Today I’m introducing “Simplified Seasons,” a series to share simple traditions and my favorite projects that honor the changes that come with the flip of the calendar, preserve my sanity and bring the joy!

After lots of practice with last minute holiday chaos, I started journaling the same list of to-do’s year-to-year. I review them in September to refresh the memory, see how I can simplify and ask myself what I can do now.

And in September, I do my Christmas cards.

This month, I am designing, printing and ordering everything I need, including the stamps and envelopes. This is not about dropping my cards in the mail on Dec. 1 - rarely I do. This is about making time now for something I enjoy, and doing it at my own pace. Starting now also saves me money.

I’m not a professional designer. I’ve taken some classes over the years to build enough skills in Adobe Illustrator to create basic invitations, stationery and cards, and with a DIY approach, have found some tried and true vendors who help preserve my peace of mind and my checkbook.

If you are local to Los Angeles or Orange County, Calif., Manhattan Repro is my go-to printer, eight years now and running. Small business owner David has been so patient with my requests for test prints, color adjustments, paper samples and more. He gives my home designs a level of quality I could never achieve on my own.

I buy all my envelopes from Paper Source (free shipping on orders over $50 now!). Its paper bar has every shape, size and color, and if you don’t have a store near you, you can order a swatch guide with color and paper weight samples (my favorite design tool!). With enough planning, I can take advantage of PS sales, and rarely have I bought envelopes at full price.

Before I designed, I was a loyal Minted and Tiny Prints customer, and I love what I’m seeing today from Pinhole Press and Artifact Uprising. Tip: most are offering discounts on orders and/or shipping right now!