30 Fun and Creative Ideas for Your 2024 Christmas Family Photos

a extended family having Christmas dinner together

Christmas is a time for the family. There's probably no better way to depict that this year than with a family Christmas photo, but worry not. We've got you covered with some really fun creative ideas for making this 2024 Christmas family photo one for the books.

Christmas Family Photos with Babies and Kids

Whether it is a classic snapshot of the entire family together with a Christmas tree in the backdrop, or an elaborately staged scene complete with props and costumes, a family Christmas picture always equates to festivity. Family Christmas pictures are probably one of the sweetest and most sentimental holiday pastimes; anyway one looks at it. Taking that perfect shot with little ones in the frame is seriously quite a task. Here are some tips for some great shots with babies and children in your family;

1. On Santa's Lap

a little girl sitting on Santa's lap

Photo by XINJUAN DENG on Unsplash

Get the little ones all dressed up in holiday clothes and snap a picture with them sitting on Santa's lap. Make sure to get one of Santa's jolly smiles in the picture too. This is one of the most common Christmas classics, you can never go wrong with this one!

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 may prefer to have the children decorate the tree in advance and then just stand beside it for the photo. Anyway, just the Christmas tree itself makes a beautiful and festive background for the family picture.

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 kids. Have them all lay flat on a wreath, then take the photo from above for a fun and unique perspective.

4. Get the Baby in a Sleigh

siblings taking photo with a sleigh

Kate Christmas Door Front Snow Backdrop for Photography

This will be a sweet and adorable addition to your family photo. Just place the baby in the sleigh, which can be pulled by any volunteer family member, and then snap the photo.

5. Kid holding a Snow Globe

boys and girls lying on the floor

 Photo by New Africa on shutterstock

This is yet another sweet and festive way to include your little one in that family photo. Just ask them to hold a snow globe in front of the Christmas tree or fireplace for a cute and distinctive photo.

Indoor Christmas Family Photos

Christmas is one of the best times to be just a bit creative on it and make those memories lasting with family. So, here are ideas for taking family Christmas photos inside, no matter if you like them a bit traditional, fun, or a bit different.

6. Christmas Baking

father and kids preparing food in the kitchen

Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

It is a tradition in very many families to bake, so why not let that tradition flow into the family photo? Get everyone in the kitchen with flour on their noses, and take that snap.

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: Get everybody in their PJs with their favorite holiday blanket, and just surround them with 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

A good fire creates the holiday atmosphere like nothing else. Gather the family around and take some photos. If you really want some Christmas atmosphere, put up some stockings and wreaths.

9. Bring Snow Inside

sister and brother playing fake snow flakes in the room

Photo by adriaticfoto on shutterstock

If you live in a neighborhood that is prone to snow, then you may want to bring some of it inside and use it to decorate for your family photos. Create a "snowy" scene with cotton balls or shredded paper, or even ask your family to make snow angels on the floor.

10. Dinner Time

extended family eating dinner together

Photo by Yuganov Konstantin on shutterstock 

Take a snap of the whole family while at the special Christmas dining table. Make sure that they are all in high chairs to get a better view. You could even capture the festive scene of everyone passing around the holiday dishes.

11.  Reading a Book By the Christmas Tree

a girl reading book in Christams decorated room

Kate Warm Christmas Backdrop Window for Photography

You can have the members of the family take turns posing around the Christmas tree with their favorite holiday book for a more laid back photo. This way, you can capture the Christmas ambiance without anyone forcing an organized pose.

12. Opening the Christmas Presents

family opening gift together

 Photo by 2shrimpS on shutterstock 

Capture everyone as they open their Christmas presents in a candid family photo; it will definitely be a picture that you treasure for years.

13.  Watch a Favorite Christmas Movie

family watching film on the bed

Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko on shutterstock

Gather around the TV with the entire family and watch your favorite Christmas film. How much better a way can there be to get the entire family in the holiday mood and start making wonderful memories than viewing a favorite or classic Christmas movie?.

14. Making Paper Snowflakes

mum and daughter making paper snowflakes  together

Photo by Yuganov Konstantin on shutterstock

You can decorate your place with paper snowflakes, a Christmas oldie but goodie. Make a cutting snowflake family photo and even have the littlest child cut her own. You can even string them across the room.

Family Christmas Photo Session Outdoors

It's that time of the year when family and friends stay close to capture moments in pictures. How better can one capture these holiday moments than by spending some time outdoors in a family photo session? Whether it's a simple family portrait or more creative and unique ideas, here are some great ideas for outdoor Christmas family photos that will make your holiday memories eternal.

15. At a Christmas Tree Farm

siblings taking Christams photo with Santa under Christams tree

Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography 

It's a wonderful background for a family photo. There's just something about all of those rows and rows of trees that say Christmas. And if you want to get in the Christmas spirit, dress up like 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 the tree down this year, do it as a family photo opportunity. You'll have pictures by the tree before you even bring out the saws. Plus, if you have little ones in the family, you can sit them on the top of the tree when it's on the ground for the absolute cutest outdoor Christmas family pictures.

17. Playing With the Snow

mum and kids playing snow in the yard

Photo by s_oleg on shutterstock 

If you've been lucky enough to have gotten a white Christmas this year, I urge you to go out and play in the snow. Get the family together for a little snow fight or have them make snow angels and take some shots during the whole process. These are going to be memories you'll hold dear. 

18. Building a Snowman

mum and kids standing beside a little snowman

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Building a snowman together is another way to have fun with snow. This will only mean fun for every age and ensure that a great smile is on each one of them. Surely, you will never want to miss any moment without having it documented in outdoor Christmas family photos. 

19. Go on a Nature Walk

parents and kids walking in the snow field

Photo by alexkich on shutterstock 

Nature walks together are great if you want something more relaxed.  There is no better way to enjoy nature together with family during the festive season. You can walk in the snow or just take in the views. 

20. Beach Christmas

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

Photo by TravnikovStudio on shutterstock

Not everyone gets to have a white Christmas, but does that mean you cannot have any fun? When close to a beach, why not have that family photo right there? You could have your family snap with a sandcastle, or snap one as you all face the waves. Just make sure in doing so, all of you are wearing Santa hats or reindeer ears to get that Christmas feel. 

21. Skating

mum and dad skiing by holding their daughter in the middle

Photo by Ground Picture on shutterstock 

Family ice-skating or roller-skating: a delight, with the added fun of that being an ideal photo opportunity. You all can do some tricks on your skates or roller blades, but ensure the moment is captured with a picture. 

22. Truck Bed Decor

family snuggling together in truck bed

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

This Christmas, if you own a truck, get it ready to work. Decorate the bed with lights and garland. It will be the perfect background for your family picture.

Funny Christmas Cards Family Photos

Christmas family photo ideas may be perfect to make everybody's personality stand out; just a touch of having fun in the photos makes them even more memorable.  If your family is happy, chances are you all like to laugh and play around.

Here are a few ideas:

23. Tied Up

littles girls tieing their parents together with light strings

Photo by Elizaveta Starkova on shutterstock

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

24. The Nontraditional 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 a bit unorthodox, then this is the perfect opportunity to take a family photo in the vein of the holiday. 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 

Does the uglier sweater tend to be worn by family members? Then put them to work 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 

The perfect family card with your lovely pets. Style them up in Santa hats and allow them help you out with decorating the holiday.  Animal lovers in your life are sure to be pleased.

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 

This card would be good for a little bit of a naughty feeling that some families get. Take a family photo where you are all dressed up as the Grinch. This will make everyone smile.

29. Not So Silent Night

little baby yawning

Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash 

If you have young kids, you know a silent night is a rare event. 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.  Flop Fest

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

Photo by Ostanina Anna on shutterstock

There is no perfect family, and that's what makes all of us so special in our imperfections. So when things just never quite work out the way you planned, why not throw it on the holiday card this year? Snap a photo of your family right in the middle of a festive failure and get your giggle on.

Conclusion

With such a wide variety of creative and fun ideas for making Christmas family photos, there is no reason why 2024 should hold back. Be it special, unique moments of the family or bringing out the traditional view of the festive season, there is an idea that will work for you. So get everyone together, rock your best holiday outfits, and start making memories.

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