Memory Making Holiday Photo Session

Posted in Family Photography by Charis Elisabeth

October 20, 2026

Holiday traditions are some of my favorite parts of being a parent (Well and also the holiday season….I LOVE Christmas!). Making traditions for my kids and continuing ones I grew up with is so special. The ornaments that come out of the box each year, the line up of favorite Christmas movies and those treats you make only at the holiday each year!

I was so delighted when this sweet family choose a holiday photos at home to document their memories for their family photos in Oklahoma City. It was a delightful morning of dancing around the Christmas tree, snuggles in the the holiday pj’s and decorating cookies in the kitchen. 

I love how at home family photo sessions are all about documenting WHO your family is and WHAT this season of life looks like. 

Holiday Photos At Home In Oklahoma City

Most holiday photos are quick attempts trying to get that one photo for the holiday card or annual social media post. But what if you changed how you looked at family photos and actually spent the time investing in them to document what life is really like for you and your favorite people right now?

In home family photo sessions are the photos that in 10 years will make you stop and pause. Make your kids laugh and jog their memories and likely you shed a tear or two missing that season but oh so glad for the current one you are in. 

And another delightful part about in home sessions is they can be done in the morning or early afternoon and work especially around toddler nap times better or that sports schedule.  You don’t have to fight for the best spot at a local location and all the snacks are right there. 

What To DO During an At Home Holiday Photo Session

I love to build the session around the activities your family actually does and the traditions you really want to remember. A few that usually are highlights for everyone:

Dancing to holiday music – always a good way to break the ice and get the session going and everyone in the holiday spirit. 

Christmas pjs on the couch – snuggles, reading a holiday story these are the precious memories you want to remember. 

Decorating Christmas Cookies – what’s more classic then this? A fun way that usually makes everyone happy!

Decorating Your Christmas Tree – a special annual tradition that will be forever treasured to have documented. 

A Few Tips To Make Your Session Go Smoothly

Tree Decorating Session
If you want tree decorating photos decorate it about half way before I am there. A half empty tree is hard to photograph and it will bug you to not be done. But since it takes several hours this is one way to make your session more efficient but still get the memories!

For baking photos –

Double check to make sure you have all the ingredients before the day of the session. If you want to decorate cookies and make the dough, I recommend having some premade baked cookies before the session. With kids sometimes the attention span goes fast so being able to make the cookies then move right into decorating keeps it easy. 

Clothing Tips – What To Wear for Your Holiday Photos At Home

• Cozy neutrals, holiday theme pj’s these are great clothing choices for the day. 
• Make them really function year round if you do neutrals. If you want them to scream the holidays then do all the red and green from head to toe. 
• Book your session in late summer for November or early December

The holidays get wild and if you want the photos for christmas then plan for the session in middle to end of November before it gets all crazy. 

The Day of the Session
Turn on the holiday music, start snuggling those kiddos and let me work my magic. You do no have to direct anybody or boss them to smile. Kids often respond better to just being loved on and the great thing is these sessions are all about being relaxed, full of love and chill. 

Let’s plan your holiday session!
I photograph in home holiday sessions each year in the metro area and take just a few limited spots each year. November and December fills up fast so reach out soon and let’s get it on the calendar. Contact me here!

If you found this post for Holiday Photos At Home in Oklahoma City helpful check out some of these other posts:

• Fun Things To Do With Kids In OKC For Christmas
• Christmas Lights in OKC
• Your Best Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session

The Blog Post Was Written By

Charis Elisabeth

Charis is an Oklahoma City photographer providing timeless, storytelling family and newborn photography to sentimental families in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Midwest City Norman, Moore and the broader Central Oklahoma area. As a certified and award winning photographer, Charis specializes in at-home, documentary photo sessions and is considered one of the premier Oklahoma Newborn Photographers. As a mom of 3, Charis is passionate about connecting with other local moms and ensuring that you have the resources you need to thrive in motherhood.