Tuesday, December 8, 2009

I bring it on myself.


Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away,

was a young mother who made her own Christmas cards.


For the past thirteen years, I've made our family Christmas cards. Yes, I am one of those mothers. What began as a sweet, sappy, form of entertainment for friends and family, has become a scratchy, irritating, noose around my neck.


I have been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to do this year for our card. No matter how hard I try, I'm coming up with nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Goose egg.

This Christmas card-mama began her career in 1997 - when our world took a nose dive. Having one of the worst years of our young lives, which included cancer, job loss, death, and the repercussions of divorce, it was almost comical. But, not really.

I thought it fitting that year to use the picture taken of us on Splash Mountain at Disneyland. All of us had a look of terror on our faces, mouths agape in mid-scream as we were hurtled off the highest drop. "May you be blessed with more ups than downs, this new year!" were the words inside the card.


One year I made the card look like a comfy patchwork quilt and added pictures of the children. The inside read, "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above."

And of course, there was the year our son Samuel was born. I dressed up my four children as the nativity scene. "For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given." stamped inside. You could say I piqued that year. My oldest daughter Meghan reminded me, "Mom, there's nowhere to go but downhill from that one."


I think she's right.





18 comments:

Mari said...

I used to make cards every year too. A few years ago, I decided it was becoming too much work and stress with not enough fun so now i buy them.
I think you better post a picture of what you decide to send out this year!

Denise said...

Praying you come up with an idea sweetie.

Faye said...

You will come up with a great idea my sweet Joanne! Hope you have a great day! Blessings

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I make my own cards but they aren't really "themed". In fact they are quite easy to make. I posted a few examples on my blog today.
I hope you are able to come up with something.
Hugs
Kim

Lauren said...

I bet you come up with something awesome this year! And when you do ... post a picture (I need inspiration!!)

Heather of the EO said...

Yup, you've set the bar too high, my friend! You might have to resort to BUYING the cards! (gasp) :)

Eyeglasses & Endzones said...

Love them! I am NOT that original!!! ;)

Braley Mama said...

LOL,your daughter is funny! I am sure you will come up with something perfect for this year!

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

I'm having the same dilemma. We do a theme picture card each year, too. Usually, my cards get sent out after Christmas! I hope that they arrive before Easter. It seems to be our "thing" - to send them out late. Most people actually like to get them late - or that's just what they tell me :))

This year, we'll probably do a picture at AJ's college, since we did that when Lauren went to college. Not too creative, but timely!

Looking forward to see what your card looks like - better post it!
Susan

momstheword said...

Oh I love the ones you did in the past. So cool!!! I'm sure you'll come up with something.

You could do something about the birds preparing to leave the nest as your older two are getting older! (Not that they're ready yet, of course).

Perhaps they're struggling to fly and mom's holding them back, lol! That's how I feel sometimes with a 16 and 21 year old....sigh! Times is moving to fast.

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Nan, that is a great idea. You've got my creative juices flowing...dagnabbit!

Aunt Angie said...

You are the bomb! REALLY! I am suffering from the disease called "blogwritersdriedupitus". It's horrible. It has affected my mind, with my thinking slowed to an absolute crawl...I find myself looking at even the dirt on my shoes wondering..."is there a blog post in that?"

So the Christmas card thing....I feel your pain sista! Mine just effects me looooonger.

Pray sista pray.

~*Michelle*~ said...

Nan had an awesome idea......I'm sure your creative self could take off with that idea and make it awesome!

I am sure whatever you decide to do, it will be from your heart and perfect.

xox

Starr LaPradd said...

Joanne, now you have got me wanting to receive a Christmas card from ya!!! As smooth and suave as that mind of yours is, I am SURE you will come up with something wonderful! And, I need to email you my addy so I can have one!!!
Love you,
Starr

Anonymous said...

haha, I think it is amazing that you make them all!!

Tea with Tiffany said...

I don't do fancy homemade cards. Scrapbooking just about drove me crazy.

I grew up with a mom who has never sent them. Not sure that's good or bad. I think there's freedom in her.

Anyway, I do photo cards. They are so easy and nosey people like me always love to SEE what everyone looks like. It works for me.

And I'm often sending them out close to Christmas, which means I get lots of LATE cards in return. I don't think people send them anymore unless you send one first.

I'm thinking I may even GO GREEN this year with an e-mailed Christmas card. LOL

I feel very free to enjoy the season as God sees fit.

Simple works best for this girl.

Tea with Tiffany said...

I hope you come UP with something beautiful.

Had to add that...because I want you to be free to be YOU!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I have just finished my obligatory "write" for the Christmas letter this year; I've been writing one since I was divorced in 1994. It's not the usual "catch up" letter; it's like a post. Sometimes I am burdened by the self-imposed "weight" of having to do it, but in the end I'm glad for the process. That is, all except the obligatory Christmas photo.

Have mercy. That's a medication moment for me if there ever was one!

peace~elaine

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