47 Times Family Christmas Photos Went Hilariously Wrong

Sure, some of your pictures can and do come out as polished, frame-worthy photos. But it is the candid shots — no matter how imperfect or awkward — that bring joy and laughter to the dinner table during family reunions, when everyone gathers around to pore over old pictures together.

“Beautiful light, thoughtful composition, and a cohesive color palette certainly matter, but what makes an image memorable is connection,” Kelly Tareski, an award-winning photographer from Washington, tells Bored Panda.

“The way a parent leans into their child, a shared laugh, or a spontaneous hug are the moments that tell a story. Candid images play a critical role in this,” she adds.

She believes it is the in-between moments that families treasure most. “A child giggling mid twirl, siblings whispering, or parents laughing when something does not go as planned all hold real emotion. Emotion is what gives a photograph meaning long after the season has passed.”

Even if you can’t predict how people will behave in front of the camera, you can still create the right environment to capture great shots. And when it comes to that, professional photographers have some tips to share.

“My advice is to let go of perfection and focus on being present. Choose clothing that feels like you rather than something that feels like a costume. Trust your photographer to guide the session, while allowing room for movement, laughter, and natural interaction,” says Tareski.

Another tip she says is to prepare your children ahead of time. “But avoid placing pressure on them. Approach the session as quality time together rather than a performance. Some of the most meaningful images come from moments that were never planned.”

When it comes to the technical side of photography, Prague-based photographer Michal Šviga says to keep the decorations tidy and minimal — just a few nice items, and maybe something in the foreground. “But don't overdo it with things.”

“When it comes to lighting, you need to pay attention to the different color temperatures. Both the background lights and the main light,” he says.

“In the studio, the time of day does not matter. Outdoors, the best time is about an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunset — during the golden and blue hours. This is ideal if you want the lights of decorated streets in the background,” the photographer adds.

We asked Mike Bender, co-founder of Awkward Family Photos and a New York Times bestselling author, what visual elements tend to make a family photo unintentionally funny.

“I think we are always looking for photos that surprise us in some way and a great matchy-matchy family photos always works as well. There's just something about seeing a family wearing the same thing that is very satisfying,” he says.

Founded in 2009, Awkward Family Photos is a dedicated website where people share their most uncomfortable and hilarious family moments.

When asked about the Christmas photo cliches that make everyone laugh, he says: “Photos of kids with Santa. There is something about the happy Santa with the crying kids or the happy kid with the creepy Santa that never gets old.”

He also believes that the holiday season is prime time for awkward and funny family snapshots.

“It's when the whole family is together and forced to be with one another under the same roof for a week. That kind of tension can only lead to glorious beautiful awkwardness!”

Tareski, the US photographer, says she has noticed differences in how families approach holiday photos across generations and regions.

“Older families often prioritize tradition and formality. They tend to prefer classic poses, direct smiles, and timeless imagery intended for holiday cards and framed prints. Younger families often place higher value on authenticity and emotion, and they are generally more comfortable with movement, play, and a less structured session,” she notes.

She says that in the Pacific Northwest, families often lean toward natural settings, earthy colors, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere. “There is typically less emphasis on perfection and more focus on warmth and connection.”

In contrast, she notes that in other regions, especially where holiday traditions are more formal, families tend to favor coordinated outfits and carefully posed photos.

“Neither approach is better than the other. The goal is always to reflect what feels natural and meaningful to each family,” Tareski adds.

There are some common photography mistakes that usually lead to awkward results, something we see time and again during holiday photo sessions.

“One common issue is over coordinating outfits to the point that comfort is sacrificed. Another is trying to force smiles from children who have clearly reached their limit. Attempting to recreate a highly styled pose that does not suit a family’s natural dynamic can also lead to awkward results,” Tareski notes.

She says that stress is another major factor. “When parents feel anxious about timing, behavior, or achieving a perfect outcome, that tension is visible in the photos. Children are especially sensitive to it.”

At the same time, she also believes that some mishaps can turn into the most memorable moments. “Interestingly, when something unexpected happens, such as a toddler refusing to cooperate or someone breaking into laughter, those moments often result in the most genuine and beloved images.”

Research shows that amateur photography plays an important role in building collective family memory and preserving familial bonds. It helps families record their history as they actually lived it, instead of presenting just the polished moments.

“Ultimately, holiday photos are not about flawless smiles. They are about capturing a season of life as it truly is. That authenticity is what gives the images lasting value,” Tareski says.

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