a extended family having Christmas dinner together

30 Fun and Creative Ideas for Your 2023 Christmas Family Photos

Christmas is a time for family, and what better way to capture the memories than with a family photo? But if you're stuck on what to do for your family Christmas photos this year, never fear. We've got you covered with fun and creative ideas to make your 2023 Christmas family photo one to remember.

Christmas Family Photos with Babies and Kids

Family Christmas photos are one of the most beloved holiday traditions. Whether it's a classic snapshot of the entire family huddled together in front of the tree or a creative setup with props and costumes, it's a great way to celebrate the season. But when you have little ones in the mix, getting a great photo can be challenging. To help make your family Christmas photos a success, here are some tips for taking great shots with babies and kids:

1. On Santa's Lap

a little girl sitting on Santa's lap

Photo by XINJUAN DENG on Unsplash

A Christmas classic. Dress your little ones in their best holiday outfits and snap a picture of them sitting on Santa's lap. Be sure to get one of Santa's jolly smiles in the photo too.

2. By the Christmas Tree

a girl is taking photo with her brother beside a little Christmas tree

Kate Around Cold Black Green and Light Middle Gray Abstract Textured Backdrop

You can have the kids decorate the tree together before taking the photo or pose by it. Either way, the Christmas tree creates a beautiful and festive backdrop for your family photo.

3. Lay on a Flat Wreath

little baby lying on Christmas wreath

Kate Children Night Blue Sky Light Stars Backdrop

This one is sure to be cute and interesting with the kids. Have everyone lie down on a flat wreath with their heads poking through the holes. Then take the photo from above for a unique and fun perspective.

4. Get the Baby in a Sleigh

siblings taking photo with a sleigh

Kate Christmas Door Front Snow Backdrop for Photography

This is a cute and festive way to include your baby in the family photo. Place them in a little sleigh (you can even use a red wagon if you don't have a sleigh) and pull them around while someone takes the photo.

5. Kid holding a Snow Globe

boys and girls lying on the floor

 Photo by New Africa on shutterstock

This is another cute and festive idea for including your little ones in the family photo. Have them hold a snow globe in front of the Christmas tree or fireplace for a cute and unique photo.

Indoor Christmas Family Photos

Christmas is a perfect time to get creative with your photography and create lasting memories with your family. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, playful, or unique, here are some indoor Christmas family photos ideas. 

6. Christmas Baking

father and kids preparing food in the kitchen

Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

Baking is a holiday tradition for many families, so why not incorporate it into your family photo? Get everyone in the kitchen flour on their noses and smiles on their faces, and snap away.

7. Presents Under the Tree

mother and kids taking photo with Christams tree and gift boxes

Kate Christmas Tree Elk Brick Fireplace Backdrop Designed by Emetselch

Presents under the tree are another traditional Christmas idea. Put everyone in their PJs, snuggled up with their favorite holiday blanket, and surrounded by gifts. Remember the family pet.

8. Cozy Up by the Fireplace

family taking Christmas photo  in front of the fireplace and Chritsmas tree

 Photo by Dmitry Rodionov on Unsplash

There's nothing like a cozy fire to get you into the holiday spirit. Gather your family around the fireplace and snap away. To capture the Christmas feeling, you can add holiday props, like stockings or a wreath.

9. Bring the Snow Indoors

sister and brother playing fake snow flakes in the room

Photo by adriaticfoto on shutterstock

If you're lucky enough to live in a place with snow, bring it inside for your family photo. You can use cotton balls or shredded paper to create a "snowy" scene or even have everyone make snow angels on the floor.

10. At the Dinner Table

extended family eating dinner together

Photo by Yuganov Konstantin on shutterstock 

Why not capture the essence of Christmas dinner in your photograph? Gather everyone around the table, including the children in highchairs, and start snapping. You can even photograph everyone passing around the holiday dishes.

11. Reading a Book Near the Christmas Tree

a girl reading book in Christams decorated room

Kate Warm Christmas Backdrop Window for Photography

Have everyone gather around the Christmas tree with their favorite holiday book for a more relaxed family photo. This is a great way to capture the spirit of Christmas without everyone having to pose perfectly.

12. Opening the Christmas Gifts

family opening gift together

 Photo by 2shrimpS on shutterstock 

For a candid family photo, capture the moment everyone opens their Christmas gifts. This will surely be a photo you'll cherish for years to come.

13. Watching a Favorite Christmas Film

family watching film on the bed

Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko on shutterstock

Gather the family around the TV to watch a favorite Christmas film and capture the moment. This is a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit and to create a long-lasting memory around a favorite or classic Christman movie.

14. Making Paper Snowflakes

mum and daughter making paper snowflakes  together

Photo by Yuganov Konstantin on shutterstock

Making paper snowflakes is a classic Christmas activity, so why not incorporate it into your family photo? Get everyone involved, even the littlest ones, and snap away. You can even string the snowflakes around the room for a festive touch.

Outdoor Christmas Family Photos

Christmas is a time for family and friends to come together and capture those moments in photos. And what better way to remember the holidays than with a festive outdoor family photo session? Whether you’re just looking for a classic family portrait or something more creative and unique, here are some outdoor Christmas family photos ideas to make your holiday memories last forever.

15. At a Christmas Tree Farm

siblings taking Christams photo with Santa under Christams tree

Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography 

Christmas tree farms make for the perfect backdrop for your family photo. There's something about the rows and rows of trees that screams Christmas. You can pose in front of a tree or among the trees. And if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, you can even dress up as Santa and his elves.

16. Cutting Down a Christmas Tree

family taking picutre with the Christmas tree cut down

Photo by MPH Photos on shutterstock 

If you're cutting down your Christmas tree this year, why not turn it into a family photo opportunity? You can all pose with the tree before you cut it down or even with your saws. And if you have any little ones in the family, they can sit atop the tree while it's on the ground for extra-cute outdoor Christmas family photos.

17. Playing With the Snow

mum and kids playing snow in the yard

Photo by s_oleg on shutterstock 

If you're lucky enough to have a white Christmas this year, take advantage of it. Get the family together for a snowball fight or make snow angels. And, of course, remember to snap a few family christmas photos while you're at it. These will be memories you'll cherish for years to come.

18. Building a Snowman

mum and kids standing beside a little snowman

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Another great way to take advantage of the snow is to build a snowman together as a family. This is an excellent activity for all ages and will bring a smile to everyone's face. And, of course, you'll want to document the moment with outdoor Christmas family photos.

19. Go on a Nature Walk

parents and kids walking in the snow field

Photo by alexkich on shutterstock 

Why go on a nature walk together if you're looking for a more low-key activity? This is a great way to get some fresh air and spend quality time together as a family. You can walk as it snows or even enjoy the scenery.

20. Beach Christmas

family sitting and puting hands up at the beach with Santa hats

Photo by TravnikovStudio on shutterstock

Not everyone has a white Christmas, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the holidays. Why not take your family photo there if you live near a beach? You can build a sandcastle together or even pose in front of the waves. Ensure you wear Santa hats or reindeer ears to get into the Christmas spirit.

21. Skating

mum and dad skiing by holding their daughter in the middle

Photo by Ground Picture on shutterstock 

Ice skating or roller skating is a great activity for the whole family. And it makes for a great photo opportunity as well. You can all skate together or even do some tricks. Just make sure you capture the moment with a photo.

22. Truck Bed Decor

family snuggling together in truck bed

Kate Red Christmas Truck in Snow Backdrop Designed by Mandy Ringe Photography

If you have a truck this Christmas, you can put it to good use. Decorate the truck bed with lights and garland to serve as the ideal backdrop for a family photo.

Funny Christmas Cards Family Photos

Christmas family photos ideas can be a great way to show off your family’s personality, and having a bit of fun with the photos is a great way to make them even more memorable. If your family likes to laugh, why not try out funny Christmas cards with family photos? Here are some ideas to get you started.  

23. Tied Up

littles girls tieing their parents together with light strings

Photo by Elizaveta Starkova on shutterstock

This is the perfect card for the family that always seems to be in a bind. Just take a photo of your family all tied up with holiday lights. It's sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

24. The Not-So-Traditional Family

family having fun in the snow

Photo by paje victoria on Unsplash

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and that's okay. If your family is more non-traditional, use that to your advantage and send a holiday card that reflects that. Just take a photo of your family doing something you all enjoy together.

25. The Ugly Sweater Family

family members wearing same pattern sweaters

Photo by Pixel-Shot on shutterstock 

Is your family known for their ugly sweaters? Then put them to good use and take a photo of your best holiday.

26. Santa's Helpers

two little girls playing fun with a little deer in Santa's arms

Kate Christmas Night Pine Trees Farm Backdrop Designed By Jerry_Sina 

This is a great card for families with pets. Just dress up your furry friends in Santa hats and have them help you with your holiday decorations. It's sure to be a hit with all the animal lovers in your life.

27. The Elf on the Shelf

little elf sitting on the fence under Christmas tree

 Photo by Dean Clarke on shutterstock

Families with naughty children will appreciate this card very much. Snap a picture of your children attempting to catch the elf on the shelf. Everyone will smile as a result of it.

28. The Grinch

a man customed as Grinch sitting on chair

Photo by Geoffrey Moffett on Unsplash 

Families who are feeling a little bit naughty will love this card. Pose while dressed as the Grinch and his family. It will make everyone laugh.

29. Not So Silent Night

little baby yawning

Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash 

You know that a silent night is rare if you've got young kids. Use that to your advantage and take a photo of your family enjoying a "silent night" complete with all the noise makers you can find.

30. Festive Fail

a female pretending not like the Christams gift and quarreling with her husband

Photo by Ostanina Anna on shutterstock

No family is perfect, and that's what makes us all special. So, if things sometimes go differently than planned, why not document it in your holiday card? Take a photo of your family amid a festive failure and have a good laugh.

Conclusion

There are many fun and creative Christmas family photos ideas for your 2023 Christmas. Whether you want to capture the traditional aspects of the holidays or something more unique to your family, there's sure to be an idea that you'll love. So get everyone together, dress up in your best holiday, and start snapping away.

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