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Last-Minute Gift-Wrapping Inspiration

With only two days left until Christmas I'm going to dare to ask, are you ready?  I am, mostly.  There are quite a few things still left to do on my, um, to-do list, but the 25th of December marks the beginning of the Christmas season for my family, and I generally try not the sweat the small stuff.  However, there is one thing that needs to get done before Christmas day, and that is the wrapping of gifts!  If you are anything like me (meaning you are a bit of a procrastinator) you might be looking for some inspiration in the gift-wrapping department.  I'm here to help!  I've gathered some of my favorite ideas to share with you today, almost all of which can be made with supplies that most of us as scrapbookers already have on hand.  Personally, I love the handmade feel of a lot of these examples and so if you don't have these supplies available, improvise!  I think most of us can agree that when it comes to last-minute gift wrapping, simple is better.  So, relax, don't panic, and use what you do have.  It truly will all work out in the end. 

First-up is a collection of presents wrapped in kraft paper and glassine envelopes.  Add basic shipping tags and twine and the result is simple and elegant.

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Re-purpose your grocery bags as gift wrap.  For example, Trader Joe's always has wonderful graphics on their bags this time of year (I'm sure there are other stores out there with cute designs too).  Add simple white tags, twine, red ribbon, or washi tape - instant cute!

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The next two examples are not specific to this season, but can easily be translated into Christmas wrapping.  The various designs below were created by re-purposing paper grocery bags (again? yes! kraft is such a great neutral for any occasion) and scrapbook paper (and we all have lots of that on hand, don't we?!)

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You can find the tutorial for how to make these origami gift boxes, here.  And another tutorial on making your own doilies, here.

This gift-wrapping example includes some really cute, simple, and free printable tags.  If you click on the source link you'll find the post to download these tags for yourself.

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Speaking of tags, why not wrap all your presents in the same color paper and let your gift tags give that final punch of color and style.  All of the examples below are available as free printables.  I've linked to the source pages where you'll find the downloads for each set.

I think these mail-themed tags are adorable.  I absolutely love the combination of red and aqua

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I also love this tag

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They are from the same designer, with the same color scheme; one with white gift-wrap, one with kraft.  Both are simple, pretty, and easy.

These next examples are fun and whimsical

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While this set has a more modern aesthetic

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Here is a set with a focus on typography

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And finally, a set of tags with a vintage feel

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Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope I've provided you with inspiration for getting those gifts wrapped with style.  Even if it is done at the last minute!

And before I go, let me take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas!

I love my December Daily.

'Tis the Season for December Daily albums. They're everywhere right now and I love it. I really enjoy seeing everyone's take on the project. I did my first, and last, December Daily album in 2008. I'm not sure what happened to my plans for a 2009 album. In 2010, I printed my photos, got my album and supplies together and then never got past day three.  

The problem for me last year was I tried to change it up from the 2008 album. I switched sizes, design style and photo sizes and tried to make a more uniform album. It didn't work for me. This year I'm back to what I know. Which is my make-it-up-as-you-go style. 

I'm back on track for 2011 though. This year my album is 6x8, with pages made of patterned paper and kraft cardstock. I'm using two lines which go well together to keep it easy, I don't have to think about what matches what. Same with embellishments. This works for me as I don't mind when things are matchy-matchy. 

I take bit of a different approach to creating my December Daily than many others. I don't put it all together beforehand. For me that just doesn't work. I've tried it that way, but I then end up moving things around, taking it apart and completely changing it. Instead, I cut out a bunch of pieces of 6x8 patterned paper and kraft cardstock to use as my base and go from there. When I have time, I'll work on a few pages, but I don't worry about trying to complete a page every day. More than likely, I'll finish the bulk of the project in January. 

So far, I've finished my cover and days 2, 3, 4 and 12. 

Cover

The flower is popped up with foam dots, so it scanned a bit funny. 

December 2nd

 

December 3rd

December 4th

 

 

December 12th

 

 

My December Daily album covers the entire month, ending on January 1st. Obviously, I've got a way to go. But I've found that as long as I keep up with the journaling (I keep a Word document going with each day's activities), it's easy to complete after December has ended. And not pressuring myself to get a page done each day makes the holiday a bit less stressful.

We've seen some great December Daily projects so far this month. Are you making one this year? Share it with us on Flickr, we'd love to see!

Non Traditional

Oh my, can you believe that in less than a week all the holiday madness will be over?!  Me either.  Much to do and prep in the next 6 days for me and probably all of you too!

Bring in holiday and Christmas scrapbooking, and I'm basically of no use! For some reason when I sit down with holiday papers and photos I normally find 1 million other things to do instead. Since I'm more of an everyday scrapper, scrapping events puts me in a deadlock on ideas.  Go figure!

What I have found myself doing more often to get those holiday photos scrapped is to go a more non traditional route, whether with subject or with paper.

Use Non Themed Papers/Embellishments

Sure, there is some red and a bit of green in here, but I predominantly chose papers and embellishments from lines/manufacturers that have no holiday theme whatsoever.  I seem to work better that way and ideas come to me a bit quicker.

Aside from the Santa tag/circle, not a holiday paper or color in sight and I rather prefer it that way!  I tried to use holiday papers for this, but I simply pushed paper around for a while.  I bagged it and went a completely different route and was done within minutes with this card.

Scrap Holiday Photos on Non Holiday Layouts

 Because I still take tons of photos during the holidays and want to scrap most of them, I try to find different ways to incorporate them into my books.  My daughter took a big part in making the Christmas dessert one year and I wanted to document her love of cooking rather than that specific dessert on that specific day.

A Different Take on a Big Idea

It's no secret that Ali's December Daily is a huge hit with scrappers.  I love the idea, love the concept and would love it if I could in my life complete one!  I'm horrible, especially when it comes to a time limited, time intensive project.  I tried last year, but stamped a giant FAIL on the front because it still sits in a heap in a drawer.

This year I still wanted to document our holiday because we have a lot going on and there is no way I can sit a make 10 layouts about the holidays when it pains me to do even 1!  I went a different route this year and am making a December Journal instead of a December Daily.

I'm still documenting our celebrations, traditions and excitement of the season, but more in a journaling format than a daily format.  This way there is no pressure to get something done each and every day!

I still won't be done until January, but I feel like with this route I am more inclined to get it done because I won't be behind "x" amount of days, but behind by a few ideas.  Much more doable for me!

So those are my non traditional ways of dealing with traditional photos and holidays.  I know I'm probably not the norm on this and many others really enjoy scrapping these holiday memories, but this is my take on how to still get those precious photos and memories scrapped for the wee ones to look back on.

What are some ways you scrap non traditionally for these traditional holidays and photos?

scrapbook!

Gallery Walk

I have the pleasure of loading the gallery each month, which means I get sneak peeks of all the layouts as they come in. And then I get to spend some time with each project as I post it and edit the materials' lists. But even still, when I pull open the gallery as a whole, my knees swoon, just a bit.

Like every month, there is something in each project that catches my eye. Let's go in order of appearance.

Lisa's canvas: First, I love red polkadots. And tiny ones remind me of my favorite swiss dot dress when I was little. But my favorite part is Lisa's ingenuity in decorating a stamped doily. I would have been tempted to buy an actual doily, which would not have had the same simple glory that Lisa's stamped doily attains.

Aly's layout: Such a brilliant use of cards. I love how some of the circles are names, others photos, other designs. I think the mixture provides such good balance. And helps us to see how eclectic gatherings help tell stories.

Christa's layout: My favorite part of Christa's layout is how she used border punched paper to create shelves for her pictures. This subtle tie in to her subject unifies her story and photos and design. So clever.

Aly's layout: First, the pictures are perfect. I have had three small children and this very same situation, but never thought to bend down and snap a picture of the ornaments on the floor, or the giant grin of the culprit. Times like this I remember how important it is to visit our site often for reminders of all those photos we don't want to miss!! (Such a shameless plug!! teehee!!) Second, did you notice Aly's use of the photo corners? A quiet means of defining the photos as a whole.

Celeste's layout: One of Celeste's greatest strengths is her design strength. She flexed her muscles for us again this month. Notice how everything about her layout is linear: the squares, the even spaces, the white space. And then, there's the photo. Tilted just so. Thereby drawing our eye in. And with tilt, the ninja's eyes become horizontally even with the squares, thereby providing one more bit of balance and symmetry.

Aly's layout: Did you read the journaling? It talks about a moment of quiet. I find most of my quiet holiday moments are spent staring at the lights on my tree. I feel a layout coming on!

Lisa's layout: Aside from the scrapbooking side of things, I might need some of those cookies!! hee hee. Lisa has such a way with her photos. (My favorite might be the kitty next to the elf!!) It's not just the photos she takes, but her angles, her lighting, and the details. Oh, the details.

Christa's layout: First, do you see how unseasonal the colors in this layout are? Not very Christmas-y,but really lovely all the same. And can you spot the triangle? The bottom of visual triangle is the left hand side of the layout (top to bottom). The apex of the triangle is the photo of Jed. This triangle wouldn't work without the tape at the bottom of the page in the lower left hand corner. Cover it up, for just a moment, and evaluate the difference. See? I told you Christa was clever!!

Kelly's book: I love the idea of a page or two representing each year of celebrations. I have made similar birthday books, but never thought to do it for Christmas. This is so very smart. And how fun to look at each year as it grows. Thank you, Kelly, for such a terrific idea!

Keshet's layout: Oh, food shots! What's not to love? I have taken photos of the neighbors' and teachers' treats in the past, but rarely seem to get them on a layout. I love how Keshet's layout show a close-up photo and then one in full packaging. Perfect.

Paula's layout: Paula's photo grouping is just perfect. And did you know that you can have this too? She used a digital photo cluster to put it together. These can be used for paper layouts, too by adding your photos, printing it out, and then trimming the edges. Adding the notation on the bottom of the photos makes it even more purposeful. And the layers on the title? Lovely.

Cheryl's ornament: Only Cheryl could transform a dollar store ugly plaque into this darling little creation.

Cheryl's plate: Or a plate into this? And if you try this at home, be sure to add shadows to the layers so that you can tell who is in front. It's the same as if you were using stickers. One on top, one below.

Francine's layout: The title is terrific and tell so much of the story. Good titles are so effective. I have been keeping track of the books we have checked out of the library on Pinterest and I know that a layout like this will be a perfect capture of our visual list! Something I love about Francine's layout is how the title is big and bold, and the flourish is big and bold, and the photos are just so tiny.

Lisa's layout: I love this one for its content. Have you a similar book? A place where you keep all your ideas together? Have you thought to photograph it and add it to your scrapbook? These items that make up our world are so fleeting. And yet, so basic for us. Perhaps you could look around your life and see if there's something you do often that hasn't yet made your scrapbooks!

Lisa's layout: Did you notice the texture of the blue ribbon beneath the photo? and how the ribbon isn't completely adhered, thus providing even more texture? The velvety softness adds to the warm glow of the lights. And again, Lisa's photos are well-composed so that the twinkle lights glow softly.

Marie's layout: The visual triangle on this layout is more like a pyramid, coming up and out of the paper. The stacked layers make the photo rise up and out of the page, catching your eye before anything else. And Marie was right on target in getting down level with the baby to shoot the photo at the appropriate perspective.

Monika's layout: Monika's design is one of my go-to designs. It works seamlessly for horizontal 4x6 photos. I probably have more than 20 layouts with nearly the same design. And, no, that's not lazy, just practical!! Further, did you notice the woodgrain tape? So hip!

Emily's layout: For a layout about a santa collection, Emily's layout is remarkably and delightfully void of santas. Rather, the title is the story and the photo is the evidence. The trees prove the season and the colors lend a cheer. Especially helpful with a black and white photo. And have I mentioned how real Emily's pages seem? And always have a twist of wry humor.

Donna's layout: Donna chose to use two patterned papers as her backdrop, though not in equal proportion. When she added her photographs, she put the narrow photo on the wider pattern, and the wider photo on the narrower strip. This slight adjustment creates flow from the vertical base of the visual triangle (the left hand side of the layout) up and through the triangle to the middle of the page on the right side. With the edge of the landscape photo crossing over onto the patterned paper on the left, the layout becomes cohesive and level.

Amy's layout: This is a wonderful reminder to get our memories on paper even if it means we must wait for the photo. And if you know what size it will be, you can create an whole layout and even place it in the proper album. Who said layouts need photos?

Amy's layout: Being a fontophile and a stickerphile, I have always wanted to create a layout like this, but have never been able to determine how to do it. Now I know who I can ask! I love the boxes and how she hand drew them. And I wish we lived close enough to visit my mom and help her decorate!!

Alexandra's tags: Such a clever way of documenting our homes. Tags relieve the pressure of having a particular number of items and are fun little canvases to decorate. And once we get some snow or put up some lights, I am totally taking Alex's suggestion to document our outside homes.

Thank you for going gallery walking with me. I hope it was helpful to evaluate the little things that make the layouts work so well.

 

Saturday Sketch

This week you have a chance to recreate Donna's layout. She put together a sketch for you that is also downloadable as a layered template. Enjoy!

Thank you, Donna! From all of us!

 

Printable

School ended for us yesterday. Which means Thursday was spent elbow deep in white chocolate popcorn. Having 16 teacher gifts to put together, I thought it might be easiest to print tags. So I made tags.

In case you need them ...

... you may download them here.

 

Thank you for stopping by and spending some time with us! We appreciate you and hope you are doing well on your holiday preparations. Next week will be filled with more December Dailies. Can't wait to see you here!

give.away.day. featuring BELLA BLVD

It's Thursday, which means it'shere at Write. Click. Scrapbook. Today's give.away.day. features the Christmas Wishes line from Bella Blvd. This whimsical holiday line combines bright colors, classic patterns, and a whole lot of fun!

Vivian used this line to create both a layout and card:

For a chance to win the Christmas Wishes line, please leave a comment below sharing with us your holiday wish. Comments will remain open through this evening and one lucky number will be drawn at random and posted tomorrow. Be sure to check back to see if yours is the lucky number as it is your responsibility to claim your number by midnight Saturday!

As a thank you to our friends over at Bella Blvd, please check them out on Facebook and tell them that Write. Click. Scrapbook. sent you!

12 Days {Before} Christmas

Ahhhh I love this time of year. The peppermint ice cream, the chocolate oranges, the Christmas concerts, the snow...oh wait. No snow. Somehow I thought moving back to Northeastern Ohio would bring me more of that white stuff, but nope. I believe we have near 60 and rain predicted later this week. I am however, enjoying a bowl of peppermint ice cream as I type. Another one of my favorite things is my 12 Days {Before} Christmas project and album, all of which happens to start TODAY! Let's take a closer look.

I have done this project for the past five years now. You can see the photos from 2006, 2007, 2008, and the album from 2009 featured here last year. While I used to get super detailed on my layouts (yes all years have been scrapped, just not all scanned) I have decided simple is the way to go. Here are a few pages from 2010's version.

My husband had the coolest idea for a "cookie tasting" for the cookies we left for Santa. HUGE hit I tell you.

It just occurred to me the other day that Santa will have to juggle three on his lap this year.


Our ramshackled gingerbread train :)


Lillian's first official handwritten letter to Santa. Ahhh creative Kindergarten spelling-hee hee. I keep the original and send a copy off to Santa.


I always keep all the photo cards and personalized messages from family and friends-bad scan because the pocket I create is stuffed! I also always include our Christmas Card for the year so I can have a record of that too.


Daddy is also going to have to juggle three this year!


This was the first time in five years I didn't have a photo because this year, while nine months pregnant (and totally miserable) I got the stomach flu (cannot express to you how much more miserable.) ON CHRISTMAS. Yes, this year is going to be AWESOME compared to that.



So won't you join me this year? Plan some fun Christmas-y activities with the family. Write down a few thoughts-I always do all the journaling on my blog so all I have to do is reformat and print and just like that, five years of wonderful, priceless memories. It all starts TODAY! I can't wait. Tonight is Christmas Jammies!!

things that stress me out about the holidays

Before I start my december daily post, I need to just clarify that I LOVE Christmas! Just so you know :) 

But, we all know that there are at least two sides of every story, right. I wanted to share a layout that was inspired by one of the great lists in the Ella Publishing book List it! Christmas edition. I bought it and am using the lists as my base for my December minibook; there are so many cool ways you can include them in your projects. 

Anyway, the list that inspired this post and layout was: things that stress me out about the holidays. I think we all can feel a bit overwhelmed with everything December brings: crafts, school events, family things, presents and all the other things we do to prepare for one of the biggest holidays of the year. As you might know, I am all about keeping it real in my scrapbooking albums, so I wanted to make a page to remember what actually freaks me out a bit about the holiday season. 

Here is the journaling if it´s hard to read: The feeling of not enough stresses me out. That I don´t enjoy enough, that I miss stuff that are important. It stresses me out that I make/have so high expectations and that I might not have that special feeling in my gut on Christmas Day. That stresses me way out! 

I included this list in my December mini and here is how it looks in there.

Keep it real people! More often than not our December dailies and layouts are filled with the magic of the holidays (which I love!), but why not give the future generations a bit of real insight in how our lives were lived! 

I also wanted to share a idea that Becky Higgins started on Thanksgiving one year. She simply put out a sheet of paper where she had wrote something like: I am thankful for... and had everyone write something they were thankful for. I borrowed the idea for our Christmas celebration last year. 

I wrote: The best thing about Christmas is... I love that the paper has become a bit bumped and scratched while it was being written on :) I have this in my album alongside my favorite photo from that day.

I wish you all a lovely holiday!

December Daily 2011 | The Online Version

Hello! Are you enjoying our daily posts so far? I personally have added a few extra projects to my list based on what everyone else has shared. Today I want to talk about my approach to December Daily this year. I love the idea of the December Daily project, but even though I have attempted one since 2008 (or maybe it was 2007?) I have never completed one. I am horribly bad at keeping up with daily projects; I think I am missing the gene for that kind of thing. Because of our recent move, and a couple unplanned trips, I didn't have the time to pre-make my album this year. And honestly? I think part of the reason I have failed at the project is because that empty book scares me. All those pages to fill! Am I the only one?

At the very last moment I decided I wanted to try again, partly because this year Kieran is old enough to understand and take part in all the Christmas festivities. So I came up with a low stress idea - forget about pre-making the album and just do a daily tag. I decided I would combine the December Daily with an Advent Calendar, and hang each day's tag on twine, like an inspiration wire. Sounds good, no?

Sadly that was before I realised that my printer was totally on the blink. Enter my even less stress idea: December Daily online. Each day I will simply upload the days photo(s) to Flickr and Facebook and include the journaling. I found a layered template for two photos, and I choose two photos from each day, add to the template and that's it. Here are some of my favourite days so far

December 1 - Today was a gorgeous day out, it was probably close to 15 degrees Celsius and sunny. I decided that it would be the perfect day to plant the last of the bulbs I got (some yellow crocus). You were very happy to go outside: when I suggested it you nodded your head and said "yah yah!". You were even happier when I pointed out that you could wear your boots!
You were a great little helper, dropping the bulbs in after I dug the holes. Then you spied the bubble solution that was still out from summer and ran and brought it to me saying "Bubbles?". So our spot of gardening ended with a bubble blowing session!

December 3rd - You and Papa had a jamming music session this morning. Guitar, flutes and even the saxophone. We love that you like music so much, and will sing to yourself when playing.
Today we also got our Christmas tree, but I forgot to walk with the camera! We got our usual Ikea tree, a nice tall one this year since we have the room for it

December 6th - You were home with me this morning and we did a bunch of colouring in your Jungle Book oversized colouring book. Now that my scrap room is clear of boxes it means that we can spend more time in there working on arts and crafts. You love sitting at your little table (and insist that I sit on a tiny chair too) - but you were also happy to be able to spread out on the floor.
In the afternoon while you were at playschool I went shopping for gifts and craft supplies, and planned out the holiday projects we would work on later in the week.

December 10th - Right after breakfast we finished up the tree. You really enjoyed helping me, and you loved unwrapping the ornaments and saying "wow!" at each one. Then you would point out where on the tree you wanted me to put them. You also insisted that we hang the stockings on the tree, and so we have a tree with a funky quirky twist! That afternoon we went to the local Christmas market and you met Santa Claus (actually I guess he was Pere Noel). You happily accepted the chocolate he gave you, and he was happy to let Mummy get some photos.

 

At this point I will confess that this year is the furthest I've ever gotten with a December Daily project. I have up to the 11th documented! You can follow the rest of my online project on Flickr or on Facebook.

We did get a new printer over the weekend, but I am going to continue with the online version. The lack of stress makes it so worthwhile. Once the holidays are over, I will either print out the photos to make a paper album, or I might just have them printed into a photo book.

Oh and there was one day when I took no photos because we were sick. This was my solution

 

What do you think about this online idea? If you've been taking photos all month, but have done nothing with them, maybe you can try an online version like I did! You can upload them to an online album, or share them on your blog if you have one. One of the best things about this too, is that my family and friends far away can follow along with us this month!

Happy Holiday documenting!

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One more week has passed which means we are one week closer to Christmas!! Have you finished decorating for the holidays? I added a few new touches this week--a new wreath, a new Christmas wall art, and I repurposed some decorations into a tree banner. And with that, I am calling it done! for this year, of course. I even took a minute to document them!

Oh, holiday shots are so much fun! I am so very excited to be with you to chat about it today.

 

Holiday Homes Checklist

As you studied the gallery this month, did you notice how many layouts captured holiday home decor? I did, and I loved them all. As we focus on the photography in the layouts, I thought perhaps we could make a list of ten holiday home items to photograph this season.

I am going to take a field trip through my house by day's end tomorrow to make sure my list is done. I hope you will join me. (Except for #4. We don't have the Elf. Please forgive me!! Oh, and #9. We have no lights up. Best we not discuss this one. You might hear traces of frustration in my writing!! heehee!)

 

Holiday Bokeh

Another recurring theme in the photos in this month's gallery layouts was bokeh. Aly, Celeste, and Lisa all have fabulous examples.

Back in 2009, Pioneer Woman compiled her readers' holiday bokeh photos. I might suggest you scroll through for some inspiration (here and here and here). Beware, some of them will take your breath away...

This year, Darcy Milder of My 3 Boybarians, is hosting her second annual Holiday Bokeh Party. Another great place for inspiration. She also offers us a terrific tutorial on getting a good holiday bokeh shot.

And let's not forget Autumn's awesome tutorial on how to get this shot:

There's just something about holiday lights...

 

The Christmas Card

So this might be the last weekend you can take that family shot for the holiday card. Are you ready? We have filled our Pinterest folder with holiday photo examples. We found this page on posing groups that might offer a bit of insight as well! And here is one with some card photo help. And don't forget there's always Awkward Family Photos if you need a good laugh.

We can't wait to see your cards. Please post them on the Flickr board if you have a minute!

 

As I depart, I leave you with my favorite Santa, alive with holiday bokeh.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

 

Writing the Christmas Letter

Happy Holidays everyone! Kelly here, with a few excuses, a few tips, and a few holiday wishes (in that order).

A little backstory: I've always loved to send out Christmas cards, and at one point in college I actually made each and every one differently, by creating collages on the front of each card. After I got married, I didn't have so much time to make every card unique, but I would write something different in each one. Now, years later and three kids happier, I have established a Christmas card routine that works for me: we order photo cards, and insert a holiday letter in most of them. I still take a few minutes to write a personal note on most of them (sorry if you get one without!).

But the problem for me now is finding even a few minutes to write that holiday letter, AND make it sound entertaining, meaningful, and humble. I mean, I can't help it if my kids and husband are the most awesome people I know, right?

So here are the excuses, or projects that I have been doing instead of writing my letter:

1. Making a banner for my Christmas tree. I simply printed the words to one of my favorite holiday songs, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," on this cool onion-skin paper I found at Grandma's house (it's probably 40 years old, but I'm sure vellum would work), and then cut it in strips and taped them together on the back side with transparent tape (my fave tape - magic tape is so not magic!). Here's another view:

I used the "toy camera" setting on my Canon Elph to make this photo look a bit more vintage.

2. I made these fun twine balls with my kids, by blowing up small balloons, covering them in twine, and then coating the twine with watered-down glue. After the glue dries, you simply push the balloon away from the twine (so it's not stuck), and then pop the balloon. This is not a great photo, but you get the idea:

My kids loved this project!

3. I made a handmade birthday/Christmas card for one of my favorite aunts, to whom I owe a lot of my creative inspiration. I used an idea I saw in a Christmas magazine, and used different circles of fabric and paper to make a tree on the front of the card. Then I decorated it with buttons and other fun stuff I had lying around. I sent it off before I got a photo of the finished project, so you'll have to go see my Aunt Em for the after shot:

I promise that one of my New Year's resolutions is to learn how to take better still-life photos. Maybe for my next post...

So after all that, I finally wrote my Christmas letter. I always try to organize it so it is easy to read, and doesn't take up someone' s whole afternoon to read it. I like to include:

• A title, like "Happy Holidays 2011!" or "Season's Greetings from the Jeppsons!"
• A brief intro that tells about something we've been doing recently, or a clever quip from one of the kids. Last year, I wrote about Josie singing the wrong lyrics to "Deck the Halls." She sang it as, "Change the season to be jolly!" and I thought that was appropriate. There was also the memorable year that every one of my kids was scared of Santa, and I had to sit in on the annual Santa photo. That's all good stuff.
• A paragraph about each kid, highlighting only a few of their accomplishments from the year. I try to include just the best stuff, that doesn't sound like I'm bragging. No one likes that, but they do want to hear that Luke won a 175-pound pumpkin from the grocery store, or that Josie lost her first tooth, but promptly swallowed it.
• My hubby and I share a short paragraph at the end, because aside from a few things, no one really cares how many bulbs I planted in the yard or how many fish Jared caught. But I did run my first half marathon, and that's pretty cool. I put that in.
• I like to have a closing line at the bottom, like, "Life is good here, so come and visit us soon!" Sometimes, if I have space, I insert our email addresses. I think this year I should write, "Friend me on Facebook!"
• I like to keep my letter to a size that fits on half an 8 1/2 x 11 printed sheet, so I format the page in landscape and then divide the page in two columns. This makes a nice size to insert with cards.
• If I'm feeling extra fancy, I will stamp on my letters after I print them, using a subtle background stamp of a snowflake or star. If I'm crunched for time, I skip this step and print them on green paper!

I just bought stamps today, and my letter is finished. So I should probably start licking envelopes. I think I will enlist my kids to help. I know there is a discussion of self-addressed envelopes versus printing labels. I go back and forth. What is your opinion?

Merry Christmas! Hope your holidays are merry and bright!