Growing up, my family had our share of little holiday traditions—Green Bay Packers ornaments got the best spots on the Christmas tree, Thanksgiving dinner was served on our finest china (Styrofoam) and the annual drive through City Park meant you had to sing the 12 Days of Christmas as frantically as you could as the car passed the light display for the respective day. 

One tradition that holds a special place in my heart, though, is the sending and receiving of holiday cards. As a child, my mother let us help pick out the annual card which usually included silhouettes to represent the family members—dog, cat and fish included. Any received Christmas cards were set in a pile until I or my sisters could tape them around the door frame to show off to anyone who dropped by for a holiday visit. While this is a tradition shared by many, many families and one I now practice on my own, it can become routine and even frustrating (hello tracking down addresses for the five friends who moved last year and does cousin Sissy have four or five kids now?). 

You'll still find cards hanging around the door frames at my parent's house.

When we started brainstorming ideas for NRPA’s holiday card this year, we explored everything from the quirky to the loud to the traditional. And while at times the process was tedious, I think what we ended up with is something that genuinely reflects the serenity we hope all of our members can find amidst the hustle and bustle (read insanity) of the season. 

As we all wrap up our last minute projects before the holiday break, I hope you take a moment to look at your cards and appreciate the message behind each one. At NRPA, we truly wish each and every member the best this holiday season and hope you can spend some time relaxing, recreating and just having fun. 

What are your favorite holiday traditions? We’d love to hear them! Leave a comment or tweet us @NRPA_News.