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Young House Love » Our Third House » Cute Christmas Card Ideas You Can Photograph Yourself

| By John Petersik | December 24, 2013 | 133 Comments

Cute Christmas Card Ideas You Can Photograph Yourself

Every year we like to drop in before everyone abandons their keyboards for Christmas (or have you already?) to share our Christmas card along with some gushy words of appreciation. So thar she blows:

Christmas Card 2013

We had a few other ideas planned for our card this year (Clara gift-wrapping Burger, Clara riding her bike with a tiny Christmas tree on the back as Burger ran next to her, etc) but a combination of book deadlines, hospital decorating, showhouse meetings, and bad weather tied us up. Thank goodness for this shot that we miraculously got on the day that we told Clara she was going to have a little brother (I’ve filed it under “Christmas miracles”).

And because we like an outtake or two, we’d be remiss not to pause to appreciate this one of Burger cowering in blurry fear while Clara manhandles Captain Barnacle.

Blurry Manhandle

Or this one full of Burger enthusiasm but zero discernible excitement from Clara.

Bored Clara

We did get this one of Clara kissing her doll, but Burger is nowhere to be seen, and it’s a little reminiscent of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Kissing Baby

Oh how thankful we are for one good shot.

Card In Stack

We also took this one in front of a Love sign that we thought could have worked for the card, but we were kind of far away, and you can hardly see Clara clutching Captain Barnacle (she never leaves home without him).

Love Pic

We got them printed from TinyPrints and used a coupon code that we found right on their site to save 20% and score free shipping. Addressing all those envelopes with only about a week to spare was a little nerve-wracking, but we got it done. And it was pretty exciting to reference a little one on the way, since we haven’t done that since our very first Christmas card, way back in 2009.

Adressed Cards

Speaking of past years, here’s a quick recap of all of our family cards dating back to that one. First we have last year’s card:

Xmas Card Final

And here’s the one from 2011:

2011 Petersik Holiday Card

The one from 2010:

Xmas Card Final

And our very first one from 2009:

Christmas Card

Also in big arrivals news, we have a bunch of family members coming to town today, so we’re off to hopefully plow through a few more to-dos before they get here (you know, baking cookies, priming cabinets, the usual) but we wanted to be sure we shared our holiday card with you guys along with our warmest wishes to you and yours. We sincerely appreciate you for dropping in on us, and we hope you all have an awesome holiday season full of cookies, baby dolls, and whatever else brings you joy.

And although we figure many of you will be busy with miscellaneous chaos over the upcoming week between Christmas and New Year’s, we’ll still be dropping in occasionally, and we hope to have a big ol’ painted cabinet reveal in early 2014. You know, to kick the year off with a bang. Or should I say, with a brush?

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Lauren F.Lauren F. says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Awwee the Clara looks adorable! And Merry Christmas to you guys!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Lauren F.Lauren F. says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Clara* not the Clara. lol

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Haha! I love “the Clara”!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Love the card! Merry Christmas to you all!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for VanessaVanessa says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Another great Christmas card! Enjoy the holidays and cannot wait to see all that you guys have in store for us for 2014.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for EvelinaEvelina says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Merry Christmas, Petersiks!! Your card is lovely! I hope your holidays are filled with lots of family, laughs, yummy food and happy tummy flutters :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for JeannaJeanna says

      December 24, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Ditto! Merry Christmas :)

  5. Avatar for Anele @ Success Along the WeighnAnele @ Success Along the Weighn says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:15 am

    EXCELLENT pic for the card this year!! (Surprise, right? Given how awesome all the others have been)

    I loved looking back at the previous ones too. I can hardly wait for next year’s when Captain Barnacles is a real boy with hopefully a less eccentric moniker! ;-)

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Stephanie ackerStephanie acker says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Merry Christmas you beautiful, wonderful people! First Christmas of many in your dream home!

    P.s.: Excited for cabinet priming! Yay!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for MandiMandi says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Love the Christmas card! I believe my nephew has the same doll in representation of his soon to be baby brother! His is named Gary the Wobbly. Is yours also anatomically correct as well?? Nice find! Merry Christmas you guys!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:25 am

      So funny! Love that name. And yes, we were quite surprised when Clara changed his diaper for the first time! Haha!

      xo
      s

  8. Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Just love that shot. Glad you picked that one. So precious. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Kathi M.Kathi M. says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Merry Christmas, Petersiks!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for MellyMelly says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Merry Christmas, Petersiks!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for SherrySherry says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Merry Christmas, Petersiks!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Merry Christmas to you all, too! I’m busy today making our tradtional Sticky Buns for tomorrow morning. :) Then, later tomorrow afternoon, our son, d-i-l, and their six kiddoes will be coming for opening gifts and dinner with us–yay! It’ll be merry and bright and crazy-fun around here this year! I so appreciate y’all—happy new year, too, from quaint and beautiful Williamsburg, VA.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for KimKim says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Book deadlines? What did i miss?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Ahh! We’re working on book 2! We mentioned that during our blogiversary, but it won’t be out for a while (books take forever – maybe late 2015 or early 2016). We’re just in the outline/early manuscript/shot list stages, but it’s exciting!

      xo
      s

  14. Avatar for StevieStevie says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Merry Christmas to the loveliest family I don’t actually know! Your card is just perfect and I loved being able to look back at all of the older ones all in one post. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KeriKeri says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:27 am

    book deadlines?! another book???! did I miss a post…?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:29 am

      We mentioned that we’ve started on book 2 (ahhh!) during our blogiversary, but it won’t be out for a while (books take forever – maybe late 2015 or early 2016). We’re just in the outline/early manuscript/shot list stages, but it’s exciting!

      xo
      s

  16. Avatar for Mary KayeMary Kaye says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thanks for the wonderful update and I am looking forward to your kitchen reveal as I am planning on changing up my kitchen in the new year too!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for HeatherHeather says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Merry Everything to all of you too! <3 XO

    Reply
  18. Avatar for LaineyRLaineyR says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:29 am

    What a gorgeous card. Happy Christmas Sherry, John, Clara, Burger and all the other YHL readers! I hope everyone has a super time x

    Reply
  19. Avatar for LeighLeigh says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:30 am

    I love that pic of Clara. She’s getting so big!

    Merry Christmas Sherry, John, Clara, Burger and Captain Barnacle!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Christine GChristine G says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Merry Christmas and Happy New year, Petersik Family! ^_^ We just got our cards delivered last night and they are going out this afternoon, definitely a holiday miracle!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for LindaLinda says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:30 am

    A very happy holiday season to you and all your family, and best wishes for a very healthy and happy 2014.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for LynetteLynette says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Merry Christmas!

    Love your Christmas card. I love looking back at your other cards too.

    Have a wonderful New Year too – yay 2014!!!!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Adorable! Merry Christmas Petersiks!! :)

    Reply
  24. Avatar for KaroKaro says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:34 am

    Merry Christmas Sherry & John! Thank you both for the (week)daily dose of fun and inspiration. Karo

    Reply
  25. Avatar for EliseElise says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:35 am

    There’s a family I used to babysit for who before they left the hospital said to their older son, “this is your baby, and therefore your responsibility to love and protect.” I’ve never seen a more loving sibling relationship (the older one used to follow the little one around and say “he’s MY baby”). You can already tell by how much she loves that doll that Clara will be an amazing big sister. Happy holidays!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:01 am

      So sweet!

      xo
      s

  26. Avatar for JessJess says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I always enjoy your Christmas cards :) Thanks for giving us a peak! Also, I hope you appreciate this:

    I had a dream last night about you guys – I think I was trying to forsee the “what we made for Clara this year for Christmas” future. I had a dream that it was a tiny crib for Captain Barnacle … and it was basically a transformer & it could turn into a small playhouse, too!

    So it turns out even my subconscious is excited to see what it is!! :)

    Merry Christmas to all 5 of you!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

      So funny! I love that!

      xo
      s

  27. Avatar for rachelrachel says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I love looking back through old years…so fun to reminisce!

    we had two this year:

    The PG-13 edition: http://www.andthen-shesnapped.com/2013/12/not-our-real-christmas-card.html

    and the family friendly one: http://www.andthen-shesnapped.com/2013/12/merry-christmas-2013-from-drechsels.html

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Sarah CSarah C says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Great shot/card! (And, I kinda love that the notorious blue trim got immortalized in a Petersik Christmas card.) ;) Happy Holidays, Youngsters!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Haha! It shall live on FOREVAH!

      xo
      s

  29. Avatar for cappycappy says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Merry Christmas to you all!!! Thank you for always being an inspiration to us!!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Jennifer IJennifer I says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Happy Holidays! I got book 1 for an early xmas gift, and I am really glad that I did. I love my daily visit to Young House Love. Thank you for all that you do.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Aw, so glad you’re enjoying it!

      xo
      s

  31. Avatar for Moriah OrtegaMoriah Ortega says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Merry Christmas to you too!! Looking forward to your kitchen reveal. :)

    ~ Moriah

    “And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”
    Luke 2:16

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Sarah @ The Simple HomeSarah @ The Simple Home says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:53 am

    That looks awesome! Greetings from Thailand!

    xo,

    Sarah

    Reply
  33. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    December 24, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Merry Christmas Petersik family!!! :)

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Mary | Lemon Grove BlogMary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

    LOVE! Such a sweet card with all your little’s represented in some way :) Do you happen to know the font you used for “Christmas” on last year’s card?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:02 am

      That was a pre-set card title that came from TinyPrints last year, so we didn’t select the font or anything. Anyone recognize it?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for BelindaBelinda says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:49 pm

      I don’t think it is but it looks a lot like Carolyna Pro Black.

      Such a gorgeous Christmas card!

  35. Avatar for JulianneJulianne says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Beautiful cards! Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!! :0)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for ArianeAriane says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Merry Christmas from France to you all !

    Reply
  37. Avatar for JosephJoseph says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:01 am

    Merry Christmas to you guys too!

    Where is that LOVE sign? Is that downtown somewhere? I’ve seen a few around but none quite as “fabulous” as that one.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:02 am

      It’s right in front of The Martin Agency in Shockoe Slip!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JosephJoseph says

      December 27, 2013 at 9:44 am

      Cool, when it gets a little warmer I want to take the family and walk around down there.

  38. Avatar for heyruthieheyruthie says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:02 am

    I’ve been with you on a daily basis for all these cards, and every year, I enjoy the cards and your family. You’ve been making my days a little sparklier for more than 5 years (is sparklier a word?) Happy Everything, Petersiks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Aw, thanks so much Heyruthie! We love you guys.

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for Patty RPatty R says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:02 am

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for BethBeth says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Merry Christmas Petersik family! I love multipurpose holiday cards! Ours this year is a happy holidays, new address and baby announcement in one!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for JennJenn says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Too cute! Happy Christmas guys, I hope you have a wonderful time and all the best in the new year! Thanks for posting everyday and giving me something to look forward to in the mornings (*lol* really not a morning person so YHL is very much appreciated)!! Cheers!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:06 am

    Merry Christmas Petersiks! Thank you for the joy you bring year round! :)

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Diane TaylorDiane Taylor says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Ahhh – the perks of working on Christmas Eve = getting to read my favorite blogs (noone is working today but we are doing a dang good job of pretending). I wish you both a peaceful holiday full of love, family, friends, good food, and no drips on your painted cabinets :) Thanks for making us smile, laugh and cry all at teh same time!

    With love,
    The Taylors in Baltimore MD

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Melissa @ReThreads CharlottesvilleMelissa @ReThreads Charlottesville says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Cute card! I always wonder how you get Burger to actually pose for pics – looks great!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:10 am

      Burger is the easy one! I just hold a treat next to the camera and his ears go up and he sits there frozen and excited. Haha!

      xo
      s

  46. Avatar for Kim Wethe RilyKim Wethe Rily says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Merry Christmas to the whole family and the previous Burke-ians. Burkers? Burkites?

    Hi to Tom and Kathy and all the fam.
    Hope you have a ball with all the kids.
    Take it easy, Sherry. I’ve been pregnant on two Christmases. Be sure to take a nap!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:09 am

      Haha, thanks Kim!

      xo
      s

  47. Avatar for TirsaTirsa says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Merry Christmas Petersiks!!!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Sona JacobSona Jacob says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Merry Christmas to you guys!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    & for a last-minute-Christmas-Eve project, I just painted a patch on the garage wall with chalkboard paint for our little girl. We’ll make or find a chalk holder to attach to the wall.

    Now when we are working out in the garage (it’s perfect for trainer rides, core work, etc.), she can draw and doodle away.

    Would it be awful to make a bow out of painter’s tape to put it as a present for her?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 24, 2013 at 11:18 am

      Haha! I bet she’d love that!

      xo
      s

  50. Avatar for Jeanna SanchezJeanna Sanchez says

    December 24, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Adorable! Merry Christmas to you guys!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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