Here it is: our 2012 family Christmas card, ready to send holiday cheer to friends and family near and far.

The concept plays on the classic tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa, with a healthy dose of reality: unattended treats at our house never stay untouched for long. To our surprise and delight, we managed to capture a real moment with Clara and Burger together in the same frame without any digital trickery. Normally Clara is all over Burger—so much that Burger tends to bolt before we snap the first picture. But when cookies are involved, they both behaved wonderfully and actually shared the scene.

These photos are a few outtakes from our little evening shoot. We didn’t start until after Clara’s bedtime, which made the successful session feel like a small holiday miracle. Between the promise of a plate of cookies and a calm, cooperative mood, Clara was an angel for the camera. Even with a late-night sugar boost, she settled down and slept just as well as usual, which made the whole experiment worth it.

One of the sweetest parts of the shoot was watching Clara adore the way Burger focused on the milk. She kept trying to coax him in closer, as if to say, “More cookies for me!” It was a tiny, candid display of affection and curiosity that translated perfectly into the photo. For a brief while, they shared a peaceful moment together, united by treats and the fun of the setup.

Eventually Burger got more interested in the chocolate treats we had out, and we had to call an end to the set—no chocolate for dogs, of course. Despite that abrupt finish, we were thrilled with the results. The photos captured genuine interactions and expressions that felt more meaningful than a perfectly posed studio shot.

This year we decided to splurge a little on our cards. Instead of the usual quick print at a local pharmacy, we chose a heavier cardstock option from TinyPrints for a more substantial, festive feel. Thanks to a promotional free-shipping offer and a discount code we found, the upgrade didn’t cost nearly as much as we expected, and the finished cards felt worth the extra effort.

We also took a moment to look back at past years’ cards and reflections. It’s fun to see how our holiday photo traditions have evolved as our family has grown. Each year’s card becomes a snapshot of where we were at that moment—what we found amusing, what we wanted to remember, and how our family dynamic changed over time. Those comparisons are always a reminder of time passing, milestones reached, and small rituals that bind us together each season.

With the cards ready and the photos safely archived, we headed off to spend the rest of Christmas Day with family. We hope your holiday was filled with good food, laughter, rest, and special moments with the people you love. Whether you celebrate with large gatherings or quiet traditions, those moments matter and become the memories you look back on fondly.

Update: We’ve also put together a collection of our favorite holiday décor and small gift ideas—many under $15—that helped make our season cozier and more festive. It’s great to find affordable pieces that bring extra warmth to your home during the holidays.