If you’re reading this wondering how it’s already December and how Christmas is somehow just a few days away while hiding in the bathroom drinking lukewarm coffee and mentally reviewing everything you still need to do hi… Same. Lol!
One minute it was October and the next minute you’re wrapping gifts at midnight answering school emails and trying to remember if you moved the Elf again. The holidays are beautiful and magical and full of meaning and they’re also loud exhausting emotional and a lot.
Especially if you’re a parent.
Especially if you’re the one holding everything.
So before we talk about holiday photos I want to say this clearly.
You’re doing a really good job.
Holiday Burnout Is Real And You’re Not Alone
By the time holiday photos roll around most families are already running on fumes. December hits fast. Suddenly the calendar is full Christmas is days away and it feels like there’s pressure to make everything meaningful right now.
School events sick kids end of year deadlines travel plans family gatherings and trying to make memories without losing your mind in the process.
And somehow holiday photos can start to feel like just one more thing you have to get right.
The outfits have to match.
The kids have to behave.
Everyone has to smile.
Nothing can be messy.
Nothing can go wrong.
But here’s the truth real life doesn’t work like that. And honestly I don’t want it to.
Perfect Photos Aren’t the Goal Meaningful Ones Are
I’ve photographed enough families to tell you this with my whole heart the most loved photos are almost never the perfect ones.
They’re the ones where your toddler is mid giggle.
The ones where your kid is being a little wild and you’re laughing instead of correcting.
The ones where someone’s hair is slightly out of place but the love is loud.
The ones where you’re holding your child a little tighter because the year has been heavy.
Those are the photos that feel like home.
Your kids don’t need to be perfectly posed. They need to be themselves. And you don’t need to show up flawless you just need to show up.
From One Mom to Another
As a mom myself I want you to know I see you.
I know what it’s like to blink and suddenly it’s December.
I know what it’s like to feel like Christmas came out of nowhere.
I know what it’s like to stress over outfits that will be worn for 20 minutes.
I know what it’s like to bribe kids with snacks just to get through five photos.
I know what it’s like to worry that you look tired because you are tired.
And I also know this one day you’ll look back at these photos and you won’t see the chaos. You’ll see love. You’ll see how small they were. You’ll see how much you held them. You’ll see you showing up even when you were exhausted.
That matters more than perfection ever could.
Let the Session Be Easy
When you step into a holiday session with me I don’t expect perfection. I don’t want stiff smiles or forced moments. I want movement connection and real interactions.
If your kids need breaks we take them.
If someone needs a snack we pause.
If things feel silly we lean into it.
Some of the best photos happen in between in the moments where everyone relaxes and just exists together.
This season is already full enough. Your photos don’t need to add pressure.
A Little Holiday Permission Slip
So here’s your permission slip in case you need one especially if you’re staring at the calendar wondering how Christmas is just days away and feeling like you’re already behind.
You can let go of unrealistic expectations.
You can show up as you are.
You can laugh when things don’t go perfectly.
You can choose memories over stress.
Your family is worthy of being photographed exactly as they are right now messy magical tired joyful and real.
And one day these photos won’t remind you of how hard the season was. They’ll remind you that you made it through together.
And that is more than enough.
XO – Kayleen
