Christmas morning is pure magic. The excited little faces, unwrapping of gifts, and those unguarded moments of connection – it’s a day that bursts with joy and sentimentality. While you’re soaking it all in, it’s worth thinking about how you can preserve the magic with the best Christmas family photos. After all, these are the memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Here are some simple, heartfelt tips to help you capture meaningful moments without missing the joy of the day.

1. T’was the Night before Christmas…

A little preparation goes a long way – prepare the night before. Set up your tripod in a spot with good lighting where you plan to capture a family photo, and make sure your camera or phone is fully charged. You might also take a few quiet moments the night before to photograph the details: the Christmas twinkling tree, presents stacked neatly, or stockings hung in their place. These still-life shots can beautifully complement the busier moments of Christmas morning.

2. Start with a Family Photo (in those Matching Jimmy Jams)

Before the excitement of unwrapping presents begins, gather everyone for a quick family photo (with promises of present opening after). It’s a simple way to capture the whole family together before the morning’s joyful chaos takes over. Use a tripod or prop up your camera and set a self-timer so you can be in the frame too. Whether you’re in matching pyjamas or not, this photo is about connection, not perfection. The more we pressure our kids to sit still and smile, the more they will resist the photo. Instead let them have fun and if they feel silly say ‘let’s do a silly photo first then a smiley one’.

3. Embrace the Story of the Morning

The best Christmas family photos tell a story. Begin before the presents are unwrapped – snap details like the glow of the tree, sleepy yet excited little faces, or a quiet moment before the rush begins – even if this is at 5am!

As the morning unfolds, look for moments that capture your family’s traditions, whether it’s kids running to see if Santa has been, the joy of a thoughtful gift, or everyone gathering for a festive breakfast.

4. Focus on the Details

Some of the most sentimental moments are in the smallest details. Photograph your child’s hands unwrapping a gift, the size of their feet as they not so patiently sit by the tree, the way the sunlight hits a decoration, or the remnants of laughter left in a pile of torn wrapping paper. These small moments will feel timeless when you look back on them in years to come.

Think about how you can use the different elements in the space – look through the branches of the Christmas tree, have blurry lights in the background. Move yourself around – get super close and detailed, pull back for a full room shot, take a birds eye view or get down on the ground and see the world through your kids eyes.

5. Find the Light

Good lighting can transform your photos. On Christmas morning, make the most of soft natural light. Open the curtains to let the morning sunshine in, make use of sheer curtains if you have them, or position your family near a window. If you’re outdoors later in the day, find shaded spots to avoid harsh sunlight while still capturing that summery, festive glow.

6. Get In the Frame

It’s tempting to stay behind the camera, but don’t forget to be part of the memory too. Set up your tripod or prop your phone somewhere sturdy and use a self-timer to capture a few family shots. Don’t worry about perfection – authenticity and connection are what make the best Christmas family photos truly special. Everyone sing out their favourite carol, do their best ‘ho ho ho’ or tickle the person they want to crack their bon-bon with later on. Keep in fun and festive, take the pressure off the photo itself.

7. Candid Moments Are the Most Precious

Skip the posed smiles and look for the natural ones. Photograph your kids laughing at a funny gift, your partner’s expression as they open something meaningful, or the giggles that bubble up during breakfast. The best Christmas family photos capture real emotions, not just the polished moments. Embrace the theme of the day, ask your kids to point out their favourite decoration on the tree, whisper their final wish before opening presents or do a mini Christmas concert in front of the fairy lights.

8. Take a Breath Before Pressing the Shutter

Before snapping away, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “What’s the feeling I want to capture here?” This approach helps you focus on what truly matters and creates photos that evoke real emotion, rather than just checking off a list.

9. Don’t Overthink It

Above all, keep it simple. Christmas is about connection, not perfection. A slightly blurry photo of your toddler mid-giggle will always mean more than a perfectly posed shot with everyone stiffly smiling. Embrace the imperfections – they tell your family story.

Bonus Tip: Print Your Favourites for a Yearly Tradition

After Christmas, take time to look through your photos and select a few to print. Whether it’s a keepsake album or a framed photo for your wall, bringing these moments to life outside your phone will remind you of the magic for years to come. Each year I pack my Christmas photos away with the decorations, carefully wrapped and ready to pull out again next Christmas. Seeing this collection grow with each passing year is incredibly sentimental.

With a little preparation and these simple tips, you can capture the best Christmas family photos while staying present in the moment. Here’s to preserving the love, joy, and beautiful chaos of the season -memories you’ll cherish long after the decorations have come down (and the final remnants of glitter and Christmas tree have been vacuumed up).

Make Next Year’s Memories Even More Special

If you’d love someone else to take the reins so you can stay fully immersed in moments like these, I’d love to help. My family photo sessions are designed to capture the beauty of your connection authentically, so you can hold onto these precious seasons of life forever. Whether it’s cosy moments at home or outdoor adventures, I’d be honoured to help you tell your family’s story.

Get in touch to book a session for the new year today. Let’s create something you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

A list of my Favourite Shops for Christmas Outfits

Over the years I’ve collected and curated a little list of the places I love most for kids Christmas outfits and beautiful heirloom pieces (like Santa’s key and the Milk and Cookies board) and here’s my shortlist:

• Bencer & Hazelnut
• Ziggy Lou
• Blossom and Pear
• Jimi Keepsakes