhile, so I include it in the Christmas budget. Sometimes I try to include a little handwritten note inside that’s personalized just for that person, but I also realize that it’s not required. Hand addressing envelopes encourages me to think about the recipients and I’ll say a small prayer for each. Christmas cards are one of my favorite things to do!
Nicole says
I completely agree! Last year I sent a small picture of our family on the inside. I’m not on social media so I know people like to see how the kids are growing 🙂
I just found this etsy shop (The Good Portion Co) with beautiful art on the front and a meaningful message on the inside…
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGoodPortionCo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=617340972
Anna says
Thank you for the reminder! As a compromise i think i’ll still have our Christmas card printed but with a lovely painting on the front and a photo of our children on the back.
D says
So, it is photo directory year at our parish and rather than pay $60 for a sheet of 4 3×5 pictures, I opted for $40 for 20 photo cards – but these will just go to family – brands, great brands, aunts and uncles. We get a few photo cards each year from friends and acquaintances that I feel very awkward about having – I’m not sure what to do with the photos when putting away the Christmas cards – they aren’t folks I’d ever add to the family photo display. I do keep any particularly beautiful cards and pictures from the Catholic Extension calendar. This year I laminated them and put them with the children’s religious books on the bookshelf – so they may indeed be contemplated.
Lisa G. says
Oh, how I agree with you!! I could say a lot more about it, but you’ve already said it more politely than I would, so I’ll just concur. 🙂 Monastery Greetings is where I often get our cards.
Elizabeth says
My frustration with Christmas cards (and I always choose traditional cards with a religious image, although I do purchase non-religious ones for those whom I know do not appreciate religious imagery) is the complete impossibility of finding cards that are BLANK on the inside. If I am taking the trouble to contact friends and family, I want to send a note. If there’s already a seasonal greeting printed in the card, it’s taking up most of the space and curtailing what I can say without being repetitive. I want to do more than just sign my name! Where do you find beautiful cards with nothing inside?!
Emily D. says
I *believe* the Benedictines of Mary sell blank ones! Maybe bookmark the link for next year? 🙂
https://music.benedictinesofmary.org/products/greeting-cards
Kayleen Corrigan says
I made the switch last year! I just felt after 9 years of our faces first and foremost it was time to put the Holy Family first 💖 I found some Eastern-styled cards on Amazon, surprisingly! And just included a print of our family. I’m going to keep that going.
Nativity Christmas Cards Set of 15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00474F0A0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DLpNDbWS408X8
H. Smith says
I highly recommend emmanuelpress.us/christmas-cards/ for religious cards with beautiful art. They are pricey but high quality. For those who plan ahead, they always have a Christmas in July sale when all the cards are discounted.
rozylass says
I, too, love traditional Christ themed cards! I’ve not had trouble finding them at Walmart over the years at low prices. I love receiving them too! If there isn’t an important personal note written in them I use them in advent books that I make for family members. Thanks for sharing all your ideas.
Hannah says
For Orthodox readers, Emilia’s Post has some lovely hand-printed cards with texts of some of the Nativity hymns. This might be preferable to sending out icon-style cards, which might not be good candidates for the crafts Deirdre describes!
https://emiliaspost.com/shop/greeting-cards/
Kayleen says
Why don’t you think icon-styed cards are a good candidate? 😉 We are Ruthenian rite and I sent out cards last year with the Feast of the Nativity icon on it!
Hannah says
Oh, I think icon cards are lovely to send and receive! But I always feel a bit torn about what to do with them after the season, since I don’t want to recycle them or cut them up to make them into a craft . . . I’ve ended up just keeping all the ones I’ve gotten!
Emily says
This always always has been on my conscience, and I too remember being very affected by seeing the beautiful Christmas cards my parents received! Still I sadly always end up sending the easy photo cards for many reasons these past several years…
I think a separate photo in a card is fantastic. I love those very much. I want to contribute another idea, say what you will: have a nice photo of your family taken inside or in front of your church! It’s a subtle, yet unmistakable inclusion of your faith and lives. I even imagine many more-secular folks from our address books never get the opportunity to see the inside of your church, and may be inspired.
I’d like to also share something in contrast to my 1980s U.S. childhood. I’ve heard Christmas cards in 1980s England were just a little different. The cards had two main functions: keeping in touch with a warm handwritten note, and this: 100% of the cards themselves were sold by charities as fundraisers. The name of the charity was written on the back of the card so everyone knew you supported Charity X or Charity Z. It seems so appropriate to include that spirit of generosity at Christmastime, to be aware of and financially support the good organizations doing God’s good work, and to remember all those in the world in need of our prayers. Then this too, is nice to point out to children in the home and just might take their sights off the toys and excitement, but wonderfully, doesn’t exclude the concept of the charity of Saint Nicholas.
Marlon Davis says
Great suggestion!!
Carrie says
Yes! Hello from the UK. We still send out proper Christmas cards each year by snail mail (I’m in my early 40s), usually with a printed letter detailing our adventures over the last year, accompanied by photos. It’s very common to buy cards where 10-20% cost goes to charity eg Cancer Research, Water Aid. Generic ‘winter/ santa’ themes are extremely popular but it possible to buy beautiful religious art cards relatively easily. I have never sent, and can’t remember even ever seeing photo cards of the type Deirdre describes. It must be a US culture thing.
Sara says
It’s really hard to find religious cards at regular stores! I try to buy some after Christmas on sale, at least. But you are absolutely right about why we should make the effort. One of our senders always sends a photo of their fabulous home! UGH!
Jo says
I agree that traditional cards are beautiful, but they are tremendously expensive if you want to send them to more people than just immediate family. I try to include a few, but it’s also more time-intensive, and not practical to send more than a handful. I absolutely love sending snail mail, but traditional cards are just not practical to send to 100-150+ people. There is not enough money nor hours in the day!
I have also found that to the contrary of what we’d expect these days, not everyone is on social media, and those most in need of good cheer and pictures are older relatives or busy parents who don’t see family photos other than through the mail, so I consider my photo cards an act of mercy/ charity for them too.
CC says
I agree that there’s nothing lovelier than beautiful depictions of the nativity and that they are a treat to receive. I am in an interfaith marriage and they would feel alienating to my husband and not representative of his role in our family, so we’ll stick with the photo cards. But my kids and I will enjoy any Renaissance artwork our friends and family choose to send. They love looking through the big coffee table book of saints we keep in the living room for that reason, scanning through the gorgeous portraits of all the saints.
Claire says
Deirdre, this is so well thought out, and so well said. I have long bought cards from the Met Museum — in part because I want them to know that people are interested in the religious ones!
My kids are grown and gone, and I’ve slacked off on sending cards in the last few years. But you’ve inspired me, so this year I will start up again.
Thank you Deirdre!
Lucy says
We send cards with a scene of the Epiphany, with separate letters, and some years include a family photo. That way we can make sure we have everyone’s most up to date address, and the cards can double as thank you notes.
Lisa says
This is so encouraging! Thank you for putting into words what I have felt for many years – although I admit some busy seasons I have reverted to the photo-Christmas-card.
I always check thrift stores for Christmas cards – often they are vintage and the art is so lovely.
Marlon Davis says
You put into words my sentiments exactly. Here is where I’ve had some beautiful triptych Christmas cards – their selection is AMaZING!!
https://www.catholictothemax.com/search.php?search_query=Christmas+cards§ion=product&page=1
Ava says
Three (unconventional?) ways our family uses Christmas cards:
1) We have the kids give unused cards to those who open their doors as we carol. They’re not personal but it’s a nice gesture, and, for those who aren’t home, we drop one in the mailbox.
2) I like to cut out the images we love (same with Magnificat covers and art commentary) and put them in 5×7 photo albums for my littles to pour over. They can still rip the pages but it takes a bit more effort.
3) We find wall space to show them for decor. At one apt, we had a very large air intake vent near our kitchen which worked as a card space using magnets.
I love to receive cards but am terrible at getting them sent. I agreed wholeheartedly with your post. : )
greta4u2 says
Yes! Thank you for articulating what we’ve felt was true for a long time….let’s redirect the focus of cards to the Sacred, not ourselves, during Christmas.
Kelsey says
I’ve never thought about this. I always thought I was so on top of it by getting those photo cards sent out. But you’re points are beautiful. I’m convinced! Real, beautiful cards from here on out.
Terri says
Me too! Totally agree. Thanks Deirdre, for sharing your thoughts on this!
Diana says
Love this, and agree!!
Gill says
This is a beautifully thought out and written post and very timely. As one reader mentioned the 1980s English cards, I thought I would confirm that this is very common indeed in Britain now and it is actually astonishing to receive a card that is not from a charity source rather than the other way around. I love the tradition of writing Christmas cards. Sadly these are often the only letters I write these days with social media and emails being so much quicker, but I still enjoy sending and receiving traditional Christmas cards.
When my children were younger we made a scrapbook “story of the nativity” using old Christmas cards to help them to remember the sequence of events, which I wrote very simple words to. We also used a long ribbon, clothes pins and 24 appropriate card fronts to make an advent calendar. I would write a fun activity to do with preparing for Christmas on the back of the card and pin it up on the ribbon which was strung across the windows. I wrote the date on the clothes pins to reinforce number work too. Every morning there was a new card pinned up with something exciting to do that day.
Sarah says
I understand your reasons and agree. I wish there was a ‘third way’ between photo card or the Catholic images alone. As a family with many international family and friends, we always like to send a Christmas card with photo update. I can never find my ‘perfect’ Catholic card to order which does two things- Catholic imagery plus family photo!
My ideal is a Madonna and Child on the front of a card and then a personalized back with space for a smaller family photo/Christmas greeting.
I search a LOT every season on card sites to try and find this- not available usually on the major sites.
I can usually find at least a Christian verse or a Nativity scene on the major sites as a theme for the card. The problem with the most beautiful Catholic cards is that they are so expensive! We send around 100 (having large families we do not see often). The smaller Catholic retailers I have found so far do not offer a ‘design it yourself’ option with Catholic imagery for an affordable price (under $50 for 100 I can usually find on major sites with a deal).
If anyone has recs for me for this type of card, I’d appreciate! Or someone create it 🙂
Leila says
Sarah, I don’t know if this catalog has what you mean, but they do have an art card with the ability to print your photo and message inside: https://www.traditionalcatholicpublishing.com
Victoria says
Last year we used CatholicPaperGoods. The shop owner sends you a file with her original, religious art on the front and your family photo on the back. I had it printed at a big box store, and it was relatively affordable.
If we have it in the budget this year, I would prefer the card plus separate picture, but that may not happen and I may order from them again.
Victoria says
What I ended up doing was buying old Christmas cards with religious art on Ebay; I’m betting it would be even more affordable to buy through Ebay during the off-season, and if you used the “make an offer” feature.
Kari and Brad Brane says
We made placemats using old Christmas cards. We cut a circle as large as the card would allow, overlapped them on a thin piece of paper in a pleasing arrangement, glued them down, put pretty wrapping paper on the back, and get it laminated (we tried clear contact paper, but it always peeled away.) Then you have beautiful placemats for advent and Christmas that are easily wiped clean. My kids analyze who has the one with the most words “joy,” or the most pictures of Jesus, or the most wise men, or animals, or whatever. It’s a fun activity while waiting for dinner to be served.
Victoria says
I really love this idea. 🙂
Heather says
I think the Printery House makes something like what you are describing.
Symona says
Excellent reminder and explanation! Two days ago I happened upon a few selections of beautiful, traditional cards (amid the mostly secular offerings) at Barnes and Noble. They were on sale for 30% off (plus another 10% off with a membership card). I have also found them at such random places as TJ Maxx.
Thrift at Home says
Fascinating! I’m embarrassed to say that I never thought of this perspective. . . but I think I agree! I do really love seeing peoples’ photos. . . but yeah, it has kind of morphed into a self-centered thing. . . thanks for the food for thought.
Alyssa says
Well said and good points. I’ve noticed and been bothered by the same things. Thanks for speaking up and in such a well spoken way!
Also, the Knights of Columbus sells beautiful religious Christmas cards!
Gina D. says
Costco has beautiful religious Christmas cards for a reasonable price!
Cristina Reintjes says
I’ve been thinking about this a lot ever since the Catholic catalogues started arriving displaying the beautiful cards. I hadn’t thought about the idea of making ourselves the focus with photo cards instead of the holy family before. In the past I’ve always done photo cards, but always with blank backs so I can write an actual Christmas note to each recipient. I know I’m not the majority on this one but I really dislike getting photo cards with no note or anything on them. Recently they’ve been coming with the addresses all pre-printed on the envelopes too. It makes me feel….less than special and remembered? I mean I guess it’s good to know we weren’t actively removed from their address spreadsheets but it is just so impersonal! I’ve been trying to find beautiful yet inexpensive cards to use instead this year but I haven’t seen anything. Usually I wait for the 75% Thanksgiving sales on the photo cards so they are really cheap—I send out 150 so I can’t do the dollar a card which seems to be the going rate online for regular nice cards 😬 Maybe I’ll have to go out to real stores and start bargain hunting.
Deirdre says
Cristina, I agree. There is a physical connection that happens with handwriting that can’t be replicated with printed labeling! It is a true act of love, because my hand aches after dozens and dozens, but I do make a point to address every card and write out all the family names inside for the greeting – by hand! I think the difference it makes is worth it — to keep in *touch.* (The more our machines do our work for us, the less we are literally touching each other.)
Cristina Reintjes says
I mean if you’re name is at the end of the alphabet your card from me is borderline illegible but I was thinking about you and praying for you as I wrote it 😂😂😂
Lisa says
The card I look forward to most every year is from a family that sends a beautiful Christmas card as you described and then prints a typed letter with an update and some stories, and if they print a little picture on the letter even better! They fold the letter and insert into the card and then we feel that we have really heard from them and connected. It works well partly because neither of our families use any social media so this annual update is a big deal. 🙂
Lukas Halim says
You convinced me to change the way we do our cards.
Emmeline says
My mom always cut off the front of beautiful cards, did a single hole punch in the top left corner, and used them as gift tags! They make all the presents extra beautiful!
Leila says
Emmeline, I do that too. Even cutting the cards up somewhat randomly, using only a part of each image, can be a beautiful little tag — sometimes a little angel or Our Lord’s tiny foot is all that shows, but it’s charming! I can get several tags out of one card this way.
Karen says
I just ordered my cards from Mother of Our Savior. I was able to include a personalized message AND a family photo (on the inside). Thank you so much for sharing this resource!
rh says
We just ordered Xmas cards for the first time (married almost 15 years…), and we found free images from the Met and uploaded them to the front of the card with a verse from a carol. We did put our family photo on the back – we are distant from people and do not post on social media. I would prefer the separate photo in a fold-over card, but this was more affordable and easier for our first year.
Just wanted to encourage anyone that legal, free, images of religious art are easy to find – try Creative Commons (several museums have their entire collection in there), or some public library systems in major cities – this is where we found higher resolution that are better for printing. Some people on Flickr also make their images available to use without a license. Doesn’t take any longer or cost any more than any other photo card.
Elizabeth S. says
I love this post!! It gives me the encouragement I needed to keep sending out Christmas cards with “The Beautiful Reason For The Season”…which is the birth of Christ!❤️ Also, I appreciate your perspective on the too many photographs of us. Thank you. God Bless!