It’s official: The holiday season has begun. My mother broke out her Christmas music over the weekend, and as I was eating lunch in my office today, tiny white, soft-as-silk pieces of snow began falling. The beginning of winter is sort of magical, isn’t it? Full of warm nights curled up in front of the fireplace (my cats’ favorite hangout), the smell of delicious cookies in the oven (my mom makes a variation of these) and taking walks after huge blizzards and pretending that you’re an explorer braving the wilds of Antarctica (remember this blizzard last year?). If thinking about all that doesn’t get me in the holiday spirit, how perfect are these new holiday cards from Rifle Paper Co.?
‘Tis the season: Doesn’t it make you want to burst out in song?
Favorite things: Classic and gives me that cozy holiday feeling.
St. Nick: Reminds me of the magic of childhood holidays.
Aren’t they beautiful? Fun story: For years, my mother would slip a letter into each of the cards we’d send to family and friends. She’d write about what we’d been up to that year and how each of us was doing. It was a great way to add a personal touch to the cards. A few years ago, we found a stack of those letters from when I was younger. It was fun to read about our activities from year-to-year.
I’d love to know, friends: Do you send holiday cards? Maybe letters? Or do you have a special tradition in your family? Let’s chat! xoxo
P.S. A sweet invitation for a holiday party!
[Top two photos via My Summer Twist; I couldn’t resist posting those cozy sweaters!]
Maggie says
I'm actually torn on the idea of holiday cards. I want to send some out with my boyfriend, but I'm young (22) and we've only been together for about a year. I'm not sure if that's too soon to do something like that? Will it be weird? We do live together.
Maybe I should just send some out to my friends just from me. What do you think?
Heba says
uhh such cute cards, I love them
http://girlynote.blogspot.com
Patricia Villamil says
I love the the holidays! my favorite time of year! Everything about them is magical. My husband's family are huge card givers, for everything and maybe I should join their tradition. My own special tradition is to watch my favorite holiday movies ( I will be sharing them soon) over hot cocoa, snuggled in the sofa. Can't wait.
Lilacs In May says
Those cards are charming, lovely warming winter photos too.
Rebecca says
The Santa card is so darling! I love the holidays!
Melissa Blake says
Maggie, I think it would be great if you and your boyfriend sent out holiday cards! People would probably love hearing from you! xoxo
Melissa Blake says
Patricia — i looove watching holiday movies. I love when they play A Christmas Story all day on Christmas Eve! 🙂
Dancing Branflake says
We did as young kids and now I do as a married adult. Well, we try to at least. Love these! I do love the second one.
Anonymous says
Lovely post! The first picture is beautiful – where did you find it?
Hannah says
those cards make me feel nostalgic for the Christmases of my childhood. I really like them. 🙂 I also love the top two photographs. You always find the most beautiful photographs!
Reb. G says
i sent holiday cards last year, but i dont think i will this year! i do love the tradition of a christmas letter though – my mom writes one about our family every year too!
A Daft Scots Lass says
I can't believe its that time again!
Teresa says
Let's!
First let me thank you for stopping by my blog… it warms my heart whenever I have new visits.
I write postcards, and letters and since I married I battled with all I had to create traditions and little things that are only ours and wrap our home in fantasy and fullfillement… ok, some I found out everyone did around the world (like the cookies&milk for Santa and carrots for Rudolph).
And more than the gifts I look forward for the few postcards I still get from friends; who are generous to send them with a gift but the words in the postcard, that has a special place in my Christmas Decor, and warm my heart beyond the Holiday.
I think that's what makes me wish for it more than anything. Those postcards I send and receive are a warm hug that embraces my home and my friends' homes until we feel we are really together on Christmas.
I think your post made me want for Christmas even more.
Thank you!
Now I'm running (you'll see I'm always running but taking plenty of time to leave ahahahah) to read your's certainly funny Letter to Mr. Melissa Blake. Girl, I'm going to love your blog. Lucky strike it was to have found you.
Love,
T #andoffshegoes#
Sammie says
i love christmas,it's my favorite season 🙂
sammie
from
fashionbarbecue.com
silverthoughts2 says
I love the idea of family newsletters. Sadly, no one in my family has ever gotten motivated enough to put one together, but it's definitely something I'd consider once I'm married and have my own family-especially since I won't live near my family like I do now.
Wendy says
I am so envious, Melissa! To see snowflakes would be the absolute coolest (at least if you ask me and my 9 year old what we think).
Love the St. Nick card! I start with the best of intentions when it comes to mailing out Christmas cards but I end up procrastinating and miss the deadline. They need to make a better late than never set. 🙂
Stephanie says
Yes, we always send a holiday card. I always make them myself, and I love sending them out. For close family I hand deliver them with a plate of cookies. My favorite time of year! : )
Dawn says
Thank you for your sweet comment. I appreciate that you took the time to look at my photos and respond. It is hard, sometimes, putting things up that make me feel vulnerable. In the end, though, I know that's the only way I am going to learn, for I need the feedback. Again, thank you.
I flipped through some of your other posts, and I was astounded by your words. You have so many wonderful things to say and share, and I am glad that you have such a prominent voice here on Blogger. Sometimes it is hard to find your own voice because of your own insecurities, and because of the hundreds and thousands of ideas that are tossed our way that tell us how to act, what to wear, and what to be inspired by.
Here, you are a breath of fresh air.
After looking at these holiday cards, I must wish you a warm and wonderful holiday season. I, too, am thinking about the coming days, and how I may get home (I currently live 600 miles from my family). These cards are wonderful; I would like to make something similar myself.
Thank you again for stopping and visiting. I had a lovely time here.
Melissa Blake says
thanks for all these sweet comments. Dawn and teresa, i'm glad you like my writing! 🙂
Melissa Blake says
wendy, do you not get snow where you live? wish i could send some to you and your daughter!
Melissa Blake says
stephanie, hand delivering them with cookies is a wonderful idea!!! it would be so special to open the door and see a loved one standing there with a plate of yummy cookies!
Sunny says
Hi Melissa,
I loved the cards. I love Christmas time and all that goes with it, the tree, the cooking and all the decorations. There is a feeling in the air that just isn´t around at any other time. Just can´t believe it´s here again already!!
Punctuation Mark says
i can't believe the holidays are here… i'm really not prepared for them! yikes!
Leeann @ Join the Gossip says
Snow?! How is winter already here when I'm still waiting for fall? It's finally been cold in LA – 60s and 70s. I'm not ready for winter yet lol 🙂
I love sending cards I just never remember to…and never keep good track of people's addresses!
Mägi says
Whattt?! You got snow?!
I was just wearing a skirt in Seattle yesterday. No snow for us yet.
Love those cards! I like making 'em and sending out family shots.
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Yathav says
Such a beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing.