Create, Order, Buy (or Win!) Your Holiday Cards in Plenty of Time

by Tsh on November 3, 2008

in giveaways

This giveaway is now closed.

The first giveaway for November comes to you from one great company and from, well, yours truly.  And it also happens to coincide with the next project in the 12 Weeks to Prepare for Christmas series.

Now’s the best time to start working on your holiday card plans.  These days, sending digital newsletters or digital cards is the norm, but I still enjoy sending out the tried-and-true snail mail method (though yes, I detest paper clutter).  For me, it’s all part of the holiday spirit to take a family photo, address and stamp envelopes, and lovingly display the ones I receive in return.

If you plan to include a family photo in your card this year, take your first shot this week while you’ve still got plenty of time, so that you’re not rushed and have time to try again.  And if you’ve collated your address list, you should already know how many cards you need to order.  It’ll save you money to order early with some shops, including mine.

Start addressing envelopes now, just a few at a time, and you’ll be golden by early December, when you can mail all your cards in one fell swoop.  Keep your address list and envelopes in a convenient location, and write out a few at a time here and there.  It’ll be painless.

If you plan on sending out photo cards this year, then I’ve got an chance for you to win some in this giveaway.  One reader will win a customized high-resolution digital photo card file of their choice from Chickpea Designs, my graphic design shop. The file is yours to keep forever – you can make as many prints as you want, when you want. In addition, you will receive 10 5×7 prints of your photo card, free.

(And although I’m referring to holiday cards here, I’ve also got baby announcements, save-the-date cards, and birthday invites – any of those designs are eligible for this contest.)

The second addition to the giveaway is from PictureItPostageYou will win two sheets of personalized US postage stamps – simply upload your photo on their site, edit and align it, and voila – stamps with your children (or dog, or hamster, or neighbors) are headed your way.

PictureItPostage also has a hilarious contest going on right now – until November 19, upload your worst holiday photo, whether it be flat-out embarrassing or simply unflattering.  Starting December 1, people can vote for their favorite photos – and two grand prize winners will win a new Canon Digital SLR camera and five sets of stamps.  Plus, think how entertaining it will be to endlessly peruse horrible photos.  Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Here’s how you can win a personalized photo card design, 10 5×7 photo card prints, and 20 personalized postage stamps:

1. For a single entry, simply comment below, and answer this question – what’s your favorite holiday?

2. For a second entry, email me at simplemomblog (at) gmail (dot) com with the secret code in the email’s subject line (no need to write anything in the email’s body, as it won’t be read).  To find the secret code, make sure you’ve subscribed to Simple Mom’s feed either via RSS or via email, and look in the footer of any post.

3. For a third entry, mention this giveaway on your blog, and make sure I somehow find out about it.

This giveaway will end on Friday, November 7, midnight CST.  I hope you win!

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{ 478 comments }

1 TheRoadtoHobbiton November 3, 2008 at 11:14 am

Christmas is definitely my favorite. I love the whole build up, the excitement of the kids, the winter cold, the decorations, the family get-togethers, choosing gifts and seeing the delight on people’s faces when they open them, the whole thing!

TheRoadtoHobbiton’s last blog post…What’s most important to you?

2 Anna November 3, 2008 at 11:17 am

I would have to say that my favorite holiday is Christmas! The food, the atmosphere, the family. I love it all!

Anna’s last blog post…CVS Scenarios~11/2-11/8

3 Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland November 3, 2008 at 11:22 am

I guess my fave holiday is christmas. Presents, family, christmas trees, food… what more could you ask for? Great giveaway, thanks!

Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland’s last blog post…Savoring the Moment Giveaway at Mom of 2 Dancers

4 Shanna November 3, 2008 at 11:25 am

I love halloween! I hope I win the cards!

Shanna’s last blog post…Food Friday: Freezer Meals

5 Vanessa November 3, 2008 at 11:26 am

What an awesome give away. Just in time for the holidays as well!

6 Kimberli November 3, 2008 at 11:27 am

I can’t really pick one favorite holiday…I love them all. Time spent with family and food …the best!

Kimberli’s last blog post…Happy Halloween!!

7 Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland November 3, 2008 at 11:30 am
8 Nicki November 3, 2008 at 11:31 am

Favorite holiday is easily Christmas for us. Although we just love holidays in general … any reason to celebrate is good to us!

9 Kellie Smith November 3, 2008 at 11:37 am

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. The very special reason is that my only child was born on Thanksgiving day in 1997. She is the reason…..the reason. It has and always be my most sacred and favorite holiday whether it actually falls on her birthday that specific year. This year it does, and I’m so very excited about it.
Thanks for the special offer :)

Kellie

10 life with the wisners November 3, 2008 at 11:39 am

thanksgiving. by far the most favorite holiday.

life with the wisners’s last blog post…the obligatory halloween post

11 Pam November 3, 2008 at 11:41 am

Favorite Holiday would be Christmas of course. I am visiting your site and like it.

Pam’s last blog post…Tale of Two Sons

12 Elizabeth November 3, 2008 at 11:45 am

My favorite holiday is most definitely Christmas, followed closely by Thanksgiving and my birthday!

Elizabeth’s last blog post…The Fish That Pushed Me Over the Edge

13 julia November 3, 2008 at 11:46 am

Celebrating our savior’s birth at Christmas, of course!!!

14 Elizabeth November 3, 2008 at 11:48 am

Usually I can, but today I can’t find the secret code. I’m already subscribed through e-mail!

15 Stephanie November 3, 2008 at 11:51 am

My favorite holiday, since I got married, is Halloween. My husband gets really excited about costumes and tricker-treaters. But now that I’m pregnant I think our favorite holiday will be Christmas, especially this first one with our Christmas baby.

Stephanie’s last blog post…Best Daddy Ever!

16 Heather November 3, 2008 at 11:52 am

Thanksgiving is my fave, although we are trying hard to make Christmas less stressful and complicated, so it’s a runner up!

17 beth November 3, 2008 at 11:53 am

thanksgiving..there is just something about my grandmother’s old recipes and the (hopefully) cool, crisp air and the colors of fall…it just always feels like home no matter where i am.

18 Jennifer November 3, 2008 at 11:53 am

It’s a toss up, I love the family togetherness and fellowship of Thanksgiving but I love seeing all our friends and family’s faces when they open the gifts I carefully and thoughtfully choose for them. On second thought, it’s probably the day AFTER both of those days-all the hustle and bustle is done and I can sit back and relish all the memories with no stress! ;)

19 Kimberli November 3, 2008 at 11:56 am

Couldn’t wait to let everyone know about this great giveaway! =)

Kimberli’s last blog post…Christmas Card/Stamps***A Great Giveaway!

20 Amy Salinger November 3, 2008 at 11:57 am

For us as a family we so enjoy celebrating Passover and Hanukkah! I grew up celebrating Christmas, which was always very special, but now that my husband, children and I live in Israel we dont find ourselves celebrating it as before. Passover and Hanukkah are fun-filled feasts for the kids, and they both still hold meaning for us. We havent forgotten about the ‘true meaning’ of Christmas though! we daily remember the Lord Jesus in coming to this earth and dying for us.
Thank you so much for this site.. i have found it to be SUCH a blessing to me and my household.. particually the organizing topics. SO thanks so much!

Amy Salinger’s last blog post…Uncle Matty and Aunty Nic are here!!

21 Krista November 3, 2008 at 12:03 pm

hands down, my favorite holiday is Christmas. celebrating the Lord’s birthday, getting together with friends & family, seeing the delight in my son’s eyes as he opens special gifts, our candlelight service on Christmas Eve… i detest what stores and corporations have made of Christmas, but at the very heart of what it is, i love that holiday.

Krista’s last blog post…Infertility Awareness Week

22 Beth November 3, 2008 at 12:05 pm

My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving, but now that we have two small kids I think my favorite holiday is Christmas. I can’t wait to share new traditions with them.

Beth’s last blog post…Me?

23 jhanae November 3, 2008 at 12:09 pm

I’m Jewish and my husband was raised Catholic, so we celebrate Chrismakkah. Our favorite holiday activity is setting up our hot pink tree and decorating it with sparkly dreidl ornaments.

24 Mandy November 3, 2008 at 12:11 pm

By and large, my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It comes without all the pressure of Christmas and allows families to just be, and be together. It also reminds us to take time to be thankful for our blessings, and these days, it’s easy to forget to give thanks.

25 brandiandboys November 3, 2008 at 12:20 pm

LOVE those cards. i usually email cards (since i like to be green… and cheap)! but love those and would totally mail those out!

brandiandboys’s last blog post…Bruthr’s

26 Tiffany November 3, 2008 at 12:33 pm

I love Easter. Spring, New Beginnings, Hope…

Tiffany’s last blog post…Menu Plan Monday, November 2-8, 2008

27 Lindsay Creswell November 3, 2008 at 12:34 pm

My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas! My husband and I grew up together and so much of our holiday back home in TN consists of all of our families spending time together! Very special time for us!

Lindsay Creswell’s last blog post…Recipe help!

28 Tiffany November 3, 2008 at 12:35 pm

Oh, and I subscribe to you through bloglines but don’t see a code.

Tiffany’s last blog post…Menu Plan Monday, November 2-8, 2008

29 Barb @ getupandplay November 3, 2008 at 12:36 pm

I love Christmas! Although Halloween is a close second!

Barb @ getupandplay’s last blog post…This is one doodle that can’t be undid, home skillet

30 emily e. November 3, 2008 at 12:51 pm

I love most holidays, but I would have to say Christmas is my favorite…

31 Anna November 3, 2008 at 12:58 pm

My favorite holiday is Christmas – how original is that?? But it’s the truth! Thank you for holding this giveaway!

32 Stephanie November 3, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Thanksgiving! Family, friends, turkey, dressing and pie — without the stress and consumerism of Christmas.

Stephanie’s last blog post…Not the poem

33 Jackie November 3, 2008 at 12:59 pm

My favorite holiday has always been Christmas!

34 Jill W November 3, 2008 at 1:05 pm

Thanksgiving for me, thanks!

35 Beth November 3, 2008 at 1:09 pm

My favorite holiday is Mardis Gras. Its all joy, family ,silly beads costumes and parades.Its a fantasitic way to start of the season of Lent

36 Jess November 3, 2008 at 1:11 pm

My favorite holiday is Christmas!

37 Beth November 3, 2008 at 1:11 pm

Mardis Gras. Its all joy, family , beads ,silly costumes and parades. A great way to head into the season of Lent

38 Karen November 3, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Christmas is my favorite holiday! I got married at Christmas, which makes the season even more special.

39 Amber November 3, 2008 at 1:15 pm

My favorite holiday is beyond a doubt Christmas. I just love all the fun traditions and spending time with family and even spoiling my daughter with all the things she wants.

40 Alesha November 3, 2008 at 1:33 pm

hands down Christmas, I love the smells, colors and the family time.

41 Stacey November 3, 2008 at 1:39 pm

CHRISTMAS IS MY MOST FAVORITE HOLIDAY. Everyone seems to be a bit more kind during that time of year!

42 Yolanda November 3, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. Although I dread the days of cooking and preparation, I love being around a table of family and friends and watching them enjoy the fruits of my labor. It also a deeply reflective time for me, in which I take time to think of all things and people I am grateful for.

Yolanda’s last blog post…Falling

43 Vanessa November 3, 2008 at 1:48 pm

My favorite holiday is Christmas my boyfriends family is so big and welcoming I love being with them and of course my own family.

I also cant see the secret code in my reader. But I did write a blog post up!!

Vanessa’s last blog post…A awesome Giveaway!

44 Becca November 3, 2008 at 1:49 pm

my favorite holiday is thanksgiving! love seeing my family and feel like its a holiday that hasn’t become SO commercialized.

Becca’s last blog post…our little frog.

45 Michelleybelly November 3, 2008 at 2:01 pm

I’ve never done Christmas cards but I’m ready for a change!

Michelleybelly’s last blog post…October 31= Zoo + Harvest Party

46 Jessica November 3, 2008 at 2:12 pm

I love love love Halloween! I started decorating in July.. that’s what my hubs tells me. Haha. I also love Christmas and mailing cards is the best part.
I’m putting a post on my blog right now! Check it out!
Thanks!

Jessica’s last blog post…A Good Clean Rain

47 CiderSapling November 3, 2008 at 2:39 pm

Christmas, definitely! Cold outside, cheery inside, warm sweaters, hot cocoa… :)

I recently figured out the secret code thing in Google – for me, I usually just click the title of the blog and it takes me to the actual page. But if you click on the expand button (looks like a plus sign) and read it through Google’s page, there’s a RSS feed code at the bottom. Don’t know if that works for all Google users (not computer literate enough, I guess) but I hope that helps!

48 Amy Robinson November 3, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Christmas is by far my favorite!! Love your site.

Amy Robinson’s last blog post…Hectic, but Happy Haunting

49 Heather November 3, 2008 at 3:04 pm

I love Christmas!!

Heather’s last blog post…Music Fun

50 Laura November 3, 2008 at 3:06 pm

I love Christmas! I love the music, lights, decorations. I love being reminded of the Saviors birth all month long. I love being with family and giving to others. It is that best!

51 Kristen November 3, 2008 at 3:06 pm

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving! I love all the good food, good conversations and gathering with family & friends. I also like that it is a simple holiday with a lot of warmth.

52 Shilo November 3, 2008 at 3:08 pm

I love Christmas…time with family, snow, shopping/making the perfect gift, baking, favorite music, remembering Jesus…
I looked but I can’t find the secret code in my google reader.

Shilo’s last blog post…Success!!

53 Rachel November 3, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Easter is my favourite holiday. I love the springtime and it is a great time to reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection.

54 Kimm November 3, 2008 at 3:26 pm

My favorite holiday is New Years Day. I guess it’s something about new beginnings.

55 Kristi November 3, 2008 at 3:29 pm

I love the Christmas Holiday. It is a time spent w/ family and friends and remembering what “IT” is all about.

56 adrianne November 3, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Favorite holiday – CHRISTMAS!! Love the weather, warm drinks, family time and food :)

57 Joanna November 3, 2008 at 3:36 pm

Christmas is, hands down, my favorite holiday. Last year I managed to make almost all of the gifts, sent my cards out on time and put on a solstice potluck party! This year it would be nice to have all my cards done for me…I’m going to blog abut this…

Joanna’s last blog post…Maybe I should change the name of this blog…

58 Jennifer Clark November 3, 2008 at 3:40 pm

christmas is definitely my favorite holiday…the real meaning, the spirit, the giving, the festive-ness, the tradition, the scents and sounds and tastes…it’s such a rich time.

Jennifer Clark’s last blog post…Halloween happenings

59 Kristi November 3, 2008 at 3:42 pm

I absolutely love the Christmas Season. It is a time to be with family and friends and remembering what “IT” is all about!!

60 Deanna November 3, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Christmas, hands down!!

61 Kristen November 3, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Christmas is my favorite holiday :)

62 Kerri November 3, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Just really chill, lots of good food and family.

63 Michelle Winter November 3, 2008 at 4:37 pm

My favorite holiday has to be the 4th of July. Our family celebrates it by starting off our morning with a festive parade, a BBQ and then a day at the lake.

64 Felicia November 3, 2008 at 4:47 pm

I love Christmas, because it’s the most family-oriented holiday to me.

65 Lisa November 3, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Christmas is my favorite holiday with Easter as a close second.

66 anja November 3, 2008 at 5:12 pm

Easter is my favorite holiday. After that, I really do enjoy the 4th of July.

anja’s last blog post…prayer for the earth

67 Andrea Phillips November 3, 2008 at 5:13 pm

I hope I win this one. I love the snail mail ones too. It makes you feel warm and gooey inside.

Andrea Phillips’s last blog post…The Rich Young Ruler

68 Sandy November 3, 2008 at 5:25 pm

I love Christmas. I love the music, the fragrance, and excitement of the holiday. I love Christmas cantatas, children’s Christmas programs, handmade ornaments, the cookies and goodies, and Christmas Eve candlelight services. And I especially love our family getting together.

(I also use Google reader and cannot find the code.)

Sandy’s last blog post…Yard Sales

69 Sarah H. November 3, 2008 at 5:32 pm

My favorite holiday is also Christmas! This time of year is so special for so many reasons. :)

I can’t help but agree with you regarding your sentiments about cards. Eliminating paper is always good, but there’s just something nice and traditional about sending and receiving actual snail mail cards for Christmas. I love your designs, by the way!

Sarah H.’s last blog post…Houseplant Hacks – An Introduction

70 Kam A November 3, 2008 at 5:34 pm

My favorite holiday is Christmas because all of the family gets together in one place :)

Thank you for the giveaway!

kerin0874 (at) yahoo (dot) com

71 Breanna November 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm

My favorite holiday has to be Halloween. Not only is it full of dressing up and candy it also signals the end of a month and seasons as the official beginning of fall is just a few days later.

Breanna’s last blog post…Summer’s Inspiration

72 Sarah H. November 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm

My favorite holiday is also Christmas! There’s just something so special about it…Jesus’ birth, family, chocolate, gifts, lights, the list goes on.

I can’t help but agree with your sentiments about cards. While it’s great to eliminate paper, there’s something to be said for snail mail Christmas cards. I love your designs by the way!

Sarah H.’s last blog post…Houseplant Hacks – An Introduction

73 Sarah H. November 3, 2008 at 5:39 pm

Oops! I accidentally commented twice because I thought my comment didn’t come up the first time….SORRY…my browser is silly. :(

Sarah H.’s last blog post…Houseplant Hacks – An Introduction

74 Sarah S November 3, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Christmas is my favorite too. I love the whole season – everyone is a little nicer, a little happier, and more excited than the rest of the winter months…

75 Libby November 3, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Christmas is my favorite…hands down!

76 Jessie November 3, 2008 at 5:48 pm

My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. You just can’t beat it. So many great traditions and being able to get together with family is such a blessing.

77 CarrieK November 3, 2008 at 5:53 pm

Thanksgiving is far and away my favorite holiday. No pressure to give gifts, just friends and family getting together to eat really good food. As a kid I got to stay up late and be a part of the grown-ups’ world. The next day, I got to eat pumpkin pie for breakfast!

CarrieK’s last blog post…Demarle

78 Karolee November 3, 2008 at 5:58 pm

Well, I thought I might be original, but look at all the posts! I have to say that I really enjoy Christmas. Wasn’t always the case, and sometimes all the commercializing gets to me, but I love what the true meaning is. A close second is Easter.

I’m enjoying your blog; keep up the great work!

79 Beth November 3, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Mardis Gras. Family, parades, silly costumes, beads … and the food. What a great way to start the season of Lent

80 Jen November 3, 2008 at 6:48 pm

I have to admit, Christmas is my favorite! Thanks for the chance to win this great prize!

Jen’s last blog post…

81 Alicia November 3, 2008 at 6:50 pm

My favorite season is definitely winter! I love the baking and the holidays and the snow.

82 Alicia November 3, 2008 at 6:51 pm

Oops, I was supposed to do a fave holiday not season . . . sorry. Christmas is my first fave followed by Easter.

83 Kristen November 3, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Christmas! It always has been and will be….it’s just so cozy!

84 rachel November 3, 2008 at 6:58 pm

christmas

85 erica November 3, 2008 at 7:06 pm

I love Thanksgiving. I love cooking and having family and friends come together. Now that I have a little baby, I’m looking forward to creating our own traditions with all the holidays!

86 Holly November 3, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Since I had my daughter last year my favorite holiday is Christmas. I’m looking forward to all the Santa gifts and sharing the excitement of the season with her. Last Christmas she was less then 3 weeks old so while this Christmas technically isn’t her first, it will be the first where she is aware of what is going on. I am really looking forward to it.

I also posted about your giveaway on my blog. I also subscribe, but I can never find the secret codes. It’s very frustrating.

Holly’s last blog post…Photo Card Giveaway

87 Stephanie November 3, 2008 at 7:21 pm

My favorite holiday is Christmas!!

88 mary November 3, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Easter!~

89 Christy November 3, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Thanksgiving is most definitely my favorite holiday.

90 Christy@pipandsqueak November 3, 2008 at 7:44 pm

I would love to win the photo cards. They are so cute.

91 Courtney November 3, 2008 at 7:45 pm

What a great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity!

Courtney’s last blog post…Sign me up!

92 the girl @ love God, not money November 3, 2008 at 7:50 pm

I think my favorite holiday would have to be Easter. I love Christmas, too, but Easter is such a joyous time. And it’s not quite as commercialized…

the girl @ love God, not money’s last blog post…the girl’s budget: november

93 jodi November 3, 2008 at 8:20 pm
94 Rebecca November 3, 2008 at 8:23 pm

Christmas!!

95 Dena November 3, 2008 at 8:35 pm

I love Thanksgiving too. I love the tradition that it’s steeped in and I love that it’s a purely Christian holiday with no pagan roots.

96 Sara November 3, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Thanks for a realistic aproach to simplifing things around my house!
Sara

Sara’s last blog post…Cutest Lobster

97 Jennifer Mendiola November 3, 2008 at 8:46 pm

Favorite holiday? As a history teacher, I have to say, July 4th! Plus, nothing beats barbecues at the beach with friends and family and watching fireworks! It was not until living in another country that I came to love and appreciate this patriotic holiday.

98 Cindy November 3, 2008 at 8:50 pm

Fun giveaway! I was really leaning toward not sending Christmas cards—-but now I’m in with these great designs and fun postage! Thanks

Cindy’s last blog post…A Thanksgiving Plan

99 Carolyn November 3, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Thanksgiving!

100 Karen November 3, 2008 at 8:57 pm

Christmas is my favorite holiday! I love the lights and getting together with my family!

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