Great ideas for family Christmas card photos

Many parents love including family photos into our annual Christmas cards, and some of us even make the pictures a part of the actual card. If you’re stumped for a way to set up your photo session, we’ve gathered up some of the cutest Christmas family pictures to give you an idea for your own holiday photo shoot.

Matching or coordinating outfits

Incorporating a matching or coordinating outfit in your family holiday photo is a sweet idea. Here, Laura’s mother, Joan Nimtz, pictured here with her grandchildren, Davina, Maya, Olivia, Luke, Andy and Jude, knitted the sweaters the little ones are wearing. Such a cute idea to include Grandma in the photo!

Image credit: Laura Benitz Photography

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Eye-catching backdrop

Maeghan’s boys, Cameron and Henry, are pictured in front of a vivid red door upon which a wreath hangs. Your eye is drawn downward to her handsome sons, who are barefoot and wearing matching white shirts. The color in the photo is striking and pulls the elements of the scene and the kiddos together very well.

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Incorporate single photos into the card

Single portraits, like these of Kelly’s children, are easily worked into a family Christmas card. You don’t have to worry about getting everyone’s attention for a group shot, which, as parents, we know can be hit-or-miss on even the best days. Instead, you can concentrate on getting their photos taken by themselves and then incorporate them into the card itself.

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Outdoors

Your Christmas photo does not have to scream "Christmas!" with snow and holiday decorations — consider thinking outside the box for the picture you add to your Christmas cards this year. The outdoors makes an excellent setting for family pictures no matter the season — the natural surroundings give the perfect backdrop. Aubrey and her family look so relaxed and totally adorable in this year’s picture.

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Isolated subjects

Here, Lindsey and her family are isolated on a black backdrop so the viewer’s eyes focus on the family. Their faces are clear and sharp and you can really get a good look at how lovely the family is and how their daughter has grown since last year.

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Oldest to youngest

Carrie’s daughters are pictured here, cascading from her oldest daughter to her newest addition. Not only is it a beautiful way to showcase her family, but it gives the picture a sense of fluidity and motion.

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Symmetrical group

Traci’s impressive brood is grouped together here in perfect symmetry — Aiden, the oldest, is in the middle, and is flanked by Violet and Raelene. The newest family members, Scarlett and Veronica, are seated carefully in front of them. Together, they look almost star shaped.

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Santa suit

A Santa suit is perfect for a Christmas picture, especially if it’s on an adorable newborn baby. Here, Niki stands in front of her family’s Christmas tree, holding Lucas, who was born just a couple of weeks before Christmas.

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Props

Especially if you have a young baby or toddler to photograph, you can often distract them long enough to take the picture while giving them a Christmas-themed toy or prop to play with. Here, Lauren and her younger sister, Willow, are holding the family’s stocking holders. It worked — a quick “Yoo hoo!” and the picture was taken.

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Costumes

How adorable are these kiddos? Jolene’s mother wanted her grandkids to dress up for the family Christmas photo, so they gathered Santa and snowman costumes and went to town. Priceless memories were made this day!

More family Christmas fun

10 Holiday traditions from across the world
5 Fun Christmas Eve traditions with kids
Family Christmas movies to bring the holiday spirit