my Christmas card obsession ...

For as long as I can remember, I have been using a computer. As a child (I'm talking 5 or 6 years old) we had a Commodore 64 and when that computer "died," it was replaced with the latest and greatest (as was each subsequent computer). Because of this, I've always been a fan of technology and how it can make our lives simpler.

But as much as the world has gone digital, I can't seem to let go of a couple of "old fashion" means of communication. I still have a land-line. I can't bear to pay my bills electronically. And I ALWAYS send Christmas cards. And not just any Christmas cards. Holiday Photo Cards from Shutterfly.

You might even say that I am obsessed. OK, I am obsessed. It's just that I can ALWAYS find the perfect design on the Shutterfly website. With styles ranging from "simple and classic" to "bold and modern", I'm never disappointed. Plus, photo cards are super cute and I love to see how the girls changed through the years. You want to see how they've changed too, don't you? Well, here you go ...

2008
2009

And the soon to be distributed (family members look away NOW), 2010

So, how do I end up with such amazing Christmas cards?

For me, the process is simple.

1. I take a zillion and one photos throughout the year, in search of the "perfect shot."
2. I start to narrow down my selection of card designs in late September/early October.
3. I choose a design, a photo and have 100+ cards printed. (I use all the photos that don't make it onto the card in calendars that I give as gifts.)
4. I address and stamp all the cards by hand and have them in the mail the day after Thanksgiving. (My Christmas card is sure to be the first you'll receive).
5. I sit around and wait for cards in return.

Yeah, I'm not OCD at all ...