Christmas has a way of sprinkling a little extra magic over everything, and as a Lancaster family photographer, I believe there’s no better place to capture that wonder than right inside your own home. Home is where tiny toes pad across familiar floors, where favorite toys wait to be shown off, and where kids feel free to sparkle in their own silly, joyful ways. And here in Lancaster, PA—where November and December bring frosty noses and swirling snowflakes—the warmth of an indoor photo session feels like stepping into your own cozy Christmas story.
Even though the holidays can feel a little chaotic, setting aside intentional time for photos in your home doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it instead as a pause—a chance to slow down, snuggle close, and make new memories wrapped in the glow of twinkle lights. Choose a few simple activities that spark joy for your family, and let the moments unfold naturally.
For the bright and festive family photo session featured here, this mom and her three young boys began in dressy, casual Christmas outfits. They had just moved into a new home, and even though the space was small, we captured beautiful, magical moments in both the living room and bedroom. After taking some photos in their “fancy” outfits, they changed into matching Christmas pajamas for photos of them snuggled up reading a book together on the bed. We ended the session with a fun gingerbread house decorating activity—hot tip: mom used a premade kit with everything included, which made it easy and stress-free.
Ideas for your in-home Christmas family photo session with kids:
Snuggle up on the couch or bed in your Christmas pajamas and read a favorite book
Sip hot cocoa at the kitchen table, complete with whipped cream mustaches
Decorate the Christmas tree (or re-hang a few ornaments for the kids to place)
Dance in the living room to your favorite holiday songs
Decorate cookies or build a gingerbread house
Cut paper snowflakes and hang them in the windows
Set up a special train set that comes out only at Christmastime
Wrap a gift together or exchange small presents
Or add your own treasured tradition—because every family has its own kind of Christmas magic
Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!
