By Khushboo Goyal
For generations, holiday cards followed a familiar script: everyone dressed in matching sweaters, posed neatly in front of a Christmas tree or at a holiday farm, smiling at the camera on cue. Parents would spend weeks planning the outfits and coaxing kids into the perfect pose for that one frame destined to land on refrigerators and mantelpieces across the country.
But over the past few years, something beautiful has been happening. Families are moving away from the “picture-perfect” formula and leaning into something more real – images that reflect their personalities, their kids’ quirks and the unique chapter of life they’re in. These are the moments that make people smile long after the holidays have passed.
Real Life Over Perfect Smiles
The truth is kids don’t always want to smile on command. Sometimes they scrunch their noses, burst into laughter at the wrong time or even cry mid-session. In the past, those moments would’ve been instantly discarded. Now? Parents are embracing them.
I’ve seen families proudly use a card where their toddler was mid-meltdown or their preschooler had the goofiest grin, and it’s become their favorite memory from that year.
Because that’s real. That’s who their children were in that season of life. Ten years from now, it won’t be the stiff smiles that bring back the nostalgia, it’ll be the reminder of that stage: the cheeky expressions, the mismatched socks, the way your little one refused to look at the camera but held your hand tightly. These are the honest, heart-filled moments that make holiday cards feel more personal than ever before.
Beyond Christmas Backdrops
Tree farms and twinkly lights will always hold a special charm, but families are no longer limiting themselves to Christmas-themed settings. Many are choosing locations that feel meaningful or simply fresh – golden fall hills, a wildflower field in spring or their favorite stretch of coastline.
This shift not only gives each year’s card its own personality, but it also tells a richer story over time. One year might be at the beach, the next surrounded by flowers and another cozied up at home in pajamas baking cookies. It’s like flipping through the pages of a family album where each image marks a different chapter, rather than repeating the same scene every year.
Styling With Intention
Styling is one of those details that can elevate a photo from “nice” to timeless, and thankfully, the trend has moved away from identical outfits and matchy-matchy looks. Families are leaning toward coordinated ensembles that feel natural, flattering and allow personalities to shine.
A simple formula works beautifully:
Start with Mom’s outfit. Moms usually have the widest variety of textures and colors, so it’s easiest to build around what they feel great in.
Style the kids next. Pull colors or tones from Mom’s outfit to create a soft flow across the group, without making everyone look identical.
Finish with Dad. Choose something simple and complementary that ties the whole look together.
Pick outfits that feel special but don’t overpower the people wearing them. Textures like knits or layered fabrics photograph beautifully and add warmth, without distracting from the emotion of the moment. The goal is to coordinate, not conform, and when everyone feels comfortable and authentic, that always shows in the final image.
Capturing the Phase
The heart of this shift goes beyond locations and outfits – it’s about mindset. Holiday photos are no longer about portraying a flawless version of family life. They’re about documenting the season you’re in.
Maybe this is the year your toddler refuses shoes. Maybe your older child can’t stop making silly faces. Or maybe it’s the year you welcomed a new baby or discovered a new family tradition. Whatever it is, your holiday card becomes a reflection of this chapter, not just a box you checked on the to-do list.
Next year, your story might look completely different. And that’s the beauty of it.
New Tradition
What’s emerging is a new kind of tradition, one that’s less about perfection and more about connection. Parents are choosing to show their families as they are: joyful, messy, emotional, playful, unique. They’re picking locations that mean something, outfits that feel like them and moments that carry genuine emotion.
In a world that often pushes picture-perfect ideals, this shift toward authenticity is a breath of fresh air. Holiday cards are no longer just a way to send cheer; they’re a way to share your family’s story with honesty and heart.
And sometimes, that story includes sandy toes, grass stains or a toddler who just didn’t want to nap. Those little imperfections? They’re exactly what make the memories perfect.
Khushboo Goyal is the heart and lens behind Shutter Magic Photography, a San Jose-based business that was chosen by readers as a gold winner for Best Family Photography in Bay Area Parent’s annual Best of poll. She specializes in family, maternity, couples and senior portraits, weaving genuine connections and real emotions into every frame. For more information, visit shuttermagicphotography.com.
