2020 Christmas Card Reveal

 As 2020 winds to a close (thank HEAVENS!), and we reflect back on the unprecedented times that we experienced, it's absolutely overwhelming.  It's the kind of thing we'll undoubtedly tell our grandkids about as they gaze at us, eyes wide with curiosity and bewilderment.  

I remember the initial terror - my neighbor bringing me an item, wrapped in a Clorox wipe, and setting it down 10 feet away from me because neither party was sure that the other wasn't contaminated with a lethal virus.  Fearful parents warning small children not to get close to their friends because it may make us sick.  Blasting out texts to neighbors that "The Walmart on Lincoln Ave. has toilet paper!  Hurry!"  Oh and that hand sanitizer that smelled like cheap tequila mixed with vinegar that we were eagerly dousing our hands in because GERMS!

It's been an emotional roller coaster with no end in sight.  One minute, you feel like you're facing doomsday...then you relax a bit...then, you hear of a Covid case taking the life of someone your age or younger and the panic starts all over again.  We cancelled vacations and birthday parties (I had a GOOD one planned for Josie), postponed visits with loved ones, and waved at Santa from the safety of our enclosed car.  We worked from home, attempted to homeschool, and took walks but did not play on park equipment.  I remember a guy offering to take my cart from me after I unloaded my groceries into my trunk, and I felt equal parts flabbergasted and flattered "He doesn't think I'm a contaminated germ factory?!  He wants to touch something I've touched without bleaching it down first?!  What in the world?!?!'  It would behoove me to write down some of these moments that stand out in my mind as I hope they become a piece of history - something that we can shove out of our minds until our grandchildren ask us to reminisce.  

This year, even more than in years past, I felt ample reason to drop holiday cards from the priority list.  Honestly, 2020 has became an adequate excuse to dodge just about any activity you may have otherwise felt obligated to partake in, right, Josie?  

Furthermore, in perfect accordance with the Murphy's Law that is 2020, my expensive camera lens rolled off the table and broke.  As if the cost of the repair wasn't enough punishment for me, "Covid delays" mean that it won't be returned for weeks...certainly not in time for Christmas cards.  So that's it - I gave up.

But then, I considered how everyone feels especially isolated and lonely this year.  If there ever was a year to try and send a little cheer in the form of a cute holiday card, it's 2020; even if the image was lacking the vibrant and crisp touch of the DSLR camera.  Then, Merryn politely implored me to maintain this tradition with the most eager anticipation, assuring me that if I said "yes," she would handle the bulk mailing all on her own.  

As with years past, it was important to try and add elements of creativity and humor into the card (See years past here, here, and here).  And because 2020 is so anomalous, and because eliciting smiles is so desperately needed this year, it was important to commemorate this somber year with comedy and levity.  Remarkably, it came together with ease and despite the subpar cell phone-quality photo, it turned out to be one of the most well-received cards we've done.  Without further ado, the 2020 Christmas card reveal:

And just like that, I had a tiny grief trigger, realizing that my mom wouldn't read this post (or maybe she will - who knows?).  She would have loved this card.  She always pressured  *ahem* enthusiastically encouraged us in the pursuit of the perfect holiday card. She would have approved.  

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and extra prosperity in the new year!