Organizing A Family Christmas Photo Shoot

The twinkle lights were hung, the matching pajamas were neatly laid out, and the kids were finally tucked in bed.

I glanced at my camera sitting on the kitchen table and thought about how much effort it took each year to plan our family Christmas photo.

It’s one of my favorite traditions, but let’s face it—getting everyone dressed, smiling, and looking in the same direction is no small feat! As I sat down with a cup of cocoa to review my plans, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking about last year’s chaos.

Our youngest, dressed as a little elf, decided to take his holiday spirit to the next level by dumping an entire bag of powdered sugar over himself.

The end result? An impromptu “Snowman Elf” moment that made it into our Christmas card after all. So this year, I vowed to be more organized, but still keep things fun and festive.

If you’re like me and want to capture those perfect holiday moments without losing your sanity, here are five tips to help you organize a successful family Christmas photo shoot. Grab your camera (or phone), your favorite holiday outfits, and a good sense of humor!

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Tips To Organize A Christmas Family Photoshoot

Plan Ahead

5 Tips For Organizing a Family Christmas Photo Shoot

Coordinating outfits is key to a cohesive look. Consider choosing a color palette that complements your home’s holiday decor, like classic red and green, winter whites, or even trendy metallics.

If you want to go all out, try matching holiday pajamas—flannel plaid sets or matching reindeer sweaters are adorable options.

Planning your outfits ahead of time will also save you from last-minute wardrobe malfunctions!

Choose the Right Time of Day

The best time to take photos is when everyone is well-rested and in good spirits.

For families with younger children, opt for morning or early afternoon sessions to avoid the dreaded nap-time meltdowns.

Make sure to have a few favorite snacks on hand to keep energy levels up and pack small incentives like these fun holiday-themed stickers to reward cooperation!

Pick a Picture-Perfect Setting

Whether you’re planning to do the shoot at home or outdoors, scout your location beforehand.

For indoor photos, set up a cozy backdrop with a decorated Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and comfy throws.

Consider using a festive garland or this rustic faux snow blanket to create a picture-perfect scene. If you prefer the great outdoors, a local park or even your snowy backyard can work beautifully. Don’t forget to check the weather and have a backup plan!

Get the Kids Involved in the Process

Let the little ones help choose props or suggest silly poses. This makes them feel included and more likely to cooperate.

Try using props like Santa hats, a “Merry Christmas” banner, or even holiday-themed photo booth props. You’ll get some genuine smiles and candid shots that are just as meaningful as posed ones.

Keep It Light and Fun

Remember that the goal is to capture the joy of the season. Things won’t always go according to plan—someone’s hair will be a mess, or the dog might knock over a decoration.

Embrace the imperfections and focus on enjoying the moment. After all, the best photos are often the ones that happen when you’re all just being yourselves.

And if you need a break, set up your tripod and remote shutter to capture candid moments while you’re all having a tickle fight or sipping cocoa!