Still Believing: A Christmas Card Ritual

A lot of people have stopped sending Christmas cards, but I still love to send them—and I absolutely love to receive them. I save every one. Over the years, they’ve become a sentimental archive: snapshots of growing children, evolving families, and friendships that have stood the test of time. Each card is a little hello from someone I love, and every December, I find myself flipping through past years, smiling at the memories.

This is the time of year when I start gathering photos for our holiday card. In years past, I’ve used summer vacation snapshots, school photos, or random moments captured throughout the year. But lately, I’ve indulged in something a little more special: professional Christmas photos.

Last year, my adult daughter and I had our picture taken with Santa at Wilson & Co Photography of Life for Life in Johnson City, TN. Hannah Aiken was our photographer, and she made the shoot so much fun. I’m lucky—my daughter usually humors me when I’m being silly, even if I’m embarrassing her just a little. It’s one of the many ways she shows me love.

Our area is full of talented photographers who offer mini-sessions for Christmas. These short shoots—just 5 to 15 minutes—give you a handful of images to use however you like. Once you have your perfect shot, you can hop onto your favorite card site and design something festive and personal.

This year, my daughter drove into town just to indulge me again. We passed on Santa and chose an antique Christmas setting with Just Kenna Photography in Abingdon, VA. The anticipation of seeing our previews is palpable. I already know they’ll be beautiful.

These photo cards have become more than just holiday greetings. They’re a timeline—a visual story of my daughter growing up, of our bond evolving, of the joy we’ve shared through the years. They remind me of the magic that once filled our home when Santa was real and wonder was everywhere. And even now, in our house, we still subscribe to believing.