I LOVE getting photo cards during the Christmas season. I prop them around and they put a huge smile on my face. What I don't love is having to deal with a ton of differently-sized loose photos after the season is over.
I am not one for keeping cards. I like them and all but I guess I am just not that sentimental. For instance, if you send Mark or I birthday cards, they are displayed for the month of the birthday and then they are tossed. Sorry.
Christmas cards are the exception. More thought is behind them and it's great seeing families evolve over the years, especially the ones with kids. It's a great way to share a little bit of your family with the ones you may not get to see all that often.
With that being said, my goal was to come up with a way that pleased by OCD side (i.e. I can't handle clutter and must throw everything away) while appeasing my ever-so-slight sentimental side (i.e. how fun would it be to look back and see how everyone has changed?)
My solution? I make a photo album.
If you like the idea, there are several ways you can go about doing it. The old school (and just as nice) way is to buy a blank album, get colorful paper and creative scissors and glue the photos to the page. Those albums are great but, personally, I don't have the attention span. I also don't have all the materials so it would be a hassle for me to go out a purchase them.
What I do have is a computer and scanner. I use Shutterfly and iPhoto but there are a ton of different programs out there. Basically I take everyone's card, scan them into the computer and assemble a photo book online. Each year, for about $15 and a little bit of my time, I can make a keepsake of everyone's card and have them neatly in one place. I also like the photobook idea because they keep longer and they become seasonal coffeetable books. They are a good time had by all.
Please note that, in my experience, I have had to use Photoshop in a few instances due to how certain cards scan. This may vary on your scanner and cards but because the photos need to be very high quality, you need to double check each one before assembling your book to ensure they aren't grainy.
Do you keep your photo cards? Do you have a way of storing them? Do you make photo books for other occasions, like documenting vacations?
When we got back from Christmas break we had both your Christmas card and the Christmas card we tried to send to you waiting for us in the mail. We'll try to spell your street name right next time so it'll get to you. We're storing your card on our fridge at the moment.
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