If you’re like me, after Thanksgiving, I look forward to the many Christmas cards I receive from my family and friends across the country. It’s always great fun to get the latest news, see how the kids have grown, and watch your friend grow up a year.

Of course there are some cards that just fail and I wonder why they took the time to create and ship this card? It makes you think! So, in a spirit of love, kindness, and fun, here are five tips to make your family’s Christmas memorable.

1) Include more than one image. Yes, it is a tradition of many families to get a studio portrait done and to do the stuffy look that we are all dressed in the same way. That’s fine, if it’s one of your family’s traditions. But it also includes casual photos of Billy doing an abdominal dip in the pool, or Pet Dog Daisy licking baby’s ice cream. Bring it to life. In fact, you could even tell the annual story with a collage of images.

2) It is NOT a time to show off, it is a time to celebrate the seasons of life. Don’t think you have to try to outdo others. While it would be wonderful to boast that your daughter was accepted to Harvard, you won the Nobel Peace Prize and there were 50 attendees at your daughter’s wedding in Tuscany, wait … your closest friends already know of your greatest accomplishments. Your friends will enjoy seeing your less-than-perfect family hugging, sharing a family dinner, or casual scenes behind the wedding. For those who couldn’t be at the events, show them the real pictures, your true self. Then include a link to your Facebook page to see all the perfect, stylish images.

3) Keep the card focused on the season. This is not the time to add an ad about your business. Nothing turns people off more than getting a Christmas card that ends with … if you know someone who needs to buy or sell a house, give me a call. Yak. That takes the Christmas spirit out of care entirely and your care is most likely sent to File 13 (the trash can).

4) Include a personal note for the recipient. Let them know how special they are to you and the family. A heartfelt card doesn’t just tell your story, it makes the recipient feel like an important part of your extended family.

5) Prepare the cards with a blessing and love in your heart. While creating the special card by adding heartfelt words and pictures, before pressing the SEND button and the beautiful card is printed, filled, sealed and sent, please pause and send a mental blessing to everyone who will be touched by the card . The power of love knows no boundaries.