Personalized Holiday Cards with PurpleTrail

I dare not break down the exact amount of days before Christmas. It would make me cringe at the thought that I'll soon be bombarded with a list of needs wants from my live-in elf, also known as, my son.

Before we reach Christmas, our family takes on the joyous occasion of celebrating Kaden's birthday the day before. That's right, several years ago I was decked out in my hospital duds, eating jello, and begging for more medicine as Kaden made his way down the chute. Ah, the memories.

Luckily, companies like PurpleTrail are there to capture all the wonderful memories in the form of a card. With the holidays just around the corner (I refuse to quote the exact amount of days), now is the time to think about your family's personalized holiday cards.

So, what are my top 5 ideas for making holiday cards unique? Well, let me tell you.

1. Pretty is not always good. Why not make a holiday card using the picture of your child when they got into the baby powder? It makes for great laughs and helps you forget just how upset you were on the day it happens. Besides, you'll need something to share with your adult-child years from now. You can bring this holiday card out during their engagement party. You know, just for laughs. 
Break Tradition. I know you think Christmas has to include a logo, picture, or something reflective of the holiday. Your cards do not have to include Santa, his elves, or a red-nosed reindeer. You may even feel obligated to include a picture of Jesus. After all, it is His day, but I'm sure he'll be happy with a birthday shout-out at some point in the day. Word is, he's very understanding. 
Everything can be black and white. Going crazy with too much color can take away from the beauty of a personalized card. Focus on the simplicity of the portrait. Try choosing a black and white photograph that accentuates natural beauty. While green and red are recognizable colors for the holiday season, let a smile of the portrait show the true colors. 
Utilize the 2-for-1. No, PurpleTrail.com is not running an amazing deal like this. I'm simply suggesting you use your holiday cards as an invitation if you are planning an event around the holidays. This is perfect for my family. My son is a Christmas Eve baby, so he can invite his friends/family to the party and provide them a keepsake. How great is that?
It's called PERSONALIZED for a reason. Just because the template is there, no one says you have to use it. You're smart, talented, and creative. Create something that makes you go "WOW!" PurpleTrail has a wonderful feature that allows you to design your own card. Add your favorite poem, throw in a splash of color, shape it like a circle. The possibilities are endless. (It got a little overwhelmed designing a card.)

  

And just for fun, here is a special card I designed (don't worry, I didn't invest much time):

Visit PurpleTrail.com for more ideas on personalized holiday cards.

WHAT IS PURPLE TRAIL?

PurpleTrail is a print and online invitation service that allows users to create amazing invitations and cards.  With thousands of designs and the ability to fully personalize them, PurpleTrail offers a unique blend of creativity, inspiration and customer service that can’t be beat.

Disclosure: "I am participating in a giveaway for PurpleTrail.com and it makes me eligible for a PurpleTrail gift code. For more information, visit Mom Bloggers Club. All opinions and views expressed are my own and do not reflect those of the sponsor(s)."