It’s time to win my annual Christmas card. This insane holiday tradition started when Danny and I married and has continued through the years. This huge art project includes illustrations of my family engaging in some kind of winter or festive activity. Guess and win!
My ideas have percolated since summer. I always swear I’ll start on them in October. Ha! I’m sketching in December, as usual. Why???
Cards before 2012 were illustrated without a lot of cutting and pasting. That seemed time-consuming enough for any crazed mom during the holiday season.
Here are a few of the more complicated versions. That beaded tree card came back in the mail for extra postage. GAH!
With all the shopping, decorating, baking, and writing blog posts and books, sitting down to create cards can be a real sacrifice. In 2014, I made super complicated popup cards. They each took about twenty minutes to cut and paste. Even with an assembly line of pieces, I had to miss a couple of parties to get all 100 done. That was a lesson learned. I’m always learning something.
Thing is, most people have a hard time just signing greeting cards and sending them in the mail. Mine have become an exchange. I mean, if friends can’t find time to send us one, I’m not going to make one, right? Does that sound naughty or nice? Don’t answer that…
Anyhow, my sketches are done. I plan to do the final drawings today and start inking tomorrow. That can be tricky. Sometimes the likenesses pop with each line. Other times, it’s not so easy. It’s always about the eyes.
I simplified last year’s card where we broke out of the snow globe.
I plan to keep this year’s card simple too. I’d like to enjoy the holidays like everyone else. Now if I could just get these 36 boxes of Christmas decorations unpacked…
So what activity have I chosen for this year’s Christmas card? Guess and I’ll send you one!
If more or less than five guess correctly, Roxy will choose five from a hat.
I hope you participate!
Do you send holiday cards? What other traditions do you enjoy?
Related posts:
2017 Christmas Card Reveal and Winners!
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
Skiing again but this time one of the kids jumps on their snowboard over the rest of the family, Evil Kneival style.
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Thanks for guessing, Ted!
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I’m guessing it’s you at the ski store trying on different skis and boots with your family pulling at you saying. “C’mon, Mom, let’s just go skiing already!”
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Ha! That’s a very good guess, Al!
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Build a snowman or having a snowball fight! These are so beautiful Susie!
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Thanks so much, Lynn and for guessing. It’s always great to see you!
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First of all, Susie, I must say… the word Insane is probably used a lot around you and your projects… but we love you anyway!
I was lucky enough to guess one year… this year I will say Shopping. Also, I’m pretty sure you use this contest to get an idea of what to do for a card… so please pick ‘shopping’. Courtney and the DJ would look so cute carrying boxes to the checkout stand with Danny pulling out his credit card.
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Hey Ted!! Insanity is my middle name. LOL! Great to “see” you. Thanks for guessing. You’ll find out soon!!!
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Your trip to Edinburgh was special. Maybe it’s a Christmas in Edinburgh? I know you weren’t there at Christmas, but you might deck the vault halls with holly on your card. BTW, your cards are really amazing and anyone who gets a card from you would be thoughtless not to send you a card back, but maybe they are intimidated by these priceless works of art.
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Thanks so much and for guessing, Anneli! I think people get busy. I have a way of pushing myself. LOL!
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Well, you get great results!
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You have done skiing.. so maybe its one of your hikes this year..???
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You’ll find out soon, Linda! Thanks for guessing!
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I send cards. It’s my favorite part of the whole season. Usually it’s a painting or drawing (mass produced via Vistaprint) but this year it’s a photo of my snow-loving dog on a tiny patch of snow clearly wishing for more. I’m not guessing what your card will be — I just hope you show it sometime down the road. All of those posted here are lovely.
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I’m so glad to hear that you make them too, Martha! Hopefully they’ll be done soon. Happy holidays!
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Same to you!
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Beautifull :”)
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Thank you!
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I am TERRIBLE at thinking of interesting holiday-themed craft-like projects (which is why I would never attempt such a thing)… and why I will never win. But here goes, anyway.
You and your family gathered ’round an outdoor bonfire, stirring drinks with icicles.
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Thanks for guessing, Audrey. Happy Holidays! (((hugs)))
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As always, these cards are awesome, Susie!
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Thanks, Hook! I just inked the new one today! Going skiing tomorrow and hope to have them done early next week. Whew!
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You have so many talents, Susie, that´s wonderful… I could imagine iceskating is one of them and so it´s included on your card this time! 🙂 Happy advent to everybody!
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Thanks so much for guessing, Carola! Happy advent to you!
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I do love your cards and can’t wait to see what you come up with this year.
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Thanks so much, Michelle! I’m in the midst of putting them together right now. Aren’t you going to guess?
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You are Santa’s helpers at the North Pole.
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Thanks so much for entering, PP! So good to “see” you!
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Your talent is so impressive, by the way.
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Thanks so much! *blushes*
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Wait, 36 boxes of Christmas decorations!? That is amazing!
I remember from last year that your home looks very festive, but blooming ‘eck that is a lot to get out and put away each year! You have some serious Christmas dedication!!
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Although I haven’t actually counted, I bet it’s close to that number. Lol. I am dedicated and just started the assembly line for my cards.
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Susie, my guess is that it’s you cutting, inking, and pasting together this year’s card! Imagine what a sight that kind of holiday card would be. Inside, there you are with a pair of scissors in hand, possibly wearing a pair of glasses as well, madly cutting out snowflakes, perhaps a pair of skis, and even a snowman—or two! With the remnants from all that feverish cutting tumbling out of the envelope (just like snow!) as the winner opens it up to reveal their prize. Anyway, I won one of your Christmas cards a couple of years ago and it never ceases to be a conversation piece on our fireplace. Beautiful. Thank you for the gift that keeps on giving. Susie here is hoping that my comment finds you and yours doing well this holiday season. :O)
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Aww! Thanks so much, Atticman! You made my day!
I just started the cutting and pasting project today and can’t wait til they’re out on the mail. Then I’ll do the big reveal. 😀
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Aha! And I know that the winner will be totally delighted when they receive the card. Merry Christmas, Susie! :O)
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Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Atticman!
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‘O)
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What a wonderful tradition for getting in the Christmas spirit, Susie! And with 36 boxes of decorations you must have several days worth of decorating! I am going to guess a sledding scene for the card…and cross my fingers. 🙂
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Thanks so much for guessing, Snuffy! I’m assembling them today. It is a huge part of Christmas for me, but I’m always glad when they’re done. 🙂
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I’m guessing you’re all figure skating!!!
you make beautiful cards!!!
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Thanks so much, Pamela! The reveal is coming up soon…. 🙂
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HA! (I ran by just before this post was published wondering how you had folded into the holiday card mood this year)
These are such gems (and real nothings…my post related to that haha)
Susie I can only imagine. I keep expecting a card with you huddled over a table in a Christmas tree room – almost buried in mounds of paper, glue, scissors and paint – while outside at the window stands your bundled up family peers in with the “Mom, come on” looks as they shake skis and ski boots at you – pointing at the car all ready to go with the dog in the driver’s seat.. I know that scene will be immortalized eventually . (OH, seriously they love what you do!)
But this year? maybe susie leaning far too off a teetering ladder placing the angel or star to finish off the tree as family leaps, and rushes over trying to stabilize the ladder before it finishes you off….
Can’t wait to see!
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Thanks so much for guessing, Phil! LOL! Yes, I was up to my eyeballs in cutting and pasting, but this year’s card didn’t leave any scraps. Easy cleanup! They’re all done and awaiting mailing labels. I’ll do the reveal next week… Merry Christmas to you!!
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I think it is everyone but you on the ski lift. Yes I still send cards and enjoy it.
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Woohooo! Thanks for entering. I really enjoy receiving them. They’re like magical gifts in the mail that say, “Hey! I’m thinking about you.”
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My guess? Making your annual Christmas Card (!) Seriously, you are so super-talented, and your Christmassy home is delish. Merry Merry!
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Thanks so much for guessing! For some reason, I’m ahead of schedule this year, so I’ll have to post the reveal….soon.
Merry Christmas to you!
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Hi Susie,
Maybe FatherChristmas delivering your gifts while you and your family skate together oblivious of his appearance.
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Thanks for guessing, Ellen!
You’ll soon find out! Merry Christmas to you. 🙂
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