As the days turn cooler and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air, it’s time to add one to-do to your calendar: schedule your holiday family photo shoot.

But as you’re probably well aware, snapping a portrait with kids isn’t always easy to pull off, especially if young ones struggle to sit still, let alone smile and pose nicely. While photo editing software can come to the rescue, creating the perfect holiday card or photo book is easier if you have solid snapshots right from the start.

If you’re searching for season's greetings card inspo or family Christmas photo shoot ideas, we’re here to help — here are five ways to make sure both camera-shy and high-energy kids have fun.

1. Let the kids pick out their own outfits

Nobody likes wearing an itchy sweater or tight pants, regardless of age. So while you’ll probably want your kids to look their best, they’re more likely to cooperate if they feel like they have a say in what they wear. So, consider offering them a few comfortable outfit options that work well with your photo shoot aesthetic or location, and letting them pick which one they like best.

Pro tip: Looking for something cute, comfortable, and oh-so festive? Matching holiday pajamas!

2. Choose a seasonal activity to capture

Another way to keep kids engaged in your holiday family photo shoot is by featuring a special activity that’s out of the ordinary — a treat, if you will. This provides an opportunity to capture candid moments that are authentic and enjoyable.

If you’re scheduling your holiday family photo shoot early, you can visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. For those photo shoots closer to December, you might capture a fun snow day featuring sledding or snowman building. Want to stay inside? Grab your mixing bowls and assemble a gingerbread house or simply capture the joy (or chaos) of putting up your Christmas decorations.

3. Incorporate festive toys and props

From ornaments to adorable reindeer antler headbands, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using festive toys and props to jazz up your holiday family photo shoot. Giving your kids an item to interact with and focus on makes them less likely to be distracted.

4. Turn the photo shoot into a game

Gamifying your holiday family photo shoot offers the perfect opportunity to ramp up your kids’ excitement. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Make up silly rules that they have to follow (like “no smiling” followed by “biggest smiles” or "silly face"). You can even turn it into a game of "Simon Says."
Scatter props around your photo shoot location, and give them 30 seconds to find and bring back a relevant prop (like "a red thing" or "something round") for each set of photos.
Have one kid strike a pose, then challenge your other kids to replicate it.
Encourage your kids to pose like an animal or their favorite cartoon character.

While these photos probably might not end up in your official holiday card or photo book, they're bound to unleash some giggles and memorable moments. They're also great for helping your kids loosen up at the beginning of the photo shoot.

5. Don’t worry about perfection

With our social media feeds so perfectly curated, it can be tempting to strive for an Insta-worthy, flawless holiday family photo. But remember: perfection is overrated; what’s memorable are those natural moments and the laugh-filled photo shoot itself. So, if something goes wrong, don’t sweat it, and focus on having a great time.
Holiday family photos are some of the most precious keepsakes you’ll hold on to for years to come. To preserve these memories and share the joy with your loved ones, create a holiday photo book or holiday photo card after your photo shoot!