Make a Snow Angel
mrPliskin//Getty Images For a lighthearted touch, one of the simplest winter traditions makes for an adorable Christmas card pic! Just bundle up in the cutest and coziest attire then head outside.
SHOP WINTER COATS
Read a Book in Front of the Christmas Tree
Cavan Images//Getty Images There are so many wonderful classic Christmas books out there so you can get creative with your next holiday photoshoot. Use stories like The Night Before Christmas or The Polar Express for a nod to nostalgia or have a little fun with a copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Head to the Woods
StefaNikolic//Getty Images There's no better backdrop than nature! Evergreen trees offer the perfect seasonal (and oh-so-whimisical) winter photo op.
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Visit the Big City
SolStock//Getty Images Taking Christmas photos at home is a great go-to. But using the nearest big city as your backdrop can be even more dramatic! Bonus points if you set up your shot near twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Sweeten Things Up
Elizaveta Starkova//Getty Images Christmas calls for all things sweet. So why not add some of that magic to your family Christmas card? Bake a few cookies to use as props or snap a shot of your kiddos while decorating some sweets. You could even build a gingerbread house in the background!
SHOP GINGERBREAD COOKIES
Keep It Neutral
Yana Iskayeva//Getty Images How classically cozy is this photo op? We love festive sweaters but a neutral theme and dress code will keep the focus of the picture on you and your loved ones!
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Hold Candy Canes
NICOLE COLWELL PHOTOGRAPHY/HEY WEDDING LADY For an extra sweet Christmas photo session with your partner, hold up a pair of candy canes in the shape of a heart—while grabbing a smooch, of course! If you want to get really romantic, you could even add some mistletoe.
Light a Fire
skynesher//Getty Images This one just looks like the epitome of the holiday season! A glowing, roaring fire—either in the fireplace or at a bonfire—is the surest way to add warm ambiance to your Christmas card photo. Make it even cozier by incorporating Christmas sweaters.
Do a Favorite Winter Activity
Comstock Images//Getty Images If your family is big into skiing or snowboarding, just head to the mountain and capture those favorite wintery moments in photo form! An iceskating rink shot would be beautiful as well. You can hire a photographer or ask a photography-savvy pal to come along.
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Color Coordinate
LIPGLOSS AND CRAYONS Pick a theme color to carry throughout your Christmas card photos. For the holidays, red is always a home run! You can also get festive with green and gold or choose a unique color combo for your matching outfits.
SHOP RED BEANIES
Get Beachy
pixdeluxe//Getty Images Whether you live in a sunny locale, or you’re planning on an upcoming beach vacation, get your toes sandy for your Christmas card photo. You can do this with Christmassy accessories or stick to your typical beach attire.
Put Your Heads Together
With love of photography//Getty Images For a unique spin on your Christmas card photo shoot, you and your kiddos can lay head-to-head on the floor while a camera captures you from above. Christmas décor around the edges makes for the perfect added touch.
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Take a Hike
Vesnaandjic//Getty Images To add a seasonal, casual feel to your Christmas card picture, allow your favorite hiking trail to act as a gorgeous backdrop. It really is a winter wonderland!
Make It Candid
HELLO WONDERFUL Sure, posed pictures always look polished—but for something a bit more laid-back for your holiday cards, don’t pose. Showcase those moments when you weren’t all smiling at the camera.
Wear Festive Hats
miljko//Getty Images You can’t go wrong with Santa hats for any Christmas card photo! Bonus points if you’re wrapped up in a blanket in front of a glittering tree.
SHOP SANTA HATS
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Sit with Santa
Lew Robertson//Getty Images Is there anything cuter than pictures of your little ones sitting on Santa’s lap? Nope! And they happen to make for lovely holiday cards as well.
Include a Beloved Stuffed Animal
Peter Cade//Getty Images To really include the entire family in the shot, ask your children to hold their favorite stuffed animals. It will be a sweet touch all of your recipients will love.
Make a Truck the Centerpiece
INSTAGRAM/@KJP Ree would undoubtedly approve of a red truck as a backdrop for a Christmas photo! Kiel James Patrick and his family picked a beautiful snowy day to shoot this picture, making the red truck stand out even more.
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Get Dressed Up
PAIGE SOVIC Photographer Paige Sovic says that “formal is coming back,” and dressing up can make for gorgeous Christmas card photos. She adds, “It’s the perfect time to get really done up and have fun with it, plus it lends to a more elevated Christmas card.”
Wear Your PJs
Ree Drummond For an extra dose of fun for your holiday cards, make like Ree and her family and get in your jammies! Taking a few shots in front of the tree will look cute and casual. (Don’t forget to include your family’s furry friends, too!)
SHOP CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS
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