Ah, the holidays. It's the time of year when we turn our thoughts to Christmas, the overwrought and overfought War on the War Against Christmas, the other holidays and stuff. This also means Christmas cards, gifts and more.
While there are a lot of different people and publications will encourage you to shop local for the holidays, I will refrain from discussing that subject until later. (Besides, I prefer to shop loco).
No, the most important thing for me now is to get cards out to friends and family. I haven't sent the cards out in a few years and I feel like a heel.
At the same time, I don't want to send the same old boring card -- no stale winter themes or dramatic newsletters of my accomplishments for me. I want to add a local flavor. For example, when I lived in Michigan I used stamps that were launched in the town where I lived.
So, how do I kick it up, Chico-style? I could try to get the musical group Yule Logs to pose for a picture, but I don't know if friends back east would get it.
I've been pondering some ideas, but I wanted to give you all a chance to weigh in. Here's what I've got so far:
- A - Remember that great Coca-Cola ad campaign with the portraits of Santa holding the iconic soda bottle? OK, picture this -- me dressed as Santa holding the Chico-equivalent, a big bottle of Sierra Nevada ale. I'll try to make it look classy and less like a poorly dressed nerfherder with booze.
- B - I took a photo of the Senator Theatre through an ornamental metal fence in Chico City Plaza. For this, I would try to recreate it with a holiday theme -- a wreath and some ornaments.
- C - An image of the holiday tree in City Plaza. I'll try to jazz it up somehow.
- D - A photo of me in some holiday garb holding a local object d'arte.
What do you think? Help me decide and you might win the grand prize -- a Christmas card from yours truly.
Here are some illustrations to help with your decision:
B - The Senator Theatre concept
D - Me, holding an object d'arte
Maybe a little of A and B?
To Ho Ho Ho -
That's a possibility, but I worry about this design getting too cluttered. Besides, if I'm in Chico for a long time, I can use the other ideas in subsequent years.
Now Ryan, how come you didn't provide an example of you and the bottle of Sierra Nevada?
May I suggest Celebration Ale for the proper seasonal touch?
Ooh, I like the Celebration Ale touch.
All of the photos are just the prototypes and I don't have one for the Sierra Nevada Santa.
your ideas are very nice i like it