FIRST UP, KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Use a few photos. Stick to simple layouts. Don’t worry about embellishing too much. Don’t worry about picking the perfect photos or designing the perfect title page.
Simplicity when it comes to memory-keeping really boils down to a “done is better than perfect” mindset. Enjoy the process, but don’t become so committed to it that it keeps you from getting started (or finishing when you’re midstream!).
SECOND, DETERMINE THE DESIGN.
Choose a few design elements, colors, fonts, and ideas, and let those be your guide throughout your project.
Once you’ve made some design decisions (like using Cambria pt 8 in regular OR italic!), pressure’s off to reinvent the wheel every time you work on a layout.
THIRD, MIX COLOR PHOTOS WITH BLACK AND WHITE.
This is a must for me in any project. It keeps your eye moving around the layouts and adds contrast and interest.
Another bonus of using black and white in your photo editing is that it’s such an easy way to take a so-so photo with crummy lighting from zero to hero.
FOURTH, ADD LOTS OF JOURNALING.
Write down those stories that fill in the gaps your photos leave in the project.
I include so few photos in our holiday albums that journaling is really a must for me in these projects. But I love it! I love reading back over notes I included about Christmas gifts or special things we did that year.
The holidays can start to run together year after year (we’ve been married over 20!), but a little journaling goes a long way toward triggering your memory and reminding you of what mattered in a particular season.
FIFTH, HAVE FUN.
Take a few pics, do your journalling, give yourself grace in this season and document daily, weekly, include a photo every day - or just what means something. I hope you take this opportunity to document your December and Christmas season with intention:-)
We have a couple of videos over on our Facebook page showing how to set up some pages - and we will be connecting in January for a Documenting December "Wrap-up"