When I was younger I would come up with a Christmas art-type project to fill up the free time away from school on Christmas vacation. I was always totally hyped about Christmas and loved everything to do with it, including the special cartoons and books. Often my project would be a Christmas book of my own...which tended to involve drawing up a cover and character sketches and then not getting to actually finish the story as my enthusiasm waned.

One particular project I recently unearthed, is most notable to me because I did actually finish it in time for Christmas. As a twelve year old, I completed my own version of the classic The Night Before Christmas, beginning December 1st and finishing on Christmas Eve. It turned into a completely stressful ordeal, the thought of not finishing my book in time literally haunting my sleep. Each page featured a full colour illustration, and as the book goes on, they become more and more obscure as I rushed to get it done.

By far my biggest mistake was to write each page's text in alternating red green typewriter serif. Perhaps a little too ambitious. I still remember this project being my first introduction to the serif typeface though...and it actually helped me to memorize all the letter forms...still ingrained twenty years later

I know the traditional family Year in Review Christmas letter is always a hot topic for debate. Some people love it, while others can't stand the the whole premise of bragging about your life. Who knows where it actually even originated from. But think about how much cooler it it would be, if it was a nicely designed infographic, one-page letterpressed presentation.

Aside from the one-upmanship, the cleaner, more concise format might actually entice people to read about your year without committing a whole day of theirs! I've never done a Year in Review, but this fine looking work printed at Cleanwash Letterpress has me reconsidering for next year.

The key to avoiding winter blues and lack of sun, aside from using a SAD lamp, I find, is just curling up with a good book and falling asleep. The long winter's nap! If you're lucky you can dream your way through the entire winter. Bears are pretty bright with the whole hibernation thing. Which brings to mind one of my favourite Christmas books, The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas. Classic!