An idea becomes reality.
Like every year, I started thinking about what I was going to do to pimp my Christmas cards this year around June.
Rather quickly, the idea was conceived to link the cards to a website in order to provide some more information about
why the fuck I am doing what I am doing. This was a pretty big task, considering my then total lack of any HTML, CSS or
Javascript skills. Despite this, I took on the challenge (with the help of chatGPT where necessary) and eventually
arrived at a more or less functional website. Admittedly, it isn't really well optimized and contains quite a lot
of redundant and unnecessary code, but I am still quite pleased. To put it online, the files were placed on
github pages, coupled to the domainname jochenscrazykerstkaartcarrousel.be and job done. All things considered,
the whole process took up a few weekends though :(.
Creating art or something.
Once the website was finished, I could start working on the card itself. This starts by listing up all the
elements I want my card to contain this year. A part of that, I can just think up on the spot, like the neural
network at the center of this years card (considering the controversy about the physics and chemistry nobel
prizes this year), but for the remainder, I need to refresh my memory on what exactly set the past year apart.
Once the list is complete, I choose a color pattern and situate where all the different elements need to fall.
This year a QR code needed to be added as well. For this purpose, a dynamical QR code was appropriate, since
it allows to make changes to the link that could still fail, even after printing. Next, all the elements are
drawn out (on a computer or on paper prior to being scanned) and thrown together in GIMP (free photoshop).
A nice filter on top can improve the final result and once I am pleased, the cards can be ordered online (Drukzo).
A difficult balance.
Once the cards have been ordered and are on their way to me, the time has come to assemble the list of recipients,
starting from the excel list of past year. Because I refuse to accept that my social circle is shrinking, I add a few
more people to the list to the extent that my budget allows it. The budget of this year has suffered a bit under the
weight of putting a website online, but less than one might think. After doing this, I contact the people of whom
I suspect that their adress isn't up to date. Once all adresses are confirmed, I have them printed on stickers together
with a return adres sticker for each recipient. These stickers make the next step a lot less time consuming.
Write write write write ...
When all the necessities have arrived, it's usually already well past the start of november and I'm starting to get
pressed for time. During what is a very monotonous process, all stickers are attached to the envelopes and a card is
added to every one of them. I try to take my time for actually writing the personalized message and making a little
drawing on the back. Finally, what remains is to glue the envelope shut and send them.
Ready to ship out!
Finally, the website is ready and the cards are written. Time to fill a red letterbox to the brink with paper.
