by F. Toulouse

The holidays are here. Ok, well, there's on their way. But, now is the time to start planning how the season is going to take shape. Have you done your budget? Have you prepared your house or home? Stringed lights, jack-o-lanterns on the lawn, nativity scenes, menorahs in the window -- now is the time to dig through the garage or attic and get set for one heck of a holiday season.

From October to January, the holiday mayhem all starts with a card. That is, it starts with a set of cards -- holiday photo cards. There are cards for Halloween, cards for Thanksgiving, and then cards for all of the big three year-ending holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. So, if you're keen on sending photo cards, be sure you have enough variations in stock.

Don't be predictable. You see, sending one stock photo for each holiday is rather tiresome. In fact, it's downright lame. Change it up a bit -- send something different for each holiday. If you happen to be an amateur photographer, as I'm sure you are, then choose to use some of your more daring snaps.

Now, despite the number of online card boutiques at your disposal, it would be in your best interests to start as early as possible. While you might think you're planning ahead, most boutiques require you give them at least two to four weeks notice to fulfill an order. That means getting on the ball as soon as possible - like now!

Also, you would be well advised to have your photos pre-selected and to have some idea of what kind of holiday card you want to send. Are feeling particularly ironic? Is it going to be a bad Bill Cosby Christmas sweater kind of portrait? How about another tongue-in-cheek snap of your dog wearing an elf's cap? The possibilities for ironic hipster credence are endless. - 39969

About the Author:

The delight of holiday photo cards is building them, piecing them together, and sharing. Don't short change your delight or the delight of your friends and family: go with a boutique card site.