what's the word
Friday, December 5, 2008 by Tracey Clark 
To tie up our great greetings! series, let's end with a few simple ideas on how to come up with the best message for your holiday card. A good photo isn't the only element that will set your card apart. The right message is essential to making it memorable and meaningful!
I like to go simple. That's my thing. So, just one word has done the trick for me for many years of holiday cards. I take a good long look at my favorite photo and start free associating. It's all part of the process for me. And the right word can come quickly and obviously. Peace, Love, Cheer, Joy...those are all timeless classics. I have used a few of those. But other words need to be pursued, discovered, uncovered, if you will.
The frolic card didn't come quick. I think I even used my trusty thesaurus for that one. I think it went something like, fun, laughing, running, playing...no wait, what's a winter word for all of these...ah ha! Frolic! Don't hold me to it but it was something like that. Try running through the lyrics Christmas carols to find fitting holiday words or phrases. And of these a word that you love try looking it up in the dictionary to see if the definition adds to the message. They don't always add anything but sometimes they're perfect.
I like phrases too. I used "And Heaven and Nature Sing" a few years ago. Big hit. It's really good when you have a pet in the photo too. And then there's the quotes. Everyone loves quotes. Perhaps my all time favorite was used when my first daughter was only 2 years old. "Nothing is worth more than this day." by Goethe. I STILL get compliments on that one and it's been years! I'm serious.
If you like the idea of incorporating your message in the photo you can write it in the sand or make a sign or two. Brilliant. Or you could adorn your babes in the appropriate message strewn clothing like the Joy Jersey's shown above. These words melt my heart and I promise you will make your card extra special. It doesn't take much effort to match your great photo to the perfect message, just think outside the normal verbiage and try something new.
And if you haven't already decided on what holiday card company to use this year, the cool chicks at Cool Mom Pickshave offered up a list of folks they recommend using so click around and see what they have to offer.
Be sure to share your ideas and holiday handiwork over at our great greetings! flickr group! We want to see what you come up with!
Now...about today's giveaway...one clever reader will get the chance to spread the word! Joy is giving away one of their Joy Jerseys (made of an organic cotton and bamboo blend ) for a special little someone in thier life. Couldn' you melt right now? Just comment on this post and you'll be entered in the drawing.
Congratulations to Renee of FIMBY for winning yesterday's giveaway. A copy of Ordinary Sparkling Moments: Reflections on Success and Contentment.
Reader Comments (108)
My niece would look great in one of those shirts. Thanks for being so generous.
Cute cute shirts.
What a cute idea!
those are adorable shirts!
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com
love the idea too!!
Thanks for all the holiday card tips.
I send new years cards because that is about the time my cards are really ready. I have almost always used quotes and I love the idea of a single work, thanks so much for the inspiration.
I'm hoping to get a family holiday picture taken this weekend. Fingers crossed...
on that note... those shirts!! covet... covet...
thanks for all the resources, times running out and i'm still a bit speechless over the whole holiday of 2009 thing, so i think i'll do a valentine's card mass mailing to all those on my list. something to brighten a cold february day when all the festivities are over for the season.
very nice shirts!
And I love the article too. :)
Finishing up the final touches and mailing them out tomorrow!
http://aubreyplays.blogspot.com/2008/11/great-greeting-out-takes.html