Written by Kerrie Alexander
It’s been 21 years since a baby photo of An Butler appeared on the front of the family Christmas card.
It’s no surprise that it was fabulous because it was designed by Alive’s fearless leader, photographer, graphic designer and all-round talent Joy Butler.
Add in the love of her life – her husband Jamie – and their youngest daughter Livi and you have a talent pool of Christmas card ‘actors’.
They have sweltered through winter costumes in summer, been blown away by (photoshop) bombs, wrapped in toilet paper, stuck behind bars and so many more hilarious photos that are usually accompanied by an even more rib-tickling pun!
The quirky and fun family tradition of making a family Christmas card each year started all those years ago to spread the joy of Christmas, stay connected with family and tell a story of the Butler’s year in one single print.
In a world where today’s society is commandeered by social media and electronic devices, it’s a heartwarming notion to think the Butler’s family in Hong Kong and England, and a select few good friends, open their letter box to find this special gift each year.
“We want to spread joy, but in a different way,” Joy said.
“It’s not a normal Christmas card that people throw out after the holidays.
“It’s something special that our friends and family can keep, and everyone keeps up with what we look like too.”
However, these seasonal greetings are more than just a cute photo and cliché message.
The photo tells a story about the year that has passed with varying scenes of joy, sorrow, love and adventure and each message is personally handwritten by the family.
2017 was a tough year for the family with the loss of their beloved granddad coupled with other tough times.
That year’s card is like a scene out of Die Hard with the family walking away in sync from an explosion that ‘blew up’ that year.
It took about 15 takes to get it just right.
“It was a really shitty year, so we wanted to see it out with a bit of humour so I photoshopped a bomb in there.
“We blew up 2017,” Joy said with a laugh.
“We don’t want to have just a Christmassy theme. It has to tell a story.”
Other favourites were the year of Covid in 2020 when not a roll of toilet paper could be found in the supermarkets but could be seen wrapped around the Butler’s in the hilarious photo recap of what was a tumultuous year for everyone.
As was the year of lockdown, with a Home Alone theme taking centre stage that year.
Another was a ‘cracker’ year with Joy pulling a cracker, An cracking up laughing, Livi eating a cracker and cheeky Jamie (pun totally intended) showing some crack.
2022 was the year of the ‘photo booth’, capturing memories with An before she left the nest to make new adventures of her own.
“There was a lot of love in last year’s card with a photo booth theme,” Joy said.
“We knew we weren’t going to see her for a while, so we did a really loving family scene.”
Every member of the family has their reasons behind why they love coming together for the fun project each year.
It’s all about the memories for Jamie.
“My memory is not that good and looking at the cards always reminds me of each year,” he said.
“It’s really special.”
Joy loves letting her creative and artistic flair out of the box to create something super fun and special.
“I like the production side of it, from planning to shooting.
“It’s a big family project together with lots of teamwork. It’s the experience for me as well.”
An is all about the love! She recalls coming together with the family this month for a slightly heated discussion about what this year’s theme would be.
“I love the way we are all together when we choose it.
“Last year was the photobooth and I got to choose the theme and set it up and it was so much fun.
“I just love it when we are all together.”
Livi said she just loves being a part of all the creativity.
“I’m always excited to give the cards out to my friends so I can see their reactions and laugh along with them at the funny themes.
“I feel proud that I’m part of such a creative and funny family.”
The setting for this year’s card was a hot topic at the interview table with a hint of an ‘adventure’ theme but still a debate on how to go about it.
“This year, An has been travelling, Livi is going to Newcastle and we’re thinking about more adventures in our van.
“Every year is a more and more intense debate, especially between An and I,” Joy laughed.
Once the card project is done and dusted the family will come together to enjoy their other family traditions like grandma’s trifle, putting the tree up on December 1 and buying one thoughtful and practical gift each.
Christmas dinner is also a time for family.
“We don’t have a big celebration because we are a small family but we all love coming together for Christmas dinner,” Jamie said.
“Family is definitely the major focus with the card just being a great tradition.”
Joy encourages other families to give the card making a go. All you need is an idea, a camera and a Big W with greeting card printing close by.
Christmas cards don’t come cheap these days, especially if you are looking for something more than just a basic print and cheesy sentiment!
Making your own is not only more fun but it can create a lifetime of wonderful memories to look back on, just like the Butler family.