December 2017
As our family mailed our 40th Christmas card, I couldn't help but take some time to reflect on the collection as a whole, and all of the important people and life events that have influenced it.
What began as a simple desire to create something most couldn't — a truly custom Christmas card with lots of personal touches — quickly became one of my most cherished family traditions. Although our first Christmas card was sent 10 years prior to the birth of our first child, it was our four children who inspired me to continue creating the Christmas cards over the next three decades.
Early cards reflected on my religious upbringing, which quickly changed into my interpretation of 'a better Christmas card.' The next few cards featured images of Karen and I, and gradually shifted to reflect the printing techniques that I was learning in my day job.
Karen and I had sent out our ninth, and what I thought would be our last, Christmas card — but then we became a family of three, then four, then five, and finally six. Over the next 30 plus years, our children became the fodder for much fun, and designing our family Christmas Card — together — truly became a family tradition that I look forward to every year.
It is my sincere hope that over the last 40 years, the Cooke Christmas cards have brought as much joy and fun to you and yours, as it has to ours.
So put on your favorite holiday tunes, and check out ‘The First 39 Cards’ tab to view all of our Christmas cards in their entirety, complete with commentary.
Marry Christmas to all,
— Larry