Young House Love

DIY Home Decorating Projects, Tutorials, & Shenanigans

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Christmas Card Photo Ideas That You Can Do Yourself

Here she be, all ye merrymakers of the world: our 2012 family Christmas card.

Obviously it’s a play on the tradition of leaving some milk and cookies out for Santa, with a nice dose of the reality that unattended food at our house doesn’t stay unattended for very long. By some miracle we were able to get this shot without having to Photoshop the two of them together. Usually Clara is all up Burger’s grill – meaning that Burger bolts before the first shot is snapped. But apparently they play well together when there are treats to be had.

These are just some outtakes from our little photo session, which we actually didn’t start until after Clara’s bedtime. Again, another Christmas miracle was at work here. She not only was an angel for the shoot (probably because she had a plate full of cookies) but despite the post-8pm sugar rush, she thankfully slept just as well as usual.

Clara loved the fact that Burger was so interested in the milk (“More cookies for me!”) that she constantly tried to invite him to drink more of it.

But eventually Burger became more interested in the other snack, which meant we had to pull the plug on the set-up (no chocolate for dogs!).

But despite the abrupt end, we’re still psyched about the result. Especially since this design at TinyPrints made it even more festive. Yup, we splurged a bit this year (over our usual CVS or Target printing) and went for a heaftier cardstock printing through TinyPrints. But thanks to a free shipping promotion they were running and a coupon code we looked up (thanks Google), we were able to save $30 on our order.

Speaking of past years, here’s a quick recap for ya: Here’s last year’s card:

And the one from 2010 (where we actually photoshopped that bow on Clara’s head to help long distance relatives remember the she’s a she).

And lastly our card from 2009, while we were still awaiting Clara’s arrival the following May…

And with that, we’re off to spend the rest of Christmas Day with our family. We hope you guys are all having a wonderful holiday and and are enjoying some great food, fun, family time, rest, or whatever else makes this the most wonderful time of the year. And thanks for reading our blog. We’re thankful for you.

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

Comments

  2. Morgan says

    Happy Christmas, guys. I asked Santa for your book for Christmas. I got TWO! lol. So excited to start working on the projects, and can’t wait to meet you both in Charlotte.

    Reply

  10. Sarah says

    My husband and I bought our first house this past October, and I was very excited to get your book today as one of my gifts. Can’t wait to get started! Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  13. Natalie Fowler says

    That card is so perfect! What a great shot. And I love the fonts as well. As a graphic designers, I’m curious, what is “Christmas” written in?

    Reply

  15. Ashley says

    Love the cards! Such an adorable duo.

    My husband, the trickster that he is, told me last week that he tried to order your book for me, but they were on backorder. I was delightfully surprised to unwrap one this morning!! He “told a little fib” to make sure I was extra excited about it — and I was!

    Merry Christmas!!

    Reply

  21. Katie S. says

    Love this year’s card!

    And I love the book that I unwrapped this morning! My (un)subtle hints got through to the hub. I’m only on the preface and you already made me lol. :) Now I need a do not disturb sign, cuz I’ve got some reading and DIY-ing to do! Finally!

    Merry Christmas, Petersiks!

    Reply

  22. Megan says

    This year’s is my favorite :) Merry Christmas!

    (and does anyone know the font used for “Christmas”? It’s so pretty!)

    Reply

  23. Ana Silva says

    Merry Christmas! Love the card, great job. Oh and by the way I gifted your book last night ;) Gotta share the greatness.

    Reply

  30. Amanda W says

    Merry Christmas! Love the card! I got 2 of your books this morning too HAHA does that mean I talk about you too much!?

    Reply

  32. Kelly McK says

    Got your book as a gift this morning- I absolutely can’t wait to dig in!!! Merry Christmas to the Petersik household!

    Reply

  35. Rebecca says

    I love them all. The first one is so classy with the “reserved” sign. I love photo holiday cards and family newsletters! I always tell people they are right up there next to weddings on my list of things I love but will never do myself (eloped).
    Happy holidays to you all! I look forward to seeing photos of Clara and her new fridge.

    Reply

  38. Rachel says

    $20? Even if I spent the full $50 it would still be a good deal… can I ask how many cards you send out? This year we sent out over 100 so it adds up with cards and postage.

    Reply

  41. Linda says

    That is just the best card! Thank you for sharing your holidays with us – best wishes for a wonderful new year, with health and happiness for your family.

    Reply

  42. Suzana Vracevic says

    Merry Christmas to you all! I got your book for Christmas form my sister and I’m sooooo happy! Sretan Boži? from Croatia, Suzana

    Reply

  43. Hilary says

    Hey Petersiks!

    Merry Christmas to you all from the UK! I must tell you there was a christmas miracle in our house today!

    I received your wonderful book from my fiance! I had mentioned to him that I follow your blog and would really like your fantastic book for christmas. I mentioned it to him the first week in december to which he panicked at the realisation it needed to come from the USA… yesterday (Christmas eve) we received a delivery failure notice he raced down to the depot to collect what i believed to be his “contact lens subscription”…. after unwrapping all my gifts under the tree he brought in one last present from the bedroom! YOUR BOOK!!! I am so pleased! I thought I would never get it in time for the big christmas day!!!!!

    Many thanks for your dedication to blogging and your book is such a wonderful publication! congratulations!!!!!!

    All the best for 2013!
    Hilary (Tunbridge Wells,Kent, Uk) a very happy lady!

    Reply

  47. Natalie In Oklahoma says

    John and Sherry,
    The photo is adorable, as always. Hoping that you all have a beautiful Merry Christmas together.
    AND
    THANK YOU for one of the HIGHLIGHTS of my year at your book signing in Dallas. I can’t believe that I got hugged from $herdog, you guys are amazing, and from a longtime, faithful reader, I’m very proud for y’all this year!!!
    Love,
    Natalie in Oklahoma. <3

    Reply

  48. Katalina says

    My sister gave me your book for christmas and some photography books too!
    love that script font on your christmas card– do you remember what it is called?

    Merry Christmas to my favorite daily bloggers!

    Reply

  49. Kara says

    Love how you had her wear the same PJ outfit for today (as seen in your Instagram “Santa brought me eggs!” picture) as she is in your card. Kinda like a “live” greeting in that sense. Awesome job! Wish I could have said the same about having sent cards this year, as I failed. Again.

    Merry Christmas to y’all too! (From a girl who is actually grateful she DIDN’T get snow today!)

    Reply

  50. Amy H says

    Great cards! I also got your book this morning, and have been enjoying my few moments of freedom by looking through all the great ideas. Awesome!

    Reply

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