There's nothing like the magic of Christmas
—twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the smell of cookies baking. It’s the season of joy, and what better way to capture it than with a family photo session? But let’s be honest: getting kids excited about sitting still for pictures can feel like trying to wrap a present with one hand. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some simple, stress-free ways to make your Christmas photo session fun and memorable for everyone, especially the kids.
Let Them Help Pick the Outfits
Kids love feeling involved, so give them some choices! Maybe they get to pick between two sweaters or choose a fun accessory like a festive scarf or hat. When they feel like they’ve had a say, they’re more likely to be excited about wearing it. Plus, letting them wear something they love (within reason!) will help them feel more confident and happy during the session.
A beloved stuffed animal or a favorite holiday book can be a game-changer. Not only does it make your child feel more comfortable, but it can also create adorable, candid moments. Imagine your little one cuddled up with a reindeer plush or flipping through The Night Before Christmas—those are the kind of memories you’ll want to hold onto forever.
Offer a Sweet Reward
A little bribery never hurt anyone, right? Promise a fun treat after the session, like hot chocolate with marshmallows or a special Christmas cookie. Let them know that after all the smiling and posing, there’s something sweet waiting for them. Just mentioning the reward can be enough to get those genuine grins going.
Let’s face it—kids have short attention spans. The best Christmas photos happen when sessions are quick and fun. I always aim to capture the magic before anyone gets tired or bored. Trust me, the best smiles are the ones that happen naturally, not because we’re forcing them to sit still for too long.
REMAIN CALM
Kids take their cues from you, so if you’re relaxed and having fun, they will be too. Make silly faces, laugh with them, and let them see that this isn’t about perfection—it’s about capturing the love and joy your family shares. Some of the best photos happen when everyone is laughing together!
A few days before the session, start talking it up. Share how much fun it will be to take pictures together and how special it is to make Christmas memories. Remind them how much Grandma or Grandpa will love these photos. When kids understand why the photos are important, they’ll feel more excited to participate.
Trust the Photographer
As a mom and photographer, I get it—sometimes it feels like nothing is going according to plan. But don’t stress. It’s my job to capture the joy, even in the chaos. Trust that the giggles, wiggles, and maybe even a few grumpy faces will turn into beautiful moments you’ll cherish.
At the end of the day, the best Christmas photos aren’t perfect—they’re real. They show the messy hair, the belly laughs, and the love that makes your family unique. So, let the kids be kids, and let’s capture the magic of this season together. Because years from now, you won’t remember if everyone stood perfectly still—you’ll remember how much fun you had.
Ready to create some unforgettable memories? Click here.
