Article Updated: October 26, 2026

There is something special about receiving a holiday card in the mail, especially when it includes a photo of family or friends you may not get to see very often. As the years go by, those cards become little snapshots of how much everyone has grown and changed.

At Crabapple Photography, I love seeing the different ways families use their portraits for Christmas cards, holiday greetings, and even Happy New Year cards. After photographing babies, children, and families since 2009, I’ve seen plenty of beautiful approaches, from classic Christmas designs to simple cards featuring a favorite family portrait.

If you’re starting to think about your own holiday cards, there are a few things worth considering before you choose your photos. The good news? You don’t necessarily need a separate Christmas photo session to create a card you’ll love.

What Photos Work Best for Christmas Cards?

When most people picture Christmas photo cards, they imagine a family dressed in coordinating holiday outfits in front of a Christmas tree. That’s certainly one option, but it isn’t the only one!

A favorite family portrait can make a beautiful holiday card regardless of when it was taken. Some of my favorite designs feature families outdoors, siblings together, or a child at a particularly sweet stage. These images feel personal because they capture your family as it is right now, rather than trying to fit everyone into a specific holiday theme.

Family portraits are a natural choice if you want to share an updated photo of everyone together. Whether you prefer a classic studio portrait or a relaxed outdoor image, a family photo gives friends and relatives a chance to see everyone in one place.

Sibling and individual child portraits are another wonderful option. If your children have grown noticeably over the past year, a portrait of the two of them together or an individual photo of each child can be a lovely way to share that change. These designs can also work well when you prefer a simpler card without a large family group photo.

And don’t overlook milestone portraits! A baby’s first birthday, a new sibling, or a favorite image from a newborn session can be just as meaningful on a holiday card as a traditional Christmas portrait.

Do Your Christmas Card Photos Have to Be Christmas-Themed?

Not at all. In fact, some of the most timeless holiday cards feature portraits that have nothing specifically to do with Christmas.

Fall family photos are a popular choice because the colors and scenery can make a beautiful backdrop for a seasonal greeting. Beach portraits offer a completely different look, with softer colors and a more summery feel. Studio milestone portraits are another option, especially if you want to remember a particular stage in your child’s life.

The best part is that you can choose an image you already love. If you had family portraits taken earlier in the year, you may have everything you need for your cards without scheduling another session.

I also love this approach because it allows your family to enjoy the photos for more than one purpose. The same portraits you use for your holiday cards can be printed, framed, or added to an album to remember the year.

Want a Little Christmas Magic Without Booking Another Session?

If you love the idea of adding a little holiday spirit to your cards but don’t want to schedule an entirely separate Christmas session, there is another option.

At Crabapple Photography, our holiday props and accessories are easy to access beginning in late October. That means we can often incorporate a seasonal touch into an existing studio milestone session, depending on the session plan and the look you want.

For example, a baby’s milestone portraits might include a few images with a festive accessory or a simple holiday detail alongside the more classic portraits. Sibling portraits can also be a fun opportunity to add something seasonal.

This approach gives you a little variety in your gallery without needing to book a separate session solely for Christmas photos. You can still have the timeless portraits you originally planned for, along with a few options that feel right for the holiday season.

If you’re already planning a milestone session in the fall or early winter, let me know that you’d like to use some of the photos for holiday cards. We can talk about whether adding a seasonal element makes sense for your session.

When Should You Take Photos for Christmas Cards?

This is where a little planning makes a big difference!

If you want your cards ready to mail in early December, it’s helpful to think backward from the date you want to send them. You’ll need time not only for your photography session, but also to select your favorite images, design your card, approve the final proof, and have the cards printed and delivered.

The exact timeline depends on your card company and the type of design you choose, so check its current production and shipping estimates before settling on a deadline.

As a general rule, aim to have your photos ready well before Thanksgiving if you want plenty of breathing room. If you’re planning a late-fall session, it’s worth checking your schedule and your card printer’s deadlines now rather than waiting until December.

And remember, you don’t have to wait for fall to get the photos you need. A spring family session, summer beach portraits, or an earlier milestone session can give you beautiful images to use when the holidays arrive.

My biggest piece of advice is to choose your photo session based on the portraits you want, then plan your cards around the images you love. You may find that you already have the perfect photo sitting in your gallery.

Christmas Cards or Happy New Year Cards?

Christmas cards are a tradition for many families, but they’re certainly not the only option.

A general holiday greeting can be a lovely choice if you want something that feels seasonal without being specifically Christmas-themed. And if you’re running behind on getting your cards designed and mailed, a Happy New Year card gives you a little extra flexibility.

I love that option because it takes some of the pressure off the December rush. You can still share a favorite photo and send a thoughtful greeting, even if your cards won’t make it into the mail before Christmas.

The card examples throughout this post include different approaches to holiday greetings, including a Happy New Year design. There’s no single right way to do it. Choose the wording and style that feel most like your family.

A Few of Our Favorite Holiday Card Designs

Over the years, we’ve designed holiday cards using all kinds of portraits, including family photos, sibling images, and portraits of our own family. Looking back at these designs is a reminder that the most meaningful cards aren’t necessarily the most elaborate. They simply reflect the people and moments that mattered that year.

Some designs put the photo front and center, with a simple greeting and minimal decoration. Others incorporate more seasonal colors, festive details, or a layout that accommodates several images.

When choosing your own design, think about the photo first. A busy background or a group portrait may work best with a simple layout, while a clean studio image can leave room for a more decorative greeting. If you have several favorite images, a multi-photo card can be a great way to include more than one moment from the year.

And don’t be afraid to choose a design that feels different from what you’ve sent in the past. Your family’s portraits will change as your children grow, and your cards can change with them.

Ready to Plan Your Family Photos?

Whether you’re hoping to create a classic Christmas card, share updated family portraits, or simply capture this stage of your children’s lives, I’m happy to help you find the right approach.

My studio is located in Andover, Massachusetts, and I photograph newborns, babies, children, and families throughout Greater Boston, the North Shore, and Southern New Hampshire. If you’re already planning a milestone session, ask about incorporating a little holiday detail. If you’re looking for updated family portraits, we can talk about the setting and style that will work best for your family and your cards.

You can email Kate to start planning your session. For more portrait inspiration, follow along on Instagram and explore Pinterest.

The holidays will be here before we know it. Let’s make sure you have photos you’ll love sharing with the people who matter most.