3 Easy, Natural Ways to Capture More Photos With Your Kids this Christmas – Simple, Creative Family Holiday Memories

3 Easy, Natural Ways to Capture More Photos With Your Kids this Christmas – Simple, Creative Family Holiday Memories

You take hundreds of photos of your kids every month, but how many include you? Most parents have camera rolls packed with pictures of their children, yet they barely appear in any themselves. The problem gets worse during Christmas when you're busy organising the day and miss the chance to be part of the memories.

You can capture natural, beautiful Christmas photos with your kids without relying on awkward selfies or expensive photographers. A few simple techniques let you get in the frame whilst keeping moments authentic and relaxed. These methods work whether you're opening presents by the tree or baking biscuits in the kitchen.

This guide shows you practical ways to document your family's Christmas without the stress of formal poses or complicated setups. You'll learn how to use basic tools you already own to create photos that show real connection and joy. Your kids will remember you being there, not just behind the camera.

Natural and Effortless Ways to Capture Family Christmas Photos

You can take beautiful family photos this Christmas without asking someone else to hold the camera or settling for awkward selfies. Remote shutters and timers let you join your family in the frame while holiday activities and festive decorations create natural settings that feel authentic.

Using Timers and Remote Shutters for Authentic Moments

A timer or remote shutter puts you in control of when the photo happens whilst letting you be part of the moment. Most smartphone cameras include a built-in timer (usually 3 or 10 seconds), which gives you enough time to get into position after pressing the button.

Remote shutters work even better for family christmas photos. These small devices connect to your phone via Bluetooth and let you trigger the camera from several metres away. You can hold the remote in your hand, tuck it behind a cushion, or even let an older child press it when everyone looks ready.

Set your phone on a stable surface like a mantel, bookshelf, or kitchen worktop. If you don't have a flat surface at the right height, a small tripod designed for phones costs less than £15 and adjusts to different angles.

Take multiple shots in quick succession. Most remote shutters and camera apps let you capture several photos at once. This approach helps you catch genuine smiles and relaxed expressions rather than stiff poses. Kids move quickly, so having 10 photos to choose from means you'll likely get at least one where everyone looks natural.

Setting Up Candid Scenes With Holiday Activities

The best family photos happen when everyone is doing something they enjoy rather than staring at a camera. Holiday activities give your family a reason to interact naturally whilst you capture the moments.

Try these simple setups:

• Decorating biscuits together at the kitchen table

• Reading a holiday story whilst gathered on the sofa

• Hanging ornaments on the tree

• Making hot chocolate with marshmallows

Position your camera where it can see faces and hands. For baking or crafts, angle the camera slightly above the table. For activities near the tree, place the camera at eye level across the room.

Start the activity first, then set your timer or remote. Let your family continue what they're doing without telling them to look up or smile. The photos will show real reactions and genuine connections.

Incorporating Christmas Decor and Seasonal Outfits

Your existing holiday decorations create a festive backdrop without extra work. Look for spots in your home where Christmas touches are already visible, like near the tree, by a decorated mantel, or in a room with garland.

Window light works best for family photos. Position your family near a window so natural light falls on their faces. Turn off overhead lights, which can create harsh shadows and yellow tones.

Coordinated outfits make holiday photos look intentional. You don't need matching jumpers, but choosing a simple colour scheme helps everyone look cohesive:

Style Colour Options Classic Red, white, green Modern Navy, cream, grey Cosy Burgundy, forest green, tan

Christmas pyjamas are practical for family photos. Kids feel comfortable in them, and they instantly read as festive without being fussy. You can also add small touches like santa hats or winter layers if you're taking photos outdoors.

Keep decorations in the background simple. A wreath, string lights, or festive cushions add Christmas charm without cluttering the frame. Props like candy canes or ornaments give kids something to hold, which helps restless hands stay occupied during photos.

Creative Ideas to Make Christmas Photos Fun and Memorable

The photos you take with your kids this Christmas can become more than digital files sitting on your phone. Transform them into handmade cards, festive decorations, and thoughtful gifts that let you share holiday cheer with family and friends whilst creating lasting keepsakes.

Turning Photos Into Festive Crafts and Keepsakes

Print your favourite Christmas photos and turn them into ornaments for your tree. Cut the printed images into circles or stars, laminate them or cover with clear packing tape, then punch a hole at the top and thread with ribbon.

You can also create a photo garland for your mantelpiece. String printed photos along twine using mini clothes pegs, spacing them evenly across your fireplace or along a wall. Add fairy lights between the photos for extra warmth.

Simple photo craft ideas:

• Photo snow globes using mason jars and glitter

• Framed photo collages with festive paper borders

• Magnetic photo frames for the fridge

• Photo bookmarks laminated with seasonal designs

These crafts work well as holiday decorations throughout December. Your children can help with the cutting, decorating, and arranging. The process becomes another opportunity to spend time together whilst celebrating the memories you've captured.

Crafting Personalised Christmas Cards With Your Kids

Use your printed photos to make Christmas cards for grandparents, teachers, and friends. Fold card stock in half, glue a photo on the front, and let your children add drawings or stickers around the edges.

Keep the design simple so your kids can actually help. Younger children can use stamps or finger paint to add snowflakes and stars. Older children can write personal messages inside or add captions under the photos.

What you'll need:

• Card stock or blank cards

• Printed photos (10x15cm works well)

• Glue sticks

• Markers or crayons

• Stickers or stamps (optional)

Print several copies of your best photos so each child can make multiple cards. This gives them choices and lets them experiment with different designs. The recipients will treasure these handmade cards far more than shop-bought ones.

Sharing Holiday Cheer Through Simple Photo Projects

Create a small photo album specifically for grandparents featuring pictures from this Christmas. Use an inexpensive album and let your children decorate the cover with drawings and their handwriting.

You can also make placemats for your Christmas dinner table. Place photos under clear plastic placemats or laminate sheets with photos and let each family member design their own. These become conversation starters during the meal.

Send digital photo slideshows to distant relatives who can't visit. Add simple captions your children dictate about what was happening in each picture. This helps far-away family members feel included in your celebrations whilst giving your kids a voice in sharing their experiences.

I hope reading 3 Easy, Natural Ways to Capture More Photos With Your Kids this Christmas – Simple, Creative Family Holiday Memories has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Swanley and Bexley Lifestyle Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of family images.