Aloha! It seems that holiday cards with family photographs are becoming more popular every year. Why shouldn't they be so popular? It is after all a great way to make your holiday greetings a personal statement from you and yours. It is a chance for the family to display their individual personalities and it is a great way for family and friends who don't live nearby to see how much the kids have grown.
Start Early
The number one thing to remember is to get the process started early. You can't wait until December to try to get things rolling. October or even September is certainly not too early to get things underway. Of course I recommend you get a professional photograph taken. Nothing says "I really don't care" like a cheap family picture on a Christmas card.
Create a Theme
Create a theme to provide continuity with the type of card you will be sending. Maybe you want a religious theme. Maybe you want a snow ski theme or maybe even a Christmas in Hawaii theme (of course we think anything with a Hawaiian theme is great!). The possibilities are endless and you can have a lot of fun with it. Here are some theme ideas to think about.
Family photo with everyone wearing Hawaiian clothing in a beach setting and/or on surfboards. The backgrounds and props are endless -- have fun! The smiles will be endless making your photo one to be remembered. If you need anything Hawaiian, we recommend Kapo Trading Company -- they have over 3000 fun, unique and authentic Hawaiian items.
Maybe Just the kids
Let's face it everybody is busy. Maybe everyone in the family can't get together at the same time and the same place. One solution is to just have the kid's photos on the card. For a lot of people it's all about the kids anyway.
Maybe Just the Pets
O.K. so the kids are busy too...or maybe they are just teenagers. Since our pets become real family members over time, maybe you just do a pet photo holiday card. They have to do what you say anyway, and they won't complain about anything. And pets love Hawaii too! Maybe put a lei around their neck and/or let them pose on a surfboard.
Get Costumes and Props
You will want your backdrop and/or props to match your Hawaiian theme. Items such as beach balls, palm trees, sand toys, beach towels -- all make for a fun photo shoot. A lot of time the most difficult part of the shoot is getting everyone to stop laughing at the same time. Of course the more back drops and professional look you give it the happier you will be with the result.
Create Continuity with the Card
When you start looking for a card to put your photo on, you will find there are a lot of options. Once it was the case that most people who sent family photo holiday cards chose the postcard type. However due to lowering prices of the folding type and the minimum order quantities dropping, more people are opting to go with folding cards. You will have to select according to your own preference and budget.
Of course you will want to pick a card that blends well with your theme. Make sure the colors blend and especially the message. Continuity with the theme, colors, and message is the glue that pulls it all together and says, "We really put some thought into this, because we care about you."
Have Fun
Family photo holiday cards are all about having fun together for the entire family. What ever you decide remember to have fun with it. The recipients of those cards should look at the card and say, "Wow, they look like they were having a great time when this picture was made." What a great personal way to say Happy Holidays!
