Here it is- our 2015 O’Brien Family Christmas Card, “Home Alone!â€
We had so much fun with this and we hope everyone enjoys it. This year is the 25th anniversary of the release of Home Alone. In the movie Kevin is eight years old, just like Brendan. A perfect fit!
We realize it may seem crazy to most to spend so much time, effort and money on a Christmas card. Three years (and four cards) ago when we decided our card should be funny it was because we wanted our friends and family to smile and maybe laugh. The holiday season can be tough and stressful for some. If opening a card could bring a moment of happiness, then we did our job. If knowing we thought of you while we planned and took pictures, stuffed and stamped envelopes, then we met our goal.
But we also do it because it has become a family tradition. I love Christmas and I love traditions. I grew up with lots of them; large family parties (like rent a hall because there are so many cousins big), Christmas cookies, church pageants and special pjs. When Brendan was five years old and Aidan was seven years old, they understood that people appreciated our token of holiday spirit. They loved the response almost as much as taping Brendan to the wall. From there our new family tradition was born.
Planning for our Christmas card has become almost a year long discussion. When you have an almost 11 year old, you are keenly aware that if your child wants to talk to you or participate in a family activity you seize the moment. Who knows how long we can keep this going but for now we cherish the laughing and excitement our holiday tradition brings to all of us.
There are discussions about ideas, costumes, makeup and props. There is planning. There is photoshop. Everyone was involved in making this card. We also put together a “making of†video which we hope shows how much fun we had. We didn’t think it was possible to top last year’s card but we think you’ll like this one. Maybe it will bring back a memory of seeing Home Alone for the first time. I know we will never see the movie the same way again!
Past Christmas Cards: