Once children start to write in particular, you should include them in the process of sending cards to
family members and close friends. If you haven’t got the time to get them to send their own cards
(which I should imagine few parents would) get them to write their own name on your cards.

Children love showing off their talent of being able to write their name so give them a little
encouragement by letting them sign some of the cards you write.

They might even enjoy making some cards of their own. In the run up to Christmas many people
spend time creating their own projects. Get children to make Christmas cards for their aunties
and teachers. You can get child friendly craft sets from the high street or on the internet.

Family will love receiving creations made by the children however much they resemble a picture or
not. Let them loose on the glitter and they will create a masterpiece that the recipient is sure to
display in the best spot in the lounge.

The opportunity to create a Christmas card will also offer you a fun activity to do with your child.
This doubles up as some important bonding time where you can share giggles in the process.

As they get older, they might decide to carry on the tradition themselves at school. Writing cards
for friends and teachers during December. Eventually it will become as much as their Christmas
tradition as it is for our generation. However there is the fear that the tradition might well die with
the takeover of the computer culture so encouraging your children to send cards from an early age
may convince them to carry on later in life.

If you have the subjects of your holiday photo all decided upon (friends or family or the household
pets) then now is the time to be thinking about what kind of picture you fancy on the front of your
card.

If you fancy a formal photo and want to take it yourself, set aside an afternoon to gather up your
models. Also have an idea about what you want them to look like so they can wear the correct
clothes to match. You might want to put the children in their best clothes for the occasion or you
might want a more casual feel to your photo.

Have a backdrop ready for your photo session. It might be your Christmas tree, a plain wall, a bench,
shrubbery, snow (if you’re lucky) or a fireplace.

Pose your subjects in an attractive position. If you are going for a formal look maybe use chairs or
have the children sat beside adults so you get an interesting position. Make sure there is good light
in the area and that there are no strange objects in the shot before you snap.

On the other hand you might want to take your camera everywhere with you in the run up to
advent. That way as soon as you see a photo opportunity you can capture it. Your photo may be
more relaxed too.

You might want to make your photo a little fun and humorous. Think about getting your family to
wear Christmas hats or dress up. This could make a holiday photo light hearted and fun in that it will
capture the Christmas spirit.

If the idea of the digital camera and the auto timer terrifies you, hire yourself a family member as a
photographer or better still have a professional photo session.

Professionals will save you the stress and their photography will be worthy of a mount so your card
may well double up as a gift. Think about investing in this this year even if you don’t next it’ll make a
fantastic memory for all the family.

Great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or anything!  Photo mugs are a wonderful way to treasure your favorite memories for years to come.

Photo mugs are creative and cost-efficient holiday or birthday gifts, too.

Get plenty of sleep- Don’t stress out about shopping.  Start early and do as much as you can online to avoid the traffic and crowded malls.  Also, try a cup of herbal tea to settle your nerves before bed.

Be germ conscious- Keep germs in mind while at a Christmas party or in a crowded store.  Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Drink plenty of water and always remember to cover your mouth with the bend in your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Also, vitamin C is of the utmost importance.

Rethink dessert and avoid over-eating – Use common sense. In stead of a whole dessert buffet, serve one or two of your favorites.  Also, create a delicious fruit platter to serve after dinner.  If you must, try dipping the fruit in dark chocolate (It’s still healthier than chocolate cake.)

Fire safety- Before you make a roaring fire in the fireplace; check to make sure that the chimney is clean and free of all debris.  If not, harmful smoke and chemicals could fill your home, making you and your guests sick.   Also, be sure to keep all candles away from anything flammable.