5 Holiday Photo Traditions Most People Dislike
Ah, the holidays! A time for joy, family, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of photo ops. But not all holiday photo traditions are created equal. Some can feel more like a chore than a cherished memory. If you’ve ever found yourself rolling your eyes at the thought of certain photo traditions, you’re definitely not alone. Here’s a friendly rundown of five holiday photo customs that most people secretly (or not-so-secretly) dislike.
1. The Matching Pajama Shoot
Let’s start with a classic: the matching pajamas photo. On the surface, it sounds adorable. Everyone in cozy, festive sleepwear, gathered around the tree, sipping hot cocoa — what could go wrong? Well, for starters, getting everyone to agree on a color scheme can be a Herculean task. And let’s not even talk about the inevitable squabbles over who gets to wear the softest fabric.
Plus, there’s the subtle pressure to look cute in pajamas, which is a tall order when Uncle Bob insists on wearing those “vintage” plaid pants that haven’t seen the light of day since 1995. It’s enough to make anyone wish for a quick snapshot in their regular loungewear instead.
2. The Overly Posed Family Portrait
Ah, the family portrait. The annual ritual that somehow manages to bring out every hint of awkwardness in a family. You know the drill: everyone’s lined up, forced smiles plastered on faces, and Dad always trying to sneak a silly face in the mix. While it can be nice to capture a moment, the pressure to look perfect can make it feel more like a photo shoot for a magazine cover than a genuine family moment.
And let’s face it, there’s something a little off about a random stranger (aka the photographer) trying to catch your family’s “natural” side while your cousin is literally just trying not to blink. A more candid approach might be the way to go, but hey, who doesn’t love a good cringe-worthy photo to pull out during family gatherings?
3. The Holiday Card Photo Frenzy
Sending holiday cards is a lovely tradition, but the photo you choose can be a source of stress for many. Often, people feel the need to curate the “perfect” image to showcase to friends and family, leading to endless wardrobe changes, hair tweaks, and even last-minute location changes. And let’s not forget the pressure of keeping up with social media! No one wants to be the family that sends out a card with last year’s “best” photo.
Then there’s the guilt of having to keep track of who you’ve sent cards to and who hasn’t received one yet. It can feel like a full-time job! Maybe the best solution is to make it a little more casual — like a cute snapshot of the kids goofing off in the yard, or even a picture of your pets looking festive. After all, nothing says holiday cheer quite like a cat in a Santa hat!
4. The “Let’s All Squeeze in the Same Frame” Scenario
Ever tried to fit an entire family of twenty into one frame? It’s like a game of Tetris gone wrong. You’ve got Grandma in the front, trying to smile through the crowd, while the little ones are climbing over each other like it’s a playground. And there’s always that one person who insists on standing in the back, trying to “duck” behind someone else to avoid the camera. It’s a recipe for chaos!
Sure, the idea is to capture the whole crew, but it often results in a photo where half the faces are obscured or someone’s eyes are closed. A better approach? Break it down into smaller groups or candid shots. Trust me, nobody will miss that awkward “let’s all squeeze in” photo that ends up looking more like a game of hide-and-seek.
5. The Post-Meal Chaos Capture
Finally, let’s talk about the post-dinner photo. You know, the one where everyone’s just finished a massive feast and is looking a little worse for wear? There’s something about that moment when everyone’s loosening their belts and trying to keep their eyes open that doesn’t quite scream “cheese!” Yet, there’s always someone determined to capture the moment, complete with crumbs on shirts and half-closed eyes.
While some families may cherish these candid captures of food comas and laughter, others find it a bit too much to handle.
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