Getting everyone dressed up for holiday photos sounds fun in theory. In reality, it usually involves complaints about uncomfortable clothes, at least one last-minute stain, crying, and somebody deciding they’re done before you’ve taken a single decent picture.

Instead of fighting it this year, use National Family Pajama Day on November 14 as your excuse to keep things simple. Matching pajamas, a relaxed day at home, and a few well-timed photos can give you a holiday card that feels more like your family and less like a formal photo shoot. Better yet, you’ll have your card photo checked off the list before the holiday rush begins.

The High-Fashion Parody

Forget the traditional family portrait and lean into something unexpected. Have everyone wear their matching pajamas, then add accessories that couldn’t be more out of place. Oversized sunglasses, winter coats, costume jewelry, rain boots, or anything else that looks a little ridiculous works perfectly. Find a blank wall, stand everyone in a row, and have them strike their most serious poses. The contrast between fancy “fashion model” expressions and cozy pajamas is what makes the photo work.

Try a caption like: “Wishing you a fierce and cozy holiday season.”

The Real-Life Photo Collage

Not every holiday card needs one perfect family picture. Instead, spend the day snapping photos as things happen. Take a picture of marshmallows floating in hot chocolate, a child reading under a blanket, the dog stretched across the couch, or cookie dough covering someone’s fingers. Those little moments often say more about family life than a posed portrait ever could. A collage-style card lets you combine several images into one story.

Try a caption like: “Comfort, joy, and a lot of coffee. Happy Holidays from our couch to yours.”

The Baking-Day Disaster

If you’re already planning to bake holiday treats, keep your camera nearby. The best photo might happen long before the cookies make it into the oven. Maybe someone’s covered in flour. Maybe the gingerbread house is leaning dangerously to one side. Maybe the parents have that look that says they underestimated the amount of cleanup involved. Those imperfect moments usually get the biggest laughs when family and friends open your card.

Try a caption like: “We tried. Happy Holidays from our beautiful mess.”

The Blanket Fort Photo

Gather every blanket, pillow, and cushion in the house and spend the afternoon building a family fort. Once it’s finished, put your phone or camera inside the fort facing outward. Have everyone peek through the entrance while string lights or holiday lights softly light the scene. The result feels cozy, warm, and a little magical without requiring anyone to pose for long.

Try a caption like: “Grateful for the roof over our heads and the love inside our walls.”

The Great Pajama Swap

For families who don’t take themselves too seriously, try a pajama switch. Kids can wear oversized pajama tops borrowed from mom or dad, while the adults attempt to squeeze into child-sized pieces. The goal isn’t to make it look perfect. The goal is to capture everyone’s reaction when they see each other. Those genuine laughs will probably be your best photos of the day.

Try a caption like: “May your holidays fit you just right.”

The “Sleeping In” Photo

This idea is surprisingly simple and works especially well with younger kids. Gather everyone on the bed, pull the blankets up, and have everyone close their eyes as if they’re peacefully asleep. Pets are definitely welcome in the picture. Taking the photo from above creates a clean, uncluttered look, while the “sleeping” pose means nobody has to worry about smiling at the camera.

Try a caption like: “Silent Night? Not exactly. Happy Holidays from our crew.”