Plan Your Family Christmas Photo Now with These Ideas
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The difference between a Christmas card that finds a prime spot on the corkboard and one that winds up at the bottom? A quality picture. This year, make your family's holiday photo stand out with a unique twist, whether it be matching pajamas, cool background scenery, or a surprise guest. (OK, the surprise guest is the dog.) Everybody loves a sweet photo by the fire, but what if you brought in some props to spice things up? Holiday pictures aren't all about the practiced pose. If you're heading out on an excursion to see lights or decorations, bring along the camera to capture some unexpected moments.
If your mind is already on holiday pictures, it might be a good time to bake some Christmas cookies — just snag some pics during the process. Include grandparents, friends, and whoever is most likely to get your kids to smile for the camera. If your vibe is classic, grab some neutral clothes that will look cute together. Want to stand out? Stage a silly scene. It's all about having fun and channeling your family's joy into the photo. Whatever picture you end up with, just make sure to pair it with a meaningful message.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Christmas tree farms and lots typically open up mid-November, creating the ideal opportunity for you to snag an early family photo. Take advantage of the festive scenery and snag those pics!
Decorate the Tree
Haul out the DIY ornaments and twinkle lights from the attic and call up the grandparents! Time to capture some timeless memories flocking the tree.
Open a Gift Early
Strategically pick one gift from under the tree and let the little ones unwrap it to catch that joyful moment for the camera. It's one fewer gift for the big day, but it's worth the small sacrifice to get their reaction for the card.
Related: Best New Toys for 2023
Get to Baking
Use your kitchen as a homey backdrop to a holiday baking day. It's fun for the kids and you'll wind up with some cute candid pics — plus, cookies.
Related: Best Christmas Cake Recipes
Play With Angles
Rather than have everyone line up for a staged photo, see if you can capture genuine reactions when your loved ones see each other.
Have a Dance Party
Break out the holiday outfits and turn up "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" from your holiday playlist. The whole gang will be all smiles while you teach them to boogie.
Play With Props
One trip to HomeGoods and your car will be loaded with cute holiday props for photos.
Find the Family Pet
Relatives love to see your shining faces on cards – but they'd likely delight in seeing your dog or cat, too. (Or turtle, or parakeet...)
Perfect a Gingerbread House
Baking cookies too simple for you? Take on the gargantuan task of baking (or just decorating) a gingerbread house! It may not look perfect, but it'll make for some priceless photos.
Related: Best Gingerbread House Recipes
Take Pictures at Thanksgiving
Ah, the easiest solution! If the family is getting together for Thanksgiving, take some candids throughout the day or coordinate outfits and line up for a group photo.
Hit the Floor
Sitting by the fireplace is overrated; lay on the floor and take a picture from above.
Go Window Shopping
Window displays can get quite extravagant around the holidays. Grab your coats and snap some smiles as the family looks at all the unique window dressings around town.
Look In From the Outside
Make your Christmas card look like a still from a Netflix holiday movie by simply going outside your house and taking a picture of your family staring wistfully out the window.
Go For a Walk
How cute is a "walking away" shot on the back of a holiday card?
Scavenge For a Vintage Pic
The holidays are a wonderful time to embarrass your loved ones. Accomplish this by digging up an old picture and including it for all your peers to see.
Play a Game
Have someone on picture duty while the family plays a board game or charades. You'll be sure to capture some grins when someone is acting out movie titles!
Related Best Board Games for Kids
Grab Some Sparklers
Turn a simple photo into something magical with all those sparklers left over from the 4th of July or your cousin's wedding.
Get Weird With It
Set your family apart by staging a very, very strange photo shoot. (Editor's note: I'm not sure what's going on here, but they sure put a lot of effort into it.)
Call Up a Friend
If your kids loathe getting dressed up for family pics, stage an informal photo shoot when their friends come over to play. Your kid is more likely to smile for the camera if their best friend is giggling beside them—just get parental consent before you put a friend on the card!
Check Out Some Christmas Lights
Roam the neighborhood for the early light displays. There are always a few houses that get the holiday party started in November, right?
Catch Them Candid
Planned pics not for you? Sneak up on the family while they're in their element.
(Santa) Suit Up
Not willing to hit up the mall to meet Santa? Bring a little bit of his style home with hats for the whole family.
Invest in Matching Pajamas
Is there anything more adorable than matching pajamas? Grab pairs for the whole family early—good patterns sell out fast!
Hit the Slopes
Strap on the skis and take some pictures on top of the mountain—or at the bottom, sipping cocoa at the lodge.
Bring Outside Lights In
Before you put those lights on display outside, bring a few in and put them by the tree for a quick pic.
Enjoy a Meal
Invite family and friends over for a relaxing dinner before the holidays really get underway, then take some pictures table-side.
Commission a Unique Piece of Art
Looking for something more unique than a still photo? Find an artist to creature a custom work of art to feature on your card. If you have a few photos to send, you can easily find an artist on Etsy to create a personalized portrait in whatever medium you like.
Show Off Little Toesies
Baby feet are universally beloved. They should really be included on every holiday card.
Go to a Local Holiday Event
Check local listings and find out where you can get some free holiday scenery!
Venture Out the Ice Rink
If you're lucky enough to have a local ice rink, it may provide the perfect background for your holiday photo. You don't even have to skate! Just stand near the skaters.
Go Costume-Crazy
At a certain point, kids stop wanting to wear silly costumes. Take advantage of this precious time and put them in elf outfits. You won't regret it.
Highlight Your House
Create a sense of scene by taking a picture just outside your front door. Years from now, you'll be happy to have a sweet way to remember your home the way it was.
Embrace the Ugly Sweater
Not quite into going full costume but want to be a little festive? The ugly sweater is the ideal way to channel the holiday spirit.
Go All Out
Transform your living room with DIY props! (Or just visit a local place that has scenery already set up. Many indoor playgrounds have something similar and just charge a usage fee.)
Turn Your Vacation into a Photo Op
Going on a trip before the holidays? Bring along a simple Santa hat and pose for a few pics.
Make Your Way to the Mall
Not only do malls still have Santas, they have tons of holiday backdrops for all your family photo needs. In case you're wondering, JCPenney still does portrait sessions!
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
If you have access to snow, you have no excuse not to build a snowman and pose with your newfound friend.
Cozy Up in Bed
You spend a lot of time in bed, so why not get cozy, crack open a beloved Christmas book, and pose with pillows?
Think Ahead to the New Year
Don't forget about the "and a happy New Year" part of the song! Grab some balloons or silly year glasses to remind everyone to have the best New Year.
Go DIY
DIY Christmas cards are completely worth the extra effort. Print out your photos and assemble cards from colored paper. You've never had a better excuse to buy crinkle scissors and glitter!
You Might Also Like
