Matching Christmas pajamas are a beloved holiday tradition in so many families, including my own. With a few Christmas PJ photo ideas, you can create simple yet magical moments that reflect the joy of the season.
This guide has several ideas for your family Christmas PJ photos, along with tips to help you bring those ideas to life.
Let’s make this session relaxed, fun, and full of holiday cheer!
The First Christmas PJ Photo Idea is to Snuggle Up on the Couch
One of the simplest Christmas PJ photo ideas is to cozy up together on the couch. Pile up the blankets, add some pillows, and let everyone relax in a natural, homey setting. This approach captures the warmth and closeness of the family, making for an intimate, heartfelt image everyone will cherish.
A Traditional Feel: Use Your Christmas Tree
Using the Christmas tree as a backdrop adds a festive touch to your family PJ photos. In fact, this is one that we do each year at my Mother-in-Law’s house. Try taking some photos during the day for natural light. The twinkling lights add that perfect holiday ambiance, making this one of the most popular Christmas PJ photo ideas.
Christmas PJ Photo Ideas with Sparkle: Christmas Lights Only
For a unique and enchanting shot, turn off all the lights except for the Christmas tree. Have everyone gather around, letting the tree lights illuminate your family. This Christmas PJ photo idea brings a magical, almost storybook quality to the image. The effect is especially captivating for younger kids who are mesmerized by the lights, creating an unforgettable holiday memory. The key to this is having a lot (i mean a lot of lot) of lights on your tree. You’ll also want everyone to face the tree so the light from the tree lights up their face.
Tips for Bringing Your Christmas PJ Photo Ideas to Life
Keep it Short and Sweet
Kids have limited attention spans, especially during the excitement of the holiday season. A quick, focused photo session will keep everyone’s spirits high and avoid any meltdowns. Short and sweet Christmas PJ photo sessions are ideal for capturing genuine smiles and making the experience enjoyable.
Try setting a 5-minute timer and telling the kids you’re just going to take photos for 5 minutes. Then stick to it. You can always try again later if you don’t get what you want. However, pushing through often leads to everyone upset and stressed.
Encourage Fun Instead of Posing
One of the best Christmas PJ photo ideas is to keep everyone laughing. Instead of asking for perfect smiles, let the kids yell “Merry Christmas!” or sing their favorite holiday song. This brings out true joy and makes for photos full of personality and spirit. Remember, the goal is to capture those real moments that reflect your family’s unique energy.
I will often tell the kids to yell Merry Christmas at the camera for a fun “look at the camera” photo. Then I will encourage everyone to laugh at each other, or snuggle next to someone near you.
Add a Little Holiday Magic with Candy Canes
Sometimes a small prop, like a candy cane, can make a Christmas PJ photo session extra special. Whether they’re holding it, using it as a “magic wand,” or even enjoying it as a treat, candy canes bring a splash of color and a touch of holiday magic. Simple props are a great addition to your Christmas PJ photo ideas, making the session feel even more festive.
Christmas PJ photo ideas should be all about keeping it simple and joyful. With these ideas, you can capture the true holiday spirit, full of warmth, laughter, and a bit of Christmas magic. Embrace the fun, make it relaxed, and create a holiday tradition that will bring smiles to your family for years to come.
For more inspiration for your holiday season visit the blogs below.