My favorite cards, though, are the ones that make me smile.
I want my card to be one of those that make you smile.
Each year, I try and come up with an unexpected way to bring a smile to friends and families' faces.
This year my inspiration came from a North Pole or Bust picture by Cindy Emerson Photography I saw on Pinterest.
Finding an inspirational theme or idea is easy enough but putting your own spin on it can be a bit more challenging.
We like to include Riley, our mischievous but adorable dog in our Christmas card. Years past, when Riley has been omitted from the picture, friends and family expressed their disappointed SO in attempts to not disappoint, Riley is generally included...whether she likes it or not.
In order to cohesively include Riley in the picture, with fever induced clarity, I decided she should be wearing antlers and tote a sign that said, 'will work for food'.
I'd like to think Grace and Riley would both make it to the North Pole. Grace would see Santa's workshop while Riley would take the place of a weary reindeer and help fly Santa's sleigh.
No matter how much we begged and bribed Riley did her best to avoid making eye contact with the camera, pouting angrily over being made to sit on the railway stones.
Once she finally did cooperate, we had what I think turned out to be the perfect picture. Happy little girl, serious stoic and serious little dog.
Of course, had that not worked out, it's always good to have a back up plan.
Fortunately, it worked out. I can always save this picture for next year.
SO...from my family to yours, have the happiest of holidays.
Looking forward to seeing you all in 2015.
If you liked our 2014 Christmas card, make sure to check out our 2013 Christmas card and Our Christmas cards of the past.
*No Puggles were harmed during (or after) this photo shoot. All models were fully compensated :). And, we don't endorse hitchhiking, even if it is to the North Pole.
