Unlocking Memories: A Merry Christmas Wish from the Holiday Vault

My Annual Ritual of Joyful Recollection

Back in the day, before Shutterfly made fancy photo Christmas cards easy peasy, the one Christmas custom I had was designing and producing a photo card. It was literally a production. One year we cut palm fronds to stage a California beach Christmas. We rented Lederhosen for a German-themed card the year we hosted a German exchange student (who I now call my German daughter).

I’d write the greeting (usually in rhyme), print the cards on cardstock, fold, then paste the photo to the front of the card. Living far from family and friends, it was a great way to keep in touch through the years. My elderly aunts looked forward to getting them every year.

Some years the ideas came easily. The year my ex had a Harley, we were born to be wild in our black leather.

Other years, not so much. Like the year we were doing a routine Christmas shopping trip and a chance photo op with Santa turned into our card. No production, no dress-up, just the crazy mis-matched clothes my daughter was wearing. Of course, while we were in line, I dashed off to the nearest Claire’s for a hair accessory to tame the mane.

Turns out, it was my favorite card of all. The perfect Santa from Central Casting and my sweet baby girl wistfully thinking about what she wants for Christmas.

That baby girl is all grown up now with a daughter of her own. This year I have a new favorite Santa picture…my precious 1-year-old granddaughter. Looks like she’s not quite sure what to think of Santa.

May your holidays be steeped in the warmth of past celebrations, with new joy to fill the present. Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!