O' Christmas card, o' Christmas card

I know several of my followers well enough to know that when they read this next sentence, they're going to want to strangle me. But here goes: I already designed and ordered my Christmas cards and they were delivered a couple of weeks ago.

Look, I hate the whole "Christmas decorations in stores on Labor Day" thing (although I do love when those mint M&Ms come out...), but sometimes stockpiling cards and/or gifts ahead of time can make your December a lot less stressful.

Finding the perfect gift for those I love often drives me to drink, but I adore cards. I love stationery, and cannot get enough of it. I love receiving actual mail with fun pictures of my friends, especially with their furry or human children. I love Christmas because it's such a happy, festive time - everyone wants to have fun.

I'm especially partial to photo cards. That was one of the biggest perks of getting engaged and subsequently married - I have someone with whom to send out a photo card. It cuts down on time needed to write lengthy messages, and everyone loves seeing a picture.

But finding the perfect card can be hard. There are so many. So I've narrowed down a few of my favorites to share with you all to help make your holiday season a little easier. I'm in love with all of them, so just don't be surprised if one of these shows up in your mailbox in 2016.

xoxo,
E

1 // Minted "It's Been Said" photo card in emerald: This is my favorite. I love the verbiage, the font, and the rich green color. It's simple and elegant, all at the same time. This might be next year's card. You've been warned.

2 // Photo Affections "All the Trimmings": This card is great because it lets your photo take center stage. It's very minimalist, but still festive (can you tell I like simple designs?).

3 // TinyPrints "A Merry Hollyday" in walnut: I love the swoopy script, the combination of fonts, the simple message, and the small, shiny red and white design on the walnut background. Classic without being stodgy.

4 // Shutterfly "Starry Christmas": If you need a little sparkle in your holiday season, these cards offer simple sentiments with gold or silver lettering - the perfect amount of shimmer without being tacky.

5 // Etsy "Merry and Bright" by MommiesInk: I love the whimsical feel of this and the multi-colored font. I think this card is so fun, especially if you have little ones.

Public Christmas Card Service Announcement

For the love of God and all things sacred and holy, and for the sake of my sanity and my faith in the United States public school system, please, please, please DO NOT pluralize your last name by adding an "apostrophe 's' " to the end.

For instance, B and I are the Stevensons, not the Stevenson's. My parents are the Paynes, not the Payne's. An apostrophe indicates possession, not pluralization. Simply add an "s" to the end of your last name if you want to indicate that the card is coming from all members of your family. Done.

If, by chance, you have a last name that ends in Ch, S, or X, add an "es" to the end...such as the Larches, the Koontses or the Simses.

NO APOSTROPHES.

Thank you.

Disclaimer: I am not receiving anything from any of the above companies. I just really am that obsessive about stationery.