Single Ladies Will LOVE This Girl’s Hilarious Solo Christmas Cards

Cortney Clift
Dec 15, 2015

Christmas cards are a fun way to say hello to all your friends and family. But when you’re single, sending a holiday card can be a little bit awkward. Should you send something that features just you and you alone? Well, sure. That’s what 28-year-old Bridget McCartney has been doing for the past six years.

Bridget tells us, “I’m the youngest of five and all my siblings are married with children. All my siblings were doing their own holiday cards and I was the only one still in my parents card. My mom decided that it was a little awkward that out of five children, I was the only adult child in their Christmas card pictures… So the next year, my parents decided to send out a card with just the two of them. That left my parents with their own card and all my siblings (and their families) with their own cards. Acting as the youngest child, I threw a fit and decided to do my own to get back at all of them. I created the first card [pictured above] without telling anyone and sent it to all my family members. It ended up being a big hit amongst my family members. My mother wasn’t all too pleased with the drunk and lonely Christmas card. So of course, I’ve done it every year since.”

Staying true to her 2010 theme, all of Bridget’s cards have been remained equally as boozy as they are hilarious. In 2011 she shared a super fun snapshot from a tea party she had with some stuffed animals. Then in 2012, she decided to also share a fun memory from a party where she was the only person in attendance.

While it seems like 2013 may have been a rough year for Bridgette, 2014 showed some promise as she got cozy with a super handsome fella in a kayak.

This year, Bridgette’s photo is more hilarious than ever. The card reads, “Merry Christmas from me and this chicken.” Why the chicken? Bridget says, “A lot of people come up to me and tell me I should do a Christmas card with a bunch of cats, but I feel like that’s too predictable. So… I tried chickens instead.” Touché, Bridgette.

So, what can we expect for next year’s card? “I have a few ideas,” she teases. “And they all involve alcohol.”

What’s the funniest Christmas card you’ve seen this year? Share it with us on Twitter @britandco.

(Photos via Bridget McCartney)

20+ Gorgeous Stationery Ideas For Your Holiday Cards

We love an old-fashioned handwritten note, especially one with a heartwarming holiday message. While some may be in favor of sending generic greetings, we love artful, stunning stationery designs that showcase a holiday aesthetic and let us do the talking. These 20+ picks for your holiday cards cover all kinds of celebrations, from Kwanzaa to the winter solstice. They also offer ample space to do a little writing (whether by hand or in print), and — of course — they're all really pretty. Here's what we're eyeing up this season.

Paige & Willow Cup of Cheer Card ($6)

All the ingredients for a delicious hot cocoa, plus knowing we're supporting a small woman-owned business? Yes, please.

Rifle Paper Co. Twelve Tribes Card ($24 for 8)

With stunning imagery and a hand-sketched aesthetic, this Hanukkah card is one everyone will remember.

George & Viv Holiday Boxed Notecard Set ($28 for 16)

A cute mix-and-match of festive notecards and envelopes brings a smile to our face, and is sure to bring one to every recipient's as well.

Papier Christmas Taxi Card ($24 for 10)

If "Silver Bells" is one of your favorite holiday tunes, this adorable urban landscape card is probably calling your name.

Hustle & Hope It's Lit Christmas Card ($6)

This cheery and colorful take on holiday cards is exactly why we love looking outside of mainstream retailers for our stationery needs.

Anthropologie Christmas At Home Boxed Card Set ($18 for 8)

...but on the other hand, stores like Anthro have a reputation for aesthetic excellence, and this boxed card set is a perfect example of why.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Hanukkah Menorah Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Your buying options aren't just trendy stores and independent sellers: The Met offers its own holiday cards, and we're loving this artful menorah stationery.

Rifle Paper Co. Tinsel Tree Card ($24 for 8)

Pro tip: Deck the halls with all the holiday cards you receive each year — or, all the cards you've sent in years past. This colorful pick will look great adorning your mantle.

Everglow Holiday Wish Card ($22 for 8)

Subtle and beautiful, the neutral color scheme of this card is like pampas grass in stationery form.

Jenni Bick Joyous Kwanzaa Holiday Card ($17 for 8)

This bold and modern print is just as warm as the cheer you'll be spreading with this Kwanzaa card.

minted. Woodland Wonderland Holiday Cards ($71 for 25)

We're always fans of designs that involve cute animals doing adorable things.

Solstice Holiday Card ($2)

If you're celebrating the solstice this year, this calming watercolor print showcases the spirit of the season beautifully.

Papier Starry Lights Card ($24 for 10)

Keep things light and bright with a card that'll take recipients' breath away, just like IRL Christmas lights.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Avian Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Another gorgeous option from the Met, this holiday design featuring birds, leaves, and a lit-up Christmas tree is for lovers of color only.

minted. Scandinavian Folk Card ($71 for 25)

If you're all about the Scandi holiday decor, we've found the perfect stationery for you and yours.

Rifle Paper Co. Hawthorne Holiday Greeting Card ($24 for 8)

Botanical, muted, and playful, this holiday card is everything you could want in an aesthetic.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Spirit of the Season Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Speaking of beautiful aesthetics, it doesn't get much more cottagecore than this adorable woodland card.

Paige & Willow Toast New Year Card ($5)

Cheers to this card, which is perfect for those who are excited to wrap up 2022 and move into the new year with joy.

Paper Culture Woodsy Friends Card ($50 for 50)

More about the fall vibes than the winter ones? Tell your loved ones you're thinking about them with this autumnal-inspired design that flows perfectly into December.

Snowy Owl Christmas Card ($20 for 10)

Another great winter solstice option, this breathtaking, painterly card features a snowy owl under a starry sky.

Paper Culture Fox Winter Scene Card ($13 for 10, was $26)

Frolic through the holiday season with this happy little fox-adorned holiday card.

Love these stationery ideas for your holiday cards? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo!

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions

It's always a good time to let someone know that you love them, but something about the coziness, bright lights, and joy of the holidays make it easier to tell someone how much they mean to you. It can be difficult to find the right words to express exactly what you're feeling, but if there's one thing we're sure of, "Happy Holidays" just doesn't cut it!

No matter what your holiday plans are, and whether you're signing a premade card or creating a long handwritten note, these Christmas card ideas encompass the magic of the holiday season, the importance of close relationships, and the beauty of love for a card that will make your best friend, your sister, or your S.O. smile. Keep reading for 60 amazing quotes to all to all your cards and notes.

​Christmas Card Ideas: Song Lyrics

  • "December wouldn't be the same without you." — "December" by Gabrielle Aplin and Hannah Grace
  • "And when I'm feeling alone, you remind me of home. Oh baby, baby, Merry Christmas." — "Christmas Tree Farm" by Taylor Swift
  • "For years to come we'll always know one thing, that's the love that Christmas can bring." — "That's Christmas To Me" by Pentatonix
  • "It's the most wonderful time of the year." — "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" by Andy Williams
  • "You're all I need underneath the tree." — "Underneath The Tree" by Kelly Clarkson
  • "Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams." — "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Bing Crosby
  • "It barely took a breath to realize we're gonna be a classic for all time." — "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
  • "You're a star in the face of the sky." — "Daniel" by Elton John
  • "When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze for the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home." — "(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" by Perry Como
  • "It don't feel like Christmas when you're not here." — "Don't Feel Like Christmas" by Tyler Hilton
  • "Those who've seen us know that not a thing could come between us." — "Sisters" by Rosemary Clooney
  • "All I want for Christmas is you." — "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
  • "Where there is love, I'll be there." — "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5
  • "Snow is falling all around us like our own wide world inside a globe." — "Still Can't Sleep On Christmas Eve" by We The Kingdom
  • "My mood's up all because I know that the snow and the greeting cards mean it's the holidays." — "Holidays" by Josie Dunne
  • "As for me there's nothing like a Christmas tree surrounded by family." — "Christmas Every Day" by David Archuleta
  • "If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see, I'll be the light to guide you." — "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars
  • "Break out the tinsel, unpack the lights, we're about to bring on the merry and bright." — "Favorite Time Of Year" by Carrie Underwood
  • "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." — "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Frank Sinatra
  • "There's nothing you can buy me, it's your hand I wanna hold." — "Hometown Christmas" by Judah & The Lion, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Switchfoot

​Christmas Card Ideas: Movie Quotes

  • "I believe, I believe, it’s silly, but I believe." — Miracle on 34th Street
  • "There’s a certain magic that comes with the very first snow. For when the first snow is also a Christmas snow, well, something wonderful is bound to happen." — Frosty the Snowman
  • "A true selfless act always sparks another.” — Klaus
  • "Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!" — The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • "Christmas is the time to be with the people you love." — Love Actually
  • "This is my family. I found it all on my own. It's little and broken... But still good." — Lilo & Stitch
  • "Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist." — The Santa Clause
  • "Merry Christmas you filthy animal." — Home Alone
  • "Be kind and have courage. And all will be well." — Cinderella
  • "Cheer up, dude. It’s Christmas." — The Grinch
  • "That's what Christmas memories are made from, they're not planned, they're not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen." — Deck The Halls
  • "Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas." — A Christmas Story
  • "Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart." — The Polar Express
  • "This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope." — Home Alone
  • "It's Christmas Eve and we are going to go celebrate being young and being alive." — The Holiday
  • “We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy, and bravery.” — Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
  • "I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow." — White Christmas
  • "I could never love anyone as I love my sisters." — Little Women
  • “When there is kindness, there is goodness. When there is goodness, there is magic.” — Cinderella
  • "The best love is the kind that awakens the soul." — The Notebook

​Christmas Card Ideas: Quotes

  • "The most important thing in the world is family and love." — John Wooden
  • "In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." — Friedrich Nietzsche
  • "From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other." — Emily Matthews
  • "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." — Norman Vincent Peale
  • "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” — Agnes M. Pahro
  • “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Dalai Lama XIV
  • "Family is not an important thing. It's everything." — Michael J. Fox
  • "Even in the chaos of everyday life, moments of gratitude remind us to hold onto the good things." — Brit Morin
  • "At Christmas, all roads lead home.” — Marjorie Holmes
  • “Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams
  • “The older you get, the more you realize that kindness is synonymous with happiness.” — Lionel Barrymore
  • “Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” — Richelle Goodrich
  • "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” – Richard Bach
  • "Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas." — Dale Evans
  • "Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” — Kahlil Gibran
  • “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” — Mother Teresa
  • “Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” — Lisa Weedn
  • "Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” — Thomas S. Monson
  • “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” — Eric Hoffer
  • “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” –C.S. Lewis

Let us know your Christmas card ideas in the comments and check out both our Inspirational Quotes and our Instagram for more heartfelt content.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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