• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

Nov 9, 2015
Faith· Life· The Little Things

The “Old School” Christmas Card Challenge

Christmas cards have changed a lot in my lifetime.  At some point, the traditional Christmas card became more rare than the “family photo” holiday card.  For a person who spent some lonely years in her twenties, then struggled with infertility in her thirties, the family photo Christmas card was a dream for much longer than it was an option.

christmascardblogarticle

But three years ago my dream came true.  I finally had a family.  I could finally order picture Christmas cards.  And I did.  I ordered tons of them and sent them out until I ran out of stamps.  Then I bought more stamps and ordered more cards!  I think one year I ordered several different designs.  My heart is so grateful to be in a place that allows me to send those cards. Having a son that looks like a baby model is an added bonus ;).  This past week I think I got mail from every company that produces and sells these cards.  I saw several designs I love and they even have ornament cards!  Ornament cards . . .I love that idea!  The excitement is still in me . . . I have a family and an adorable child that I am extremely grateful for and I want the whole world to know it!  However, even though I enjoy sending those cards, this year our family is going “old school”. We are going to send traditional Christmas cards.  Before I explain why, let me put my disclaimer here.  I love getting Christmas cards.  I love getting traditional ones, family photo ones, cute baby ones and the creative funny ones where the only person in the picture is Matt’s 40-year-old cousin dressed like an elf sitting on a shelf.  I am not saying “no one should send photo Christmas cards” (please don’t cross me off your list)!  I am just challenging myself to go “old school” and these are the reasons why:

Reason #: I recently read an article and one statement in it really stuck with me.  Annie, from Catholic Wife, Catholic Life wrote a post about really trying to become a saint.  In that article she wrote, “Stop thinking of yourself and start thinking of HIm“.  I had an “aha” moment when I read that statement.  Now, I am sure that my friends and family LOVE getting pictures of our son and my husband and I.  They probably stare at it every day and show it to all their houseguests. They probably discuss my creativity at the dinner table.  Over dessert I am sure they comment on how handsome my husband is and how we have an absolutely perfect son.  Really, I mean, let’s be honest. Matt and I have the greatest child the Lord has ever created.  O wait . . . that’s probably not what happens.  The truth is, I am going to look at a that card more than anyone.  I’ll look it at when I design it (and it will take me hours).  I’ll look at it when they come in the mail.  I’ll look at it when I address the envelopes . . .etc.  You get the picture.  But, if I am going to stop thinking of me and start thinking of Him, I should be looking at cards that picture Our Lord, the Holy Family, Our Blessed Mother and her child, the Three Wise Men . . ..  As I write out the envelopes, my mind can envision the Lord and ALL his gifts (including my wonderful husband and adorable son).

Reason #2: Cards cost money.  And the cards I like cost more than the average card.  Snapfish and Shutterfly get business from me all year.  They are not going under if I forgo the photo card this year. On top of that, the Sacred Heart Monastery sent me free Christmas cards.  The Priests of the Sacred Heart ask for a donation and offer to pray a special Novena of Masses beginning on Christmas Day for the recipients.  Why don’t I give the money I would have given to a company and give it to their mission?  Not only am I giving money towards some noble work, I am also giving my family and friends the gift of someone praying for them. Mary’s Miraculous Medal Family offers three free Christmas cards and sells additional ones, and the recipients get a Mass said for them every day for a year.  If you like this idea, but feel a different cause needs your support – check out cardsthatgive.org – you may find an organization that you are already passionate about!

Reason #3:  Saint Therese’ stated “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”  Not sending Christmas cards with my family’s or my son’t picture on it is an extremely small sacrifice.  But, it still is a sacrifice.  I haven’t been able to throw out those catalogs I received in the mail from tiny prints and the like.  It’s truly a small sacrifice.  But filling out an old fashioned card, one that isn’t already signed for me, is also an opportunity.  It’s an opportunity to write more than our names.  It’s an opportunity to write an extra note to my aunt who might be lonely.  It’s an opportunity to thank my friend who came out to celebrate my 40th birthday with me (no, I still have not sent out thank you cards; please don’t judge me)! How much have we lost as a result of not handwriting letters to our loved ones anymore?  How much do we enjoy when we get a letter written by a friend or family member?  Such a beautiful gift – the gift of someone thinking of you and writing some “kindly words”. Sure, writing out those cards will take longer.  But that gift of time is a small sacrifice that may bring someone a smile and brighten his or her day. That time is probably only taking away twenty more minutes of me staring at Facebook.  That’s a sacrifice my spiritual self needs to make.

If you would like to join me in this challenge – let me know!  If you would like to alter the challenge and maybe send only some photo cards, and send the traditional ones to certain people you feel need that extra note inside, that sounds awesome too!  I would love to hear what you think! Also, if I was on your Christmas card list, please don’t cross me off of it!  Whatever you choose to do – enjoy doing it!

Share32
Tweet
Pin1
Share
33 Shares
Previous Post: « Saintly Supplications
Next Post: Five Reasons Why I Wear a Miraculous Medal – and Maybe You Should Too »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mollie says

    November 9, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    Love this idea! I usually do new year’s cards because I’m never organized enough to get it together, but the idea of an old school chrstmas card (perhaps with an actual, personal, handwritten note??) sounds really really lovely.

    • Amy says

      November 9, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      So glad you love the idea – and so relieved someone else is trying to get organized too!

    • Amy says

      November 19, 2015 at 8:15 pm

      I’m glad you like the idea! I now have to make sure I follow through!

  2. carrie says

    November 9, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Wow! What a challenge! I have to admit I don’t know where I could find the time to send hand written cards. I used to write a quick note on the back of mine and I don’t even do that anymore. I’ll even ship straight from the printer to save time! I am truly impressed!

    • Amy says

      November 9, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      Trust me, I thought of not sending them at all! But like I said, I owe some friends some thank you cards!

    • Amy says

      November 19, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Be impressed when I actually do it lol! I’m being tempted by ads and groupons for picture cards everywhere I look!

  3. Aimee says

    November 9, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    I think this is a good idea, and it’s always good to examine your intentions when doing anything. I am spectacularly good at ignoring my intentions to do stuff I want to do! But for me, I think I’d have to go for an altered version of this challenge. The year I didn’t send out photo cards, I heard from quite a few people who wanted to know if I had dropped them from the “good” photo card list. So maybe my personal notes weren’t all that great, hahahaha! 😉

    • Amy says

      November 9, 2015 at 7:38 pm

      I hear ya . . . I’m still trying to figure out if I put a print inside if that’s cheating!

  4. Christina Arakaki says

    November 9, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    Love this idea and plan to join you!
    PS Have you ever checked out the photo stickers at Costco.com? They are super inexpensive, and you could add it next to your signature in a traditional card. xo

    • Amy says

      November 10, 2015 at 7:23 am

      I’ve never seen those – I will definitely check them out! I’m happy you are joining me!!

  5. Gina B says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:52 am

    What a great idea! I gave up Christmas cards years ago I’m afraid I don’t have the time for them anymore, but I sure do miss them. 🙁 Good luck.

    • Amy says

      November 19, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      I feel like I need to be better at time management honestly! I need to make sure I do them soon . . . because I have a feeling the next month is going to fly by! I hope you have a great holiday season Gina!

  6. Annie says

    November 10, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    SUCH a neat idea!! I love it! I grew up doing the traditional family Christmas card while my husband’s family has been designing a Christmas card with a photo of the family on front every single year — and what’s really cool about that has been that every year, they look back at past ones, and it’s like looking at a yearbook of the family’s life 😉

    • Amy says

      November 10, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      Aw man, that yearbook of family life comment . . . not making this challenge easy girlfriend lol!

      • Christina says

        November 10, 2015 at 9:41 pm

        Indeed! Decisions, decisions!

  7. Kate says

    November 17, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    So fun! I was just talking with some friends about this last night. Growing up my mom always let my brothers and I draw christmas designs (angels, nativity, etc) and she would have them printed onto cards with a verse inside. Then the kids would color each card and my mom would write notes inside. I find myself wishing my 2-year-old was old enough to do that this year!

    • Amy says

      November 17, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      That is awesome! And such a fun tradition to continue! Maybe this year your 2 year old can just color a picture 🙂

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

10 Free resources

10 Free resources

10 free resources for subscribers!

10 free resources for subscribers!

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio # Pray, hope and don’t worry “ Saint Padre Pio
#Pray #hope #dontworry
Can you tell I’m wearing a “Catholic “ scarf Can you tell I’m wearing a “Catholic “ scarf? It’s from @studio_senn and it’s so perfect for Fall! Last year I tied it to my purse and that looked great too!

What makes me it “Catholic”?
The scarf has a pelican design. The pelican has been a Christian symbol for centuries.

The pelican was believed to pierce its own breast with its beak and feed its young of its blood. It became a symbol of Christ sacrificing himself for man – and because of this was frequently represented in Christian art.

What a beautiful reminder of Christ’s love and potential conversation piece!

This news of the Pelican was completely new to me when I was introduced to this scarf!
Did you ever hear about the Pelican being a Christian symbol?

Studio Senn sent me this scarf last year at my request. I wanted to include it in my Christmas gift guide. Did you see it there?
 
#theology #catholicfashion
Interested in attending this year’s Prayer Wine Interested in attending this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?
If yes, sign go up for my newsletter! I am about to send an email today with details!!!
Let’s gather together to pray and rejuvenate our souls!

Photos taken by @nadiapittmanphoto 
#Catholic #catholicretreat
Matt and I watched Nefarious last night. And when Matt and I watched Nefarious last night.
And when it was over we sat in silence for a noticeable amount of time.

If you are unfamiliar with the movie, it’s a fictitious story but at least one Catholic exorcist has stated that is really does depict the intelligence of demons and the way a person can become possessed. 

The same exorcist said the other recently released movie, The Pope’s Exorcist, is NOT a good or true portrayal of demonic possession.

Friends, we need the Sacraments.
We need prayer.
We need to fast and we need to be aware of what our culture claims to be acceptable or harmless.
The battle is real.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…

#Catholic #Catholiccontent
Check out @catholicsonline for more info #Catholic Check out @catholicsonline for more info
#Catholics #Catholicinfluencers #catholicinstagram
We almost didn’t go. There were a score of reaso We almost didn’t go. There were a score of reasons that cited being responsible. I’m so glad we went.
#CSLewis #Catholic
Hi friends! For those of you that don’t know, my Hi friends! For those of you that don’t know, my name is Amy Brooks and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog about 7 years ago!
I’m so happy to know that you also enjoy Prayer 🙏 Wine 🍷 and of course Chocolate 🍫!
I sent out a newsletter to subscribers today. In case you missed it, here’s a glimpse of what was in the newsletter:
1. Today’s my birthday 🥳 so I put all digital products in my shop on sale!!!!
One day only- don’t miss it!

2. I read Jim Wahlberg’s book The Big Hustle in one day! I mean, it might have been a slight hustle on my part when I asked OSV to send it to me (I had one poster hung up in my room as a teen- that poster was Donnie Wahlberg) and I’m a huge Mark Wahlberg fan (have you seen Father Stu yet?!???) but WOW. I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. Much of what he shared about his family- was very close to home. I also have to share that there is an incredible community that helps addicts that I heard about twice this week. Not only from Jim Wahlberg’s book, but also Father Donald Calloway’s testimony- it’s called Communita Cenacola. I highly recommend we all get to know more about this organization.
@jimbow36 @fr.donaldh.c 

3. I’m booking speaking events! I already have one booked for 2024! If you think I could inspire your community in some way, let’s chat! Just send me a message, I’m happy to talk 🙂

4. Anyone going to see Jen Fulwiler in Philly? Perhaps it could be a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering?! Let me know!
@jenniferfulwiler 

Some photos taken by @nadiapittmanphoto 

#Catholic #Catholicsonline #catholicinfluencers
Currently in the Top 100 on Amazon’s Children’ Currently in the Top 100 on Amazon’s Children’s Inspirational Books category!!!
Let’s celebrate with a SALE!
If you want the Bible Study Guide I wrote that pairs perfectly with this book for only $10.00 comment SOLD and I’ll send you a message! 
(Regular price is $39.50!)
#Catholicyouth #catholicidentity
Take a deep breath. Now thank God for that! What w Take a deep breath. Now thank God for that!
What was the last thing you ate or drank and you thought, this is good?! Thank God for that!
Who was the last person you smiled at? Thank God for her or him!
#Catholic
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of th In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
#CatholicChristian
We have mixed feelings about the start of school 😂 
But on a serious note…
When I started to blog… when I first began “Prayer Wine Chocolate “, my husband and I had one adorable little boy and the dream of a bigger family.
Now look! This week our 3 children started another school year!
I thought I was going to share a checklist about how to adopt without an agency… and God showed me how much more important it is to share the gift of faith and the importance of prayer.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!
And I just love how His mother- Our Blessed Mother- revealed her presence and love along the journey too.
Being a Christian is not easy at times… but this life is only the beginning…
Here’s the checklist:
✔️ Keep praying and dreaming BIG
✔️ Keep asking others to pray for you (on earth and in heaven)
✔️ Believe and stay faithful- our faith is a gift. The Sacraments are a gift. The Rosary is a gift. Wine and chocolate- also gifts
✔️ God’s power and love are greater than we could ever imagine.
Let’s keep praying together!
Drop you ur intentions in the comments… and let us pray for one another!
#keeppraying #JesusisLord #ChristtheKing #MostSacredHeartofJesus #DivineMercy
Being a good Christian… a good Catholic Christia Being a good Christian… a good Catholic Christian, requires confidence in Christ! Let’s help build confident young women who are assured they are LOVED!
#beyourselfjournal #Catholicmom
Buy a copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Buy a copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys from me today and get the Boy’s Bible Study (digital download) for FREE!
How? Type SOLD below and I’ll send you a message!
Can’t wait to give away this awesome Bible Study to a few people today!!!
#Catholic #Catholicyouth
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of th In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Lord, make an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred; let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt,faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
For the majority of my teaching career, I began every class with this prayer.
I started doing this because I heard a story about how one high school for boys had a problem with a growing number of fights happening between students. As a way to battle this, the administrators started praying this Peace Prayer every day over the school’s intercom system.
The results were dramatic- no more fights.
Perhaps we should all pray this prayer more often…
#Catholic #Prayerjournal
Friends- and family- enter the G I V E A W A Y S ! Friends- and family- enter the G I V E A W A Y S ! 
One thing I have always loved doing is hosting one every year around Christmas! I love gathering Catholic gifts and sharing them with you! I love sending out a huge box of gifts to a winner each year!
This year - I entered and WON a contest hosted by the sweetest blogger @conservamome !!
We won these tickets and had the best time as a family at @hersheypark and @hersheyschocolateworld !
I was so sad to leave!!!
What a blessing it was to see our children enjoying the rides with us and with one another! The loved @zooamerica too!
It was such a great day! Oh - 😂- and one of the workers noticed my shirt on that new Reece’s ride/experience… and watched him read my Prayer Wine Chocolate shirt and react with a smile 😂 
Love it!
Milton Hershey and I actually share the same birthday.
Him and his wife probably struggled with infertility… they actually started a school and home for orphans that still is open today.
Anyway- enter the G I V E A W A Y S! They help small businesses- and you might actually WIN!
Thank you Elia and Hershey!!!
#chocolateworld #Catholicblogger
1. Plan a DAYTIME date! I don’t know about you, 1. Plan a DAYTIME date! I don’t know about you, but I get tired pretty early. See if you can use a personal day from work and visit a winery or go into a quaint town for lunch.
2. Get tickets to see a comedian! Matt and I have seen @brianregancomedian and @officialkathleenmadigan in the past… @keithalby is on our list - we hope to see his show LIVE one day too!
3. Go “leafing” I asked my husband for an idea- this was what he said 😂 
4. Fire pit and stargazing.
5. Movie night! I highly recommend Father Stu. I actually still want to see Nefarious but that’s probably not the best date night idea… leave your movie suggestions below!
#Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Just sitting here holding onto every last moment o Just sitting here holding onto every last moment of summer ☀️!
#SaintQuotes #catholicreels
Kristin @onehailmaryatatime - I took a page out of Kristin @onehailmaryatatime - I took a page out of your “parent playbook “! After  Eucharistic Adoration I asked these two 6 year olds:
“What did God say to you?”
George answered: “Pray more”
Jaina answered: “Stay still and look at the altar”
Then I took a dozen pictures of them because Jaina doesn’t stay still…
 I’m really noticing how God speaks simply and in short sentences this year… for all his children, even the 40 something’s!
What has God say d to you lately?
#praymore #BeStill #Catholic #Christian
Dear Holy Trinity, Thank you for all the smiles, l Dear Holy Trinity,
Thank you for all the smiles, laughs and safe trips this summer.
Amen.
#shortprayer #stayprayedup
Sacramental grace, like all of God’s Grace, is a Sacramental grace, like all of God’s Grace, is a gift! And  I need as much as I can get!
#Catholic #Catholicreels #Catholicmemes
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2023 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316