Here it is: our 2012 family Christmas card, shared with all the merrymakers out there.

The concept plays on the classic tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa—mixed with the less-glamorous reality that unattended food in our house never stays untouched for long. Miraculously, we managed to capture this scene without having to composite two separate photos. Usually Burger bolts the moment the camera comes out, but this time both Clara and Burger stayed put long enough for a candid shot. Treats were definitely an important factor in their cooperation.

These photos are outtakes from a small, late-night session we did after Clara’s bedtime. Yet another holiday miracle: she was remarkably cooperative, probably because snacks were involved, and despite the post-8pm sugar surge she went to sleep just fine afterward. It’s always a juggling act to get family photos, but when the stars align—or when cookies are involved—you get moments worth saving.

Clara found it endlessly amusing that Burger was so interested in the milk. She kept trying to coax him into sharing it, delighting in his curiosity and the way he watched the cup. Those little interactions made the session feel natural and joyful, and gave us some adorable candid shots that perfectly captured the spirit of the season: cozy, silly, and full of small family moments.

Eventually Burger’s attention drifted to the other snack, and we had to shut down the setup—no chocolate for dogs, after all. Even though the shoot ended earlier than we intended, we were thrilled with the result. The simple, playful concept translated well into images that felt authentic and warm.

This year we decided to treat ourselves to a higher-quality print option. Instead of our usual quick-card routine, we opted for a heavier cardstock to give the cards a more substantial, festive feel. It was a small splurge, but one that made the finished product feel more special. We were also fortunate to take advantage of a free-shipping promotion and a coupon code, which helped offset the extra cost and made the splurge more reasonable.

If you enjoy family holiday card traditions, it’s fun to look back at previous years. We’ve kept a few past designs that bring back memories of where we were that holiday season—tiny reminders of how quickly time passes and how traditions evolve. Some past cards required a little creative editing for the sake of a gag or to make sure distant relatives could tell who’s who, while others capture moments of anticipation and excitement before a new family member arrived.

Sending a physical card remains a favorite holiday ritual for us: it’s a tangible way to share warmth and cheer with friends and family. Whether the cards are humorous, classic, or candid, they’re a small ritual that helps mark the end of the year and celebrate what matters most—family, laughter, and shared memories.

We’re heading off to spend the rest of Christmas Day with family, enjoying food, downtime, and the company of loved ones. We hope your holiday season is filled with whatever makes it special for you—good food, cozy moments, laughter, rest, or meaningful time with family and friends. Thank you for reading and for being part of our online community; we’re truly grateful for your support.

Update: We’ve rounded up some favorite holiday decor ideas and budget-friendly finds that inspired our seasonal look—many affordable options can help make your home feel festive without breaking the bank.