Holiday Card Photo Ideas

Whether you are going for a family fun vibe, looking to feature just your kids, or making your fur baby the star of the show, we have something for everyone.

Here are nine trendy and fun holiday card photo ideas to bring your vision to life!

1. Go For The Simple Approach

You can use a simpler approach if you’re not into red and green clothing this year. Choose a theme and follow that with one item of your clothing. For example, if you choose a festive print, you can incorporate it into everyone's outfit in some way. It doesn't have to be the same color. Following a theme even subtly makes the photo much more intentional and looks like you have put in an effort.

Choose a plain background and hold a wreath in your hand to add holiday cheer to the photo.

Try with our recommended card theme, Merry Christmas Frame by Rad and Happy.

2. Have A Pajama Party

Matching pajamas make for some splendid holiday card shots.

Pajamas are the way to go if you are going for a fun and casual photo. And the best part? You’ll be cozy AND spoiled for choice; amazing, we know! From monogrammed picks to the classic plaid to more luxe silk designs, there are plenty of options to add your signature style to the photo. Make sure you get the same set for your kids and fur babies too.

Make the image pop with our Merry Christmas by Amanda Reid theme.

3. Involve The Kids

Nothing is more adorable than a holiday card photo featuring kids. But let’s be honest, it is not the easiest of tasks to get the perfect shot when directing little humans. From baby tantrums to moodier tweens who are just not up for your vision for the photo, a lot can go south. To remedy this, ensure you keep the kids involved in some activity to get the perfect candid shot.

Bake some cookies, decorate the Christmas tree, eat some candy canes, build a snowman, and the list goes on. Capture your kids in their true essence to create a memorable photo.

However, when opting for dynamic images, mind the lighting. Ensure no harsh shadows are hiding the stars of the shot.

Choose our simple yet striking Family Name Collage theme to showcase all the activities cohesively.

4. Let Your Goofy Side Show

Tickle a funny bone with your holiday card photo. Use props, reenact scenes from your favorite holiday films (A Home Alone theme photo is always a winner), and make your kids and pets a part of the fun too.

There is no shortage of inspiration for funny card photos; if you have good editing skills, this idea is right up your alley.

Use a bold and bright card theme like Plaid Happy Holidays by EttaVee to match the fun vibe of the picture.

5. Holiday Apparel For The Win

Want to go the traditional route?

You can never go wrong with holiday apparel. So bring out the Christmas hats and boots, wear festive scarves and plaid shirts to truly capture the holiday spirit, and take a beautiful, bright image.

Use a classic design like Cheers by bobo design studio for a timeless framing moment.

6. Let Your Fur Baby Steal The Show

No kids, no problem! Let your fur baby take the spotlight. Even if you have kids, you can feature them with your pets in the holiday card photo for an adorably unique take on the photo card.

Put them in a hat, pose with ornaments, and let them go matchy-matchy with you and the kids; the results will always be CUTE.

For inspiration, go through our top five ideas to feature pets in your Christmas card photo.

Showcase your furry friend in the best of light with the bright color palette of our Merry and Bright by Ilana Griffo theme.

7. Cozy Up With Your Partner

Is it just you and your partner? Cozy up by the fireplace, snuggle with a cup of cocoa in your hands, or shimmer with glowing Christmas lights. A kissing-under-the-mistletoe photo is especially a hit idea for couples celebrating their first holiday together.

Go classic with our Intimate Holiday Script theme to really let the photo do the talking.

8. Go For A Beachy Vibe

Not everyone has a snowy holiday.

If you live in a country where you enjoy a bright summery festive season, all you need to do is head down to the beach.

Bring along Christmas hats, sunglasses, and a sandy version of the beloved snowman, and you've got all the ingredients for a stellar holiday card photo.

Sunny holiday photos call for bright and bold card themes like the Joy to the World by Elizabeth Olwen.

9. Dress To Impress

Most people go for a comfy vibe for their holiday card photo, but there are no set rules to follow. So if you wish, skip the pajamas and dress it up!

Bring on the tux and a cocktail dress to take a swoon-worthy shot with your loved ones. You can add pops of colors by featuring a wreath or your brightly-lit Christmas tree in the background for a more festive feel.

Choose a real gold foil option like the Holiday Ligature Serif to complement your attire of choice.

Our Favorite Holiday Card Designs

With Mixbook, you can find a variety of holiday card designs that match any aesthetic. There is something for everyone, from real foil options to family collages to whimsical animations. And all the cards are totally customizable and come with envelopes.

Here are five more of our favorite designs:

• Merriest Christmas Collage by the Pigeon Letters
• Merry Christmas Fun Serif
• Woodland Christmas Holiday Card by Martha Stewart
• Christmas Doodle Frame by Rad and Happy
• Ornament Trio

Tips To Get The Best Holiday Card Photo

Organizing a holiday card photo shoot can get very messy, very quickly. Follow our five best tips to bring your photo ideas to fruition.

• For outdoor shoots, timing is critical for good lighting. Choose the golden hour or the window between 1 to 2 pm when the light is nice and bright.
• Make smart framing choices where the focus remains on you, not your surroundings.
• Face the light; any light hitting you from behind will cast a shadow and make your photo look gloomy.
• Have fun, for real; whether you're taking a “laugh-out-loud” image with your kids, posing while decorating the Christmas tree, or reading a book, don’t fake it. Use the props for real and have fun during the process; it will translate into the images.
• Ask for help, especially when photographing kids. It's always wise to bring someone who can assist you when needed. Making your kids cooperate can be difficult, and having a friend or family member by your side can help make the process easier.