45 Best Christmas Card Photo Ideas for Any Picture-Perfect Family
Plus, tips from a professional photographer.
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It's the most wonderful time of the year, which means it's also time to gather your family, friends, and even pets together for a holiday picture. It's not always an easy task, but once you do get that golden photo, you know you have to send it out on a Christmas card for everyone to see. This is a big tradition for Ree Drummond and her family, and in their book, there's no better way to spread holiday cheer than by dressing up for photos in matching Christmas pajamas.
You, too, can capture a moment that's sure to put smiles on your loved ones' faces. Start with this list of the best Christmas card photo ideas! But to make your photos look their very best, it does take a bit of planning—from the wardrobe to the location to hoping everyone will just sit still. These 45 Christmas card photo ideas will undoubtedly offer inspiration, and you'll gain some tips and tricks from professional photographer Paige Sovic that will make your family Christmas card photos shine their very brightest.
Of course, holiday pictures aren't just for Christmas cards. They're also pictures you'll put into a photo album, hang throughout your home, and hold onto for generations to come. You could even pop them in frames to make a few sentimental gifts. So grab the family, don your most seasonal looks, and get ready to pose!
Then after you're done taking photos:
Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Don your most outrageous ugly Christmas sweaters for a card that’s guaranteed to bring plenty of holiday chuckles! Whether you go for matching or a mix of hilariously hideous designs, the end result will be unforgettable.
Add Some Mistletoe
Your sweet moment under the mistletoe belongs on a Christmas card! Whether it’s a quick peck or funny pose with the family, this classic tradition is guaranteed to spread holiday cheer and romance.
Add in Some Photos
Missing someone in your picture this year? Fear not! Simply grab some fun candid shots of them and include them in the photoshoot. That way, no one misses out on the fun!
Sing Christmas Carols
Singing Christmas carols is one of the best ways to celebrate the season—so why not add a little of that magic to your Christmas card? Bundle up and head outside for a festive photo op that’s sure to hit all the right notes.
Read a Christmas Story
Cuddle up next to the tree and read a classic Christmas book to the kids. It'll keep them entertained and give you a sweet action shot without a lot of effort. Try The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Make a Snow Angel
For a lighthearted touch, one of the best winter traditions makes for an adorable Christmas card photo! Just bundle up in the cutest and coziest attire then head outside. The overhead shot is such a fun angle.
Visit the Big City
Taking Christmas photos at home is a great go-to. But using the nearest city as your backdrop can be even more dramatic! Bonus points if you set up your shot near twinkling lights and festive decorations, which you'll surely find.
Make It Evergreen
Posing in front of evergreen trees is an easy way to get your fix of the classic Christmas tree without having to decorate! They're easy to find and you can be super casual with the poses.
Light a Fire
This one just looks like the epitome of the holiday season! A glowing, roaring fire is the surest way to add warm ambiance to your Christmas card photo. Make it even cozier by incorporating holiday sweaters.
Color Coordinate
Pick a theme color to carry throughout your Christmas card photos. For the holidays, red is always a home run! You can also get festive with green and gold or choose a unique color combo for your coordinating outfits.
Do a Favorite Winter Activity
If your family is big into skiing or snowboarding, just head to the mountain and capture those favorite wintery moments in photo form! An iceskating rink shot would be beautiful as well.
Get Beachy
Whether you live in a sunny locale, or you’re planning on an upcoming beach vacation, get your toes sandy for your Christmas photo. You can do this with Christmassy accessories or stick to your typical beach attire.
Put Your Heads Together
For a unique spin on your Christmas card photo shoot, you and your kiddos can lay head-to-head on the floor while a camera captures you from above. Christmas décor around the edges makes for the perfect added touch.
Take a Hike
To add a seasonal, casual feel to your Christmas card picture, allow your favorite hiking trail to act as a gorgeous backdrop. It really is a winter wonderland!
Wear Festive Hats
You can’t go wrong with Santa hats for any Christmas card photo! Bonus points if you’re wrapped up in a blanket in front of a glittering tree.
Sit with Santa
Is there anything cuter than pictures of your little ones sitting on Santa’s lap? Nope! And they happen to make for lovely holiday cards as well.
Include a Beloved Stuffed Animal
To really include the entire family in the shot, ask your children to hold their favorite stuffed animals. It will be a sweet touch all of your recipients will love.
Make a Truck the Centerpiece
Ree would undoubtedly approve of a red truck as a backdrop for a Christmas photo! Kiel James Patrick and his family picked a beautiful snowy day to shoot this picture, making the red truck stand out even more.
Get Dressed Up
Photographer Paige Sovic says that “formal is coming back,” and dressing up can make for gorgeous Christmas card photos. She adds, “It’s the perfect time to get really done up and have fun with it, plus it lends to a more elevated Christmas card.”
Wear Your PJs
For an extra dose of fun for your holiday cards, make like Ree and her family and get in your jammies! Taking a few shots in front of the tree will look cute and casual. (Don’t forget to include your family’s furry friends, too!)
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