20 festive Christmas card photo ideas

From posed portraits to outrageous outtakes, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to precious holiday photos. But which one should earn a spot on this year’s holiday card?

To make things easy, we’ve paired each holiday card photo idea with the perfect photo holiday card design. Then, once you’ve chosen the right holiday photo idea, we’ve also included some helpful tips from expert portrait photographers Savannah Young and Justine Knight. Whether you decide to go with family holiday card photo ideas or pet-centered photo shoots, they’ll help you get the perfect shot for your best holiday card yet.

1. Classic and formal

 

Start your family photo shoot with a formal pose in front of a beautiful backdrop, such as a sunlit scene or festive décor. Dress everyone up in their holiday best, and try to get a few nice shots in before someone tosses up the bunny ears. 

Upload your favorite photo to “Christmas Curlicue” by Paperless Post, where swirling script spreads elegant holiday joy. Add a little personality to your formal holiday photo card with a Details Block including family highlights from the past year, from your kid’s leading role in the school play to all the mischief your dog got into.

2. Kids playing

Kids don’t need direction to be cute—just dress them up and let them play! You may get your cutest holiday card photos in those authentic moments between formal poses. 

For a sweet display of holiday spirit, add a photo of your kids to the “Gold Flakes” Christmas Card by Mr. Boddington’s Studio. Colorful lettering and sparkling snowflakes give your card a nostalgic, childlike feel—perfect for highlighting your happy kids!

3. Newborn spotlight

 

Wish your loved ones happy holidays and introduce your baby at the same time. Whether you’re dressing your infant in a Santa hat or heading to the mantel for the classic baby-in-a-stocking pose, these photos are a surefire hit with the relatives.

Add a photo of your sleeping baby as a playful nod to your not-so-silent nights with “Silentish Nights” by Paper Source. A Photo Gallery Block can also showcase all the shots of your newborn for the grandparents to “ooh” and “ahh” over.

4. Snow day

 

Whether your family always enjoys a white Christmas or you have to take a special trip to the mountains to get it, snowy photos go hand-in-mitten with Christmas photo cards. 

Add photos of snowball fights, ski outfits, and sledding action shots to the “Wintry Tune” or “Snow Wonderful” by Paperless Post. And don’t forget the holiday puns! (After all, there’s snow time like the holidays.)

5. Matching outfits

If there’s a cuter family holiday card photo idea than matching outfits, we haven’t seen it. Dress up in your finest red-and-green plaids, dress shirts, Christmas sweaters, or pajamas for that classic cozy fireplace shot.

Take inspiration from the “3/4 Portrait” photo Card by Paperless Post for maximum cuteness. Its color-neutral border makes it easy for you to match even the busiest plaids and stripes with your holiday card!

6. Candid moment

 

Your best photo might just be the one where no one knew the photographer was watching. A candid family shot showcases your family’s authenticity and love in a way that no pose can, especially when your kids are little.

Once you’ve got that genuine shot, add your photo to “Lights Twisted on Dasher’s Paw” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio. A brightly colored string of lights captures the joy of that moment—and the love shared by everyone in the photograph.

7. Christmas tree

If picking out the Christmas tree is your favorite holiday tradition, capture it in your holiday card! Take pictures in the woods or nearby tree lot to catch the moment you spot the perfect one—or document the tree-trimming process as it all comes to life.

Use the “Merry Memory” Christmas photo card by Bernard Maisner to frame the holiday moment with flowing gold script. You can also customize the look and feel of your card for a Christmas message that feels distinctly like you.

8. Hugs and kisses

Show your child or partner physical affection with a sweet hug or kiss. You can create an intimate scene with mother and child, or each parent can lay a kiss on the kid’s cheeks—the squishier the cheek, the better. Or embrace your whole family with a group hug to celebrate the warmth of the holiday season. 

Feature this adorable moment in “Cranberry Bower” by Felix Doolittle. Intricate cranberry branches wind around your photo for a wintry touch of red and hazel brown.

9. Heads together

 

If two heads are better than one, surely a family of heads is the best. Lie down on the ground with your heads touching, and let the photographer capture those cute upside-down expressions and smiles from above.

Pair your photo with the lovely “Kultakero” by Marimekko to bring the moment home. Modern red-and-white shapes evoke a holiday horizon—perfect for the warm scene they surround.

10. Under the mistletoe

For sweet, romantic ideas for a holiday card photo, get cozy with your loved one in a spot brimming with holiday décor. Anything from a cute kiss on the cheek to something truly mushy will do!

No worries if you don’t have mistletoe around. “Mistletoe Kiss” by Paperless Post has some golden mistletoe ready for you.

11. Nature scene

Show off your favorite spot with a scenic holiday card photo. Whether you’re at the top of a mountain or strolling along the beach, nature never fails to make a great backdrop.

Add your photo to “Grinning and Glowing” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio. Its “Merry and Bright” message lets loved ones know that you and your family are truly in your element!

12. Home for the holidays

 

If you bought a new home this year, use your Christmas card to show it off. Have your photographer take pictures of the family by the front door, sharing hot cocoa on the patio, or carrying one another across the threshold!

Choose several photos to include in “Five Windows” by Paperless Post, which includes a spot for a short text box. Remember to include your new mailing address in your holiday card message so loved ones’ cards arrive at the correct place.

13. Just married

Good news: If you got engaged or married this year, you’ve got plenty of professional pictures to choose from. Include photos from your beautiful engagement shoot or wedding. You can also consider a sweet couple picture by the tree, showing off the engagement or wedding rings with a “We said yes!” sign.

Add your favorite photo to “Evoke” by Kelly Wearstler for a sweet yuletide announcement. Snowflakes swirl around you and your beloved as you wish loved ones “Warmest Wishes.”

14. Laughing together

You’re together for lots of reasons, but your shared sense of humor is at the top of the list. Hire a photographer who has lots of laughing couples and families in their portfolio. Then tell some inside jokes or give your partner some light teasing to get a great laugh on camera. 

Frame your funny scene in “Nixon Holiday” by Jonathan Adler. Its “Merry Everything” message brings out the joy in your laughing scene—and it conveniently covers all the winter holidays.

15. Piggyback ride

Love lifts you up where you belong—and so can your partner! Jump onto their back for that cuter-than-cute couple shot everyone wishes they had. Bonus points if you do it somewhere with a holiday background, such as a tree farm or Christmas village.

Use “Evelina” by Paperless Post to capture that truly merry feeling with shiny gold lettering and a bold white border.

16. Santa Claus

 

Santa Claus is coming to town—and to your Christmas card! Showcase a photo of your kids (or you) on a special visit to Santa’s Village. Best of all, there’s likely already a photographer ready to take pictures of the kids on Santa’s lap, so you don’t need to hire one.

Use the beautiful “Gold Stripe Border Photo” by Marimekko for a nostalgic holiday feel. If you’re not visiting the North Pole this year, add photos to the cute “Ho Ho Ho Photo” by The Indigo Bunting for a little Santa magic.

17. Naughty (but nice)

This one doesn’t count for Santa’s list. Set up a scene of your kids doing something “naughty”—such as tying mom and dad up in holiday lights, opening their presents early, or fighting over sitting on Santa’s lap—for a funny,  surprisingly nice photo.

Add these cute photos to “La La La” by Linda and Harriett to capture the mischievous yet adorable moment. It captures the playful fun of the holiday season with a heartfelt wish for joy all around.

18. Furry family member

 

Your pet’s not just a pet—they’re a member of the family. Incorporate pictures of your pets into your holiday card, whether they’re at home, outdoors, or in a studio shoot. Take some photos of your dog, cat, or ferret, and feature them in your holiday card.

Choose an adorable photo card like “Dog Bulb” by Cheree Berry Paper & Design. It puts your fur baby front and center on the Christmas tree, which is just where they belong!

19. Holiday movie

Is your family a Charlie Brown Christmas household, or do you identify more with The Grinch? Celebrate your favorite holiday movie with a themed holiday card photo shoot. Dress up like George and Mary Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life, or stage your living room like Home Alone to entertain all the filthy animals on your holiday card list.

Set the scene with a straightforward card like “Finestra” by Paperless Post. Your scene will pop in its neutral borders—and the bold red lettering evokes a classic holiday spirit.

20. Year in review

If one photo just isn’t enough to sum up the year, send friends and family a year-in-review holiday card. Add multiple photos to showcase vacations, graduations, new pets, weddings, and every other highlight that speaks a thousand words.

Send a card with more than one photo spot, such as “Year In Review” by The Indigo Bunting. It’s a great way to sum up the last twelve months!

Tips for taking Christmas card photos

When it comes to taking Christmas card photos, it’s best to listen to the experts. Portrait photographers Justine Knight and Savannah Young have plenty of professional tips for taking the perfect shot—and making it as enjoyable and easy as possible.

Schedule a photoshoot ahead of time

To have your cards ready for the holiday season, you need to take the photos weeks earlier—and schedule them even earlier than that. 

“The earlier in the fall, the better!” says Ms. Knight. “Schedules can get a little crazy, leaving not enough time for a session. Weather is more reliable earlier in fall for outdoor sessions, too.”

Later in the fall also works. “Thanksgiving week is super popular for photos because the whole family’s together,” says Ms. Young. 

Choose the best time and location for your family

Sometimes the best time of day for a photo shoot is the hour before sunset—known as “golden hour”—but sometimes it’s right after your baby’s fed and rested, too. 

“It would be lovely to have every session in golden hour, but families don’t always have that time available—naps, sports, and daily life all dictate the time of the session,” says Ms. Knight. 

When it comes to locations, the convenience of home often wins out over the splendor of the outdoors. “Home shoots are an intimate way to show off a small family,” says Ms. Young. “If you have a toddler or a newborn, it can be really special to capture that first home holiday feel in the house.”

Stay in the same color palette

Choosing the perfect Christmas card wardrobe feels daunting—but it’s not as hard as it seems. 

“Avoid patterns. You don’t want to clash with each other, especially if there’s a big group” advises Ms. Young.

For the ideal color scheme, Ms. Young recommends neutrals. “I like blues and greens. Everyone feels confident in those colors.” 

Come prepared with toys (and treats)

If you know your kids and/or pets have a limited attention span and a small amount of patience for smiling at the camera, have distractions ready—or hire a photographer who specializes in family portraits.

“For pets, I always have a treat in my hand and a camera in the other,” says Ms. Young. “Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to get a dog to look at the camera than a kid!”

Her strategy isn’t much different when it comes to children. “For kids, just waving, saying hi, and using their name usually tends to work,” she says. “I always advise the parents to pack a favorite toy, especially if it makes noise.” 

Find ways to keep everyone at the same height

When there’s a big height discrepancy, it can be difficult to get the proportions to look right. 

“Using places to sit or having the parents squat down helps manage any significant height differences,” Ms. Knight says. “Depending on the ages of the kids, parents can hold the kids in their arms or on their shoulders.”

Keep it relaxed

Arranging a photo shoot and seeing it through can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean it has to show through in the photos. 

“If everyone is comfortable and having fun, they will always look their best,” says Ms. Knight. 

Ms. Young agrees that good moods are key. “Having a laid-back vibe helps me capture the true essence of your family, which is the most important thing.”

Select the right photo

There’s no such thing as a perfect photo, but there should be at least one where everyone is happy with the way they look. Skilled photographers won’t send you the proof if someone is mid-blink (hopefully), so the choice is easier when you have professional help. 

If you’re shooting your own photos, take enough so that you have lots to choose from and everyone in the photo is happy with the decision. Take photos in both landscape and portrait orientations so you have more options for photo Christmas card templates. Ultimately, the right holiday photo captures an authentic moment with your loved ones—and fits your favorite template like a glove (or mitten).

Trust your photographer

In the age of portrait mode, it’s tempting to skip the photographer and snap your own photos. But don’t underestimate how much a talented photographer can take the stress out of capturing the perfect shot.

They spot the cutest moments, find the ideal lighting, and work hard to ensure everyone in your family looks—and feels—as merry as possible. Just trust the process, and you’ll love what they come up with.

Send holiday photo cards online with Paperless Post

From funny to formal to cute and on-trend, our holiday card photo ideas are guaranteed to take your holiday card up a festive notch. But now that you’ve done all the hard work to take the pictures, let us do the rest! 

Start by choosing a beautiful holiday card photo template to feature your festive shot. With our cards at your fingertips, you’ll be surprised at how straightforward the process can be. If you’ve already designed your holiday card, upload it to our custom template and enjoy easy personalization, helpful Blocks, and straightforward sending choices, including the option to schedule your card ahead of time. 

Then, take a look at our suggestions for holiday card messages, and brush up on your Christmas card etiquette to keep the season feeling merry and bright.