December Days - 12.22.10

Those who spend any time around me know that I have a creative side of my person that I will occasionally let out to tackle various projects, hobbies, or just as a way of relaxing.

Out Family Christmas Card:
http://christmas.hawaiianhoosiers.com

One of my creative outlets that has grown over the past several years is our family Christmas Card.  It's turned into a sort of tradition since it started four years ago when we wanted to use our Christmas Card and Christmas letter as a means of allowing our family and friends in Oregon/Washington a way to experience, in a greater sense than a standard letter and card could convey, how we were doing in the midwest.  I also found the exercise of creating the cards a great creative outlet for myself.  So, beginning in 2007 we started a combo Christmas Photo Card and Website/Online Letter as our family's version of the holiday cards so many people send.

As it's evolved over the years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), part of my motivation has changed  because I am enjoying the challenges of coming up with ideas.  It's not for everyone, but I like creating something someone else doesn't have and that does a good job of conveying our family's personality.  Admittedly, they aren't even the best cards I've seen but they do represent our family, the Hawaiian Hoosiers.

I have about 6 more years worth of ideas and designs already floating around in my head, so I may need to start thinking of expanding beyond just a family Christmas Card and start thinking about other holidays we can send cards for. :-)

And while it is a creative outlet for me, the true intent really is to provide a different way to simply say to those we love and care about, Merry Christmas and God's blessings on a Happy New Year!