Even though I say I’m always going to be on top of the Christmas shopping, and on top of the card ordering, without fail I end up shopping for both the first week or two of December. This year, I vow to get on the ball and at least have SOME gifts (or ideas) and the cards in the works by Thanksgiving. Well, maybe a day or two after, considering how Piper’s birthday is on Thanksgiving this year.

One of my favorite sites for personalized stationery is Shutterfly. I’ve used the site for photo books for our parents, I have used it for personalized mugs and keychains, and this year I have my eye on a fleece blanket for my mother in law. I tend to think that when it comes to grandchildren, photo gifts are always a hit, and always welcome!

Last year I wasn’t too happy with my last minute purchase of Christmas cards, so I have decided to get our cards through Shutterfly this year, knowing I can trust them completely.

You know, I always have a hard time deciding between getting “holiday” cards, cards that are more about the season, and Christmas cards, ones that are all about the ho ho hos and Santa. I just don’t want to offend anyone!

Maybe you guys can help me decide- and for your help I have THREE Shutterfly codes for 25 free holiday (or Christmas) cards for three readers who tell me which designs they would love to use. I’ll post the winners on November 1st.

Here are the ones I’m loving so far (soo hard to pick one!):

Berry Merry Frame

I think this color would look amazing with Piper’s coloring, but I don’t know if I want Piper’s face filling up a huge card!

Berry Merry Frame

Merry Montage

I love it, but we don’t have nearly enough people in our family to send out a montage card.

Merry Montage

Sparkle Joy

I could SO see Piper in this card. Like, without a doubt.

Sparkle Joy

Then there are the more festive cards, the ones just screaming “Merry Christmas!!” with vibrant reds and greens that bring to mind the smells of Christmas trees, candles and goodies baking in the kitchen. Of grey mornings and sunny afternoons that still hold on to that chill that makes you crave a cup of cider.

Like these ones here!

Holiday Love Sketch

This one is Christmas for me. I can see Piper’s gorgeous face just lighting up the card. Who wouldn’t want to receive that?

Holiday Love Sketch

 

Twirling Ribbon Christmas Card

I like this one because it’s pictured with a color image inside it. I think Piper’s true beauty really stands out when you can see her face in color, so alive and vibrant with energy. I also like the phrase, “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. It’s just so… CHRISTMAS! (eeee, I’m totally getting excited for Christmas now)

Twirling Ribbon Christmas Card

Merry Ribbon Christmas Card

I like this one for the same reasons above, but not really feeling the “Merry” on it. Just Merry? That’s weird. Although, sign much? Um, look at the names in this card, “Sean, Amber, Kara and Felix” Seriously?? Amber Felix??

Merry Ribbon Christmas Card

Our Family Name Christmas Card

Now, I like the whole thing, but we’d need a lot more photos of us. That can be a problem.

Our Family Name Christmas Card

 

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

I super duper love this one. It’s got the Christmas colors, one picture is needed, and it says my favorite phrase of the season!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

As Southern Californians, we kind of get the shaft when it comes to Season’s Greetings. We can’t say let it snow because it doesn’t really snow here. We can’t send cards of snowmen because it just mocks our lack of seasons. Then there are the cards that are Santa on the beach, or hanging out getting a tan. Even though we don’t get snow here, I refuse to have cards with Santa in the sand. REFUSE!

Anyway, I am having the hardest time choosing! Help a blogger out here. Which of the above cards (Or find one from Shutterfly’s 2011 holiday collection) can you see our little munchkin grinning from?

I have three codes for 25 free Shutterfly holiday cards for three commenters who can leave a comment saying what card they would choose, as well as telling me their vote (or write in!) for our family’s Christmas card this year.

(P.S. I loved Shutterfly’s birth announcements, and if my sister in law hadn’t offered to do them for us I would have ordered them!)