Family Photos: Surviving the Holiday Chaos

Let’s be real: the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year—except, maybe, when it comes to taking family photos. The pressure to get that perfect picture for your Christmas card can turn even the calmest mom into a full-fledged photographer-director-stress ball. But don’t worry! Whether you’re aiming for a cozy family portrait or a hilarious outtake for the annual “holiday chaos” look, we’ve got you covered with some MomCo Liberty MO - approved strategies to help make your family photo session a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

1. Set Realistic Expectations: It’s Not a Vogue Cover

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: You’re not going to get the perfectly curated, magazine-style family portrait. You might have an adorable idea in mind, but let’s face it—someone’s probably going to have their eyes closed, a kid will inevitably pick their nose, and your toddler will refuse to wear the matching sweater you bought for them with so much love. And that’s okay!

Instead of aiming for a flawless shot, embrace the chaos and focus on capturing genuine moments of love, laughter, and yes, even that one family member who can’t seem to stop blinking. This is real life, not a photoshoot at Saks Fifth Avenue!

2. Pick Your Location Wisely—But Not Too Wisely

When choosing your location, keep in mind that simple is often better. A backdrop of twinkling holiday lights or a cozy living room with a crackling fireplace will make for an inviting shot. But don’t stress over finding the “perfect” spot. Sometimes the best photos are taken in the middle of your living room, where no one has to worry about walking on cold grass or standing in front of a fake winter wonderland scene.

And please, for the love of all that’s holy, avoid choosing a location with lots of potentially dangerous elements—like a ski slope (unless you’re feeling particularly brave) or a park with a fountain that your two-year-old will undoubtedly try to jump into. Stick to places where you can easily corral your crew without risking a meltdown (from you or them).

3. Outfits: Coordinated, Not Matching (Unless You're Feeling Bold)

We get it—matching family sweaters with reindeer, plaid shirts, and red scarves can look so cute in theory. But, let’s be honest: it’s 2024, and we’re all about comfort and self-expression. Let’s aim for a coordinated look, where everyone’s outfits complement each other, rather than the whole matching ensemble. You don’t need to have everyone in plaid or white shirts to look cute. A simple mix of colors that flow together—think soft neutrals, jewel tones, or even denim—will keep things looking stylish and not like you all stepped out of a holiday card factory.

And, if you have a toddler, please remember to dress them in something they’ll actually want to wear. No one wants a family photo where the three-year-old is crying because they’re being suffocated by a too-tight Christmas dress. If your little one insists on wearing that superhero cape or Elsa costume, don’t fight it. Just roll with it!

4. Let the Kids (and Pets) Do Their Thing

Kids and pets are the stars of family photos, even though they often don’t act like it. Trying to get a perfectly posed shot of your dog in a Santa hat or your baby smiling at the camera can be the ultimate exercise in patience. Instead of forcing them into position, let them be themselves!

Capture their silly faces, the laughter as they play with their siblings, or the moment your dog inevitably shakes off all the holiday spirit (and water) on your husband’s new sweater. These candid shots are often the best ones because they show the true joy of the season. Plus, those candid moments will be the memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

And for the record, if your dog is wearing a festive sweater, you must get a picture of that. It’s a holiday rule.

5. The Magic of Distraction (AKA the Bribery Technique)

Listen, we all want the perfect family picture, but let’s be real: bribery is a totally acceptable strategy when it comes to getting kids to smile. A lollipop, a candy cane, or even the promise of extra screen time later can work wonders in getting your little ones to cooperate for those 10 precious minutes.

And, hey, if you’ve got teens who are protesting the whole “let’s get a family photo” thing, try using the subtle approach: “If you smile for this photo, I’ll cook your favorite dinner tonight” or “I’ll let you have a few extra hours with your Xbox.” Whatever it takes!

6. Keep the Photo Session Short and Sweet

Kids have a short attention span. So do husbands. So do you. Keep the family photo session short, sweet, and full of breaks for snacks, water, and maybe a little TikTok dance to lighten the mood. No one needs to spend hours in front of the camera.

If you’re starting to lose everyone’s attention, don’t be afraid to call it a day. Remember: you can always do another round next year! There’s no rule that says you have to have 300 photos to choose from. Two or three really good shots that capture the fun and spirit of the season are all you need.

7. Don't Forget the Outtakes (They're Gold)

This might be the most important piece of advice we have: Embrace the outtakes. Some of the best moments in family photos come from the ones that didn’t go exactly as planned. That awkward moment when your son does the floss instead of smiling for the camera, or when Aunt Carol sneezes right as the shutter clicks—those are the photos you’ll remember and laugh about for years.

So don’t stress about perfection. If you’re having fun, the photos will reflect that energy, and that’s what truly matters. The perfect picture is the one that makes you smile every time you look at it (even if it’s a little crooked or blurry).

Wrapping It Up: Smile, Laugh, and Enjoy the Holiday Madness

Holiday photos don’t have to be perfect. In fact, they’re probably better when they’re not. So this season, remember to laugh, embrace the chaos, and maybe even have a little fun with it. And if all else fails, make sure to get a great shot of the dog in their festive sweater. After all, they’re probably the most cooperative member of the family!

Happy Holidays from MomCo Liberty MO —where we know the best family photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones, but the ones that make you laugh and remember the joy of the season!