Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, but I really underestimated how much of the magic is made by the parents – who knew?! Not me.
Creating memories that I know will last a lifetime for my family is such an honour. The festive season slows us down just enough to reconnect, laugh more, and lean into these traditions that feel comforting, meaningful and becoming core memories for my girls.
Over the years, we’ve built a handful of Christmas traditions that our family looks forward to every December. They’re simple, joyful, and full of those little moments I love to document – the same kind of moments I aim to capture for the families I photograph.
Here’s a little glimpse into our own family Christmas traditions and why they mean so much to me.
Visiting a Christmas Tree Farm 🎄
One of our favourite ways to kick off the festive season is a visit to a Christmas tree farm. There’s something magical about wrapping up warm, wandering through rows of trees, and letting the children debate which one is the perfect tree.
As a London family photographer, I’m a sucker for natural moments – muddy boots, uneven coats/scarves and the excitement on the kid’s faces when they finally choose their tree. It’s not about the perfect photo; (in fact my youngest cried as soon as I got my camera out – classic!) it’s about the experience. These are the kinds of moments that tell a story.
Back at home, decorating the tree together becomes another tradition in itself. Old decorations, handmade ones from school, and the occasional mismatch all add to the charm. It’s never Instagram-perfect, but it’s perfectly us.
Seeing Santa on Christmas Eve 🎅
Christmas Eve holds so much magic in our house, and seeing Santa has become a tradition the children absolutely treasure. Whether it’s a local Santa experience or a surprise visit, I always try to stay present while quietly soaking it all in. As someone who photographs families for a living, I know just how fleeting these years are. The wide eyes, the nervous excitement, the whispered questions, they’re moments you blink and miss.
This tradition reminds me why documenting real family life matters so much, especially during Christmas. I also find that the closest you leave it to Christmas to book in to see Santa, the less busy and chaotic it is – that’s my top tip for ya!
Making Elf Chocolate Treats 🍫
One of our minimal effort traditions happens right in the kitchen: making elf chocolate treats.
We melt chocolate and pour it into trays, then let the kids go wild adding their favourite extras – popcorn, Smarties, sprinkles, marshmallows, anything goes. It’s messy, chaotic, and full of laughter… basically everything childhood should be.
Once they’re set, we pretend the elves have been busy helping out, and the treats magically appear later on. It’s a small thing, but it creates huge excitement.
Christmas Cards with My Own Photos 📸
It probably comes as no surprise that our Christmas cards feature my own photos. Each year, I photograph the girls and image that reflects where we are as a family at that moment in time. It’s so lovely to look back on over time! I always print extra for us to keep one.
Behind-the scenes of our Christmas card shoot.
Sending those cards feels incredibly special – a way to share a little piece of our family story with friends and loved ones. It’s also why I encourage families I photograph in London to print their images. Photos aren’t meant to live on a hard drive; they’re meant to be shared, displayed, and revisited year after year.
Matching Christmas Pyjamas on Christmas Eve 🎄✨
No Christmas Eve would be complete without matching Christmas pyjamas. It’s one of those traditions that started as me trying my luck with my other half, but somehow has now became non-negotiable – I’ve roped my mum in this year!
We change into our pyjamas early, settle down for a festive film, and soak up the excitement of what’s to come. The kids love it, and honestly, so do I. The anticipation, the quiet moments before the chaos of Christmas morning, and the closeness that comes from simply being together.
Why These Traditions Matter
As a family photographer, I see first-hand how meaningful it is to capture real family traditions – not just the big milestones, but the in-between moments that make up everyday life.
Our Christmas traditions aren’t extravagant or perfectly styled. They’re real, sometimes messy, and full of heart. And those are exactly the moments worth remembering.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned both as a parent and a photographer, it’s this: the magic is already there. You don’t need perfection – just presence.
Looking to Capture Your Own Family Traditions?
I’m so proud honoured that I’ve become a part of so many family’s traditions. Not just at Christmas but everyday moments and milestone – truthfully, it my honour to capture these for you. Because one day, these moments will be the memories you hold onto most.
Maybe 2026 is the year you start your own new family traditions. If you want to capture genuine, natural moments and milestones – get in touch, I’d love to work with you in the new year.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from my family to your’s xo
