Your baby’s first Christmas is a one-of-a-kind chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. Prepare to write down these times in a way that shows the happiness and love of the season. The keys to a good photoshoot are to keep things simple and plan. Making plans in advance can help the process go smoothly and be fun for the whole family.

When you want to take Christmas family shots, make sure your baby is fed and tired. It could help calm things down and make the process more fun. Carefully consider the setting, lighting, and props to ensure the scene feels lively without being too much. The goal is to record scenes from nature that show how wonderful and joyful the season is.

1. Use a Santa Hat or Minimalist Props

Using simple props can help you take great pictures of your family at Christmas without making the scene too busy. A standard look that works well for a baby’s first Christmas is to wear a bright red Santa hat with a diaper or a simple onesie. Keeping things simple helps the focus stay on your baby while adding a holiday touch to your pictures.

If you want more ideas for your baby’s first Christmas, think about simple props like a red blanket, a holiday-themed headband, or a small Christmas box. These things give the picture a holiday feel without making it too crowded. Your baby can be lying down as a newborn or able to sit up a little later. This method still works well for both. The important thing is to pick out just a few Christmas-themed items and keep your baby’s natural movements and reactions in mind.

2. Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Hands and Feet

Focusing on small details like hands and feet can lead to touching and artistic pictures, perfect posing of newborn babies to capturing their special moments. With a holiday background like a Christmas tree or a cosy blanket, these close-ups of a baby’s feet and hands can become cherished memories.

It’s easy to put your baby in a holiday outfit that covers their arms and legs and have someone gently hold them in front of a Christmas tree. Then, you can take a picture of their little feet in someone’s hands. If they are holding a small holiday item like a soft ornament or a piece of holly, this can also work well with their hands.

3. Try Out Different Points of View

If you change your point of view, your pictures will be more interesting and show more of your family. Place your baby near something holiday-themed, like Christmas presents on the fireplace or a decorated tree, and take a picture of them from above. If your baby is looking up with interest, standing on a chair or ladder can give you a cool view from above.

You can also get down on their level for a more personal touch. Get on the floor to get pictures of a baby moving or just born at eye level. Even if you’re using a smartphone, taking quick shots one after the other will give you a lot of choices. This is an easy way to get close-up, interesting pictures that capture the magic of your baby’s first holiday season.

4. Matching Family Outfits

An easy but effective way to make family Christmas photos look like a whole is to have everyone wear the same outfit. Wearing clothes that go together gives your shots a sense of unity and looks good. Matching pyjamas, holiday sweaters, or clothes that match in red, green, or white are all classic choices.

Comfort should come first when picking out clothes, especially for your baby. Simple, soft clothes can help everyone stay calm and happy during the picture shoot. Consider adding small items like Santa hats or cosy scarves to add a holiday touch. Anywhere you are—by the Christmas tree, on the couch, or outside—this method works well.

5. Make Smart Picks for Your Props

Try wrapping or swaddling your baby in a soft, holiday-themed blanket to keep things calm and easy to handle. This helps babies stay calm and happy, especially if they are fed and comfy. Using simple props like these keeps the attention on your baby and gives the picture a soft holiday feel.

Use many of the same kinds of holiday items, like small trinkets or Christmas lights, to keep the theme going. This method keeps the setup neat and free of unnecessary things that could be seen. Wrap them up gently and put them halfway inside the stocking or box while they sleep. Then, take a picture of the moment.

Remember that the point of a baby’s first Christmas picture is to create warm and important memories. Don’t use too many props; just pick a few that go well with your baby. With a few simple and thoughtful touches, you can make your pictures both festive and timeless, capturing the spirit of the season.

6. Create a “Snowy” Wonderland Indoors

Transform a small corner of your home into a magical winter wonderland! Use soft, fluffy faux snow blankets or cotton batting as the base, and add a few small props like a wooden sled, miniature Christmas trees, or sparkling fairy lights. Dress your baby in a cosy knit onesie, or wrap them in a fluffy white blanket to complete the snowy look.

If your baby can sit, let them explore the “snow” while you capture their curious reactions. For newborns, try posing them on the soft snowy surface with a holiday-themed plush toy. The snowy backdrop adds an ethereal touch to your photos, making them feel magical and festive.

7. Capture a Holiday Baking Moment

Create a cosy and playful baking scene with your family! Set up a kitchen counter or dining table with holiday-themed baking props like rolling pins, biscuit cutters, and gingerbread biscuits. Dress your baby in a tiny chef’s hat and apron, and let them “help” with the fun.

For little ones, you can place them on a high chair surrounded by flour-dusted biscuits or colourful sprinkles. Older babies might enjoy holding a wooden spoon or “decorating” biscuits with safe, edible props like icing in a sealed bag. This setup adds a whimsical and heartwarming vibe, perfect for capturing those candid, joyful moments.

Experience the Magic with Mahvin Photography

You should remember your baby’s first Christmas in a way that is as unique and special as the holiday itself. DIY photography can be a fun activity for the whole family, but hiring a professional can turn these special times into lasting memories.

Mahvin Photography is an expert at making beautiful, heartfelt family picture books that show off the love, happiness, and warmth of your most important events. Because we are experts in lighting, design, and creative set-ups, we can capture every laugh, hand, and holiday detail in a beautiful way.

It’s time to start making plans for your dream holiday photoshoot!

Let us take the stress out of getting the best picture. Mahvin Photography offers personalised sessions that are meant to show off your family’s unique personalities while also getting into the holiday spirit. We make memories that you’ll remember for a lifetime, whether they are in a cosy indoor setting or a beautiful outdoor setting.

Book your session today!