Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hallmark Signature through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Hallmark Signature, all opinions are my own.

I think one of the toughest things about living in New York City is being so far away from my family. They are literally on the other side of the country, so I only get to see them two to three times a year and that’s if I’m lucky!

The distance really starts to wear on me around the holiday season. Oh, what I would give to be at home to help my parents put up Christmas lights, hang up our stockings and snap a festive family photo. The holidays have always been synonymous with family. Sure, the home-cooked meals and gift exchanges are a part of it, but what’s even more important to me is celebrating the loved ones who make every little moment feel extraordinary.

This past year, I was lucky enough to travel to California for work twice – once in the spring and again in the summer. Both times, I extended my stay so that I could spend time with my parents in San Diego. It’s crazy to think that we go months without seeing each other, but when I’m back at home, it feels like exactly that: home. It’s as if we never skipped a beat. My parents and I fall back into the same old familiar habits – sharing breakfast and a newspaper around the kitchen island or cozying up in the living room to watch our favorite television shows. As ordinary as these everyday moments seem, when you only get to share them a few times a year, you start to cherish every second of it.

That’s why I can’t wait to celebrate the season with my family this year. In a few weeks, James and I will be splitting our time between his family in Arizona and mine in California, but not to worry – there’s plenty of love to go around. I’m particularly excited to share the joy with our families both in person and in writing.

Hallmark Signature was kind enough to send over a few beautifully decorated holiday cards (Can we talk about that sprinkle-covered “Merry” card? It’s so stinkin’ cute!). What I love about the collection is that they all have their own unique personalities and I already have an idea of which family member will receive each card.

Most importantly, it’s my goal to spend some time writing a special message for each one. I’m typically guilty of a quick love note, but these are no ordinary cards and the recipients are no ordinary people. They’re my family – the ones I can always count on, the ones who inspire me and the ones who love me every day, no matter the distance. No matter how long it’s been since we last saw each other. They’re the ones that make ordinary moments feel extraordinary and that is, without a doubt, worth traveling across the country for any time.

So let the countdown and the card writing begin! I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with my family!

Hallmark Signature cards are available in the card aisle wherever Hallmark cards are sold.

Created in partnership with Hallmark Signature.