"Let's be naughty and save Santa the trip." (-Gary Allan)

Too early, you say?

Not so if you were my parents, who felt it was their duty to pose us, ad infinitum, on the infamous day of taking a million photos for our annual Christmas card and picture. We did this until well after Eddie was born...(aren't those socks and "fat dresses" sexy)

I still remember many of these moments captured forever. The hairdo's alone crack me up.

We DREADED having these pictures taken, and sometimes, in the “trial” shots, you can see us holding different objects or even cookies that my parents gave us to assuage us while we suffered for our art.

When my parents had their 40^th wedding anniversary, my siblings and I tried to think of some fun things we could do to help them celebrate, along with a nice brunch at the local art museum...

My sister Mary Kate and I “stole” my parents’ phone book, and between us, we split up people my parents had known over the years, and wrote to them, asking them if they would help us celebrate from a distance, and saying that we wanted to surprise our parents with notes from people if possible.

We asked if they would be willing to write a nice memory or note of congratulations. Then we put together a big book of memories... One person had actually saved all of those Christmas cards over the years and sent those. I was amazed that someone had actually held onto those, …and yet, I do the same if someone sends me pictures of their family.

It’s funny, even though the photos are goofy, I really do smile every time I look at these.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” (-WT Ellis)