Family Christmas Cards - My Hot Take | Arizona and Washington Photographer
Family Christmas Cards – My Hot Take
From me, your Arizona and Washington based photographer!
Here’s my super hot take… Christmas cards don’t actually have to be Holiday themed or even festive!
Every year, people stress themselves out trying to curate these perfect holiday moments. Matching outfits, forced smiles, bribing kids with candy canes… you get it. Now let me pause here and say, if this is your thing then thats awesome! If its not, but you feel the pressure to do it. Then this is for you.
But truly?
The cards people love the most aren’t the ones with perfect hair and rigid posing. They’re the ones that show personality, chaos, joy, and the real dynamic of your family.
Let’s get into it.
Why Traditional Christmas Card Photos Feel So Forced (A Neurodivergent affirming lens)
Everyones trying to be like everyone else
Kids are overstimulated
Parents are stressed
Outfits are stiff and uncomfortable
The whole thing becomes one big sensory overload
(Especially for neurodivergent families — which is more people than you think.)
My Photographer Hot Take: Candid is better than Perfect
The best family photos I’ve ever shot weren’t “picture-perfect.”
They were:
Kids dancing in the desert golden hour, or stomping in puddles
Couples laughing because their dog refused to look at the camera
Families bundled up trying to pretend its warm in the woods of the PNW
Siblings being goofy and fully themselves
Those photos are the ones people keep on their fridges all year long.
Choose Comfort Over Aesthetic (You Still Get Both)
You don’t need to torture everyone with scratchy sweaters or stiff poses.
What does matter:
Outfits everyone can move in
A location that feels familiar or fun
Letting the session flow naturally
Giving your photographer permission to capture the real you
When people feel comfortable, photos automatically look better.
Arizona or Washington? Do What Fits Your Family’s Vibe
Arizona:
Golden desert light
Warm tones
Cozy sweaters without freezing
Neutral color palette that always works for cards
Washington:
Misty forests
Evergreen magic
Cozy jackets, scarves, and layered outfits
Moody, cinematic winter vibes
There is no wrong choice — just the vibe that fits your family.
My Final Hot Take
Your Christmas card should feel like a hug or an experience not a performance.
If the session feels fun, playful, and relaxed… the photos will reflect that.
And years from now, you won’t remember what you were wearing you’ll remember the moment.
