Looking for funny christmas card photo ideas that go beyond matching sweaters? Think giant antlers, awkward couple poses and a cat portrait that takes itself very seriously.
There’s plenty to choose from here, whether you’re including your family, your pets or just yourself.
You can keep it simple or go all out with a photo edit. For the pretend wall-taping and other wild setups, keep everyone safely on the ground and let editing do the work.
Christmas card photos with a funny twist
matching pajamas and pretend wall tape
How funny is this setup? The kids appear to be taped to the wall while the adults sit below with their drinks.
I love that everyone has matching red-and-cream pajamas.
For your own version, photograph the kids lying on a flat backdrop and combine the pictures digitally. Add the big red tape shapes in the edit too.
antlers and a puppy cameo
Those oversized red antlers are so good! The matching red tops and glasses give this a wonderfully awkward holiday portrait look.
The little puppy beside the dog picture on the sweatshirt is my favorite part. Try a pet-themed top if your dog is joining the photo.
the little light wrangler
Looks like someone has taken over the decorating, lol! The adults stand back-to-back in colorful lights while the child holds a tangled strand in the foreground.
Keep the mischievous grin and oversized Santa hat for your version. Add the wrapped-light effect digitally rather than using cords to restrain anyone.
a less-than-merry Santa visit
Not every Santa photo comes with a smile. Those outstretched hands tell a very different story from the usual holiday portrait.
If you already have an outtake like this, a caption such as “Maybe next year, Santa” could fit. Don’t prolong an upsetting visit just to get the picture.
Christmas tree chaos
There is so much going on in this family photo! One adult reaches toward the tilted tree, a child holds a light strand and a diaper change takes place in front.
Try separate posed shots and editing for your own chaotic scene, with the tree secured throughout. Keep the baby clothed and let the scattered diaper supplies tell that part of the story.
an awkward holiday heart
I am obsessed with how serious they look in this pose. The matching red graphic sweatshirts, tan shorts and tall white socks make it even better.
Stand side by side and lean inward to form a heart with your raised arms. Don’t forget to join your other hands down below to finish the shape.
a tiny guest and the Grinch
Who needs a traditional Santa portrait when you have the Grinch? The green face and red suit look so funny beside the baby’s green skirt and sparkly red bow.
Let your little one get familiar with the costume first. A curious glance could be just as sweet as a perfectly posed smile.
the very serious cat portrait
This may just be my favorite pet photo here. Two people, three cats and those dramatic off-camera gazes make it look like a formal portrait with a very unexpected cast.
Try holiday sweaters against a dark background. Photograph your cats separately if they’d rather not sit together, then combine the shots.
finally peace on earth
The “FINALLY PEACE ON EARTH” board gives this photo its punchline. Santa hats, green tinsel and exaggerated expressions fill out the scene, with blue tape shown over two mouths.
For a version without tape or restraints, have everyone hold a blue paper rectangle below their lips. Keep the sign and let the expressions do the rest.
the marshmallow bath
A bath full of giant marshmallow shapes? This one really goes all out.
The elf hat, cookies over the eyes and syrup bottle with a straw make it even more ridiculous.
You could suggest the same scene with oversized white props in a dry tub. Keep the bottle as a prop rather than actually drinking syrup.
return to Santa
The handwritten “RETURN TO SANTA” sign is the first thing that catches my eye. Matching holiday pajamas run through the whole picture, with wrapping-paper rolls and two seated adults in the background.
Borrow the sign idea for a simpler photo beside an open gift box. Skip the mouth coverings and staged restraints.
Pause for cuddles if your little one gets upset.
plaid and a cheeky chalkboard
Here is another take on the peace-on-earth joke, this time with a big chalkboard and lots of red plaid. The thumbs-up pose beside those unimpressed expressions makes the contrast pretty clear.
I’d keep the festive backdrop but swap the mouth tape for finger-to-lips poses. Place the lights around the scene instead of wrapping them around anyone.
a life-size kitchen elf
Is that a full-size elf on top of the refrigerator? The striped socks and pointed white collar make the costume, but the family looking up is what finishes the joke.
Take the elf picture on a low, stable seat and edit it into the kitchen scene. No climbing onto appliances needed.
upside-down holiday mischief
This takes the pretend wall-tape idea a little further. The children appear upside down in striped holiday outfits while the adults clink glasses below.
Photograph the kids lying safely on a plain backdrop, then rotate their pictures in the edit. I love the red-and-green elf outfit beside those red-and-white stripes.
a runaway giant snowball
If you want to go all out with editing, this one is for you. One child appears to run toward the camera while another is inside a giant snowball, with a tumbling snowman behind.
Take separate photos with big surprised expressions and outstretched arms. Then build your snowy scene around those poses.
Christmas in a box
How cute is this group collage? Every compartment has something different going on, from silly glasses to tinsel and holiday hats.
Photograph each person in the same open box setup, then arrange the pictures into a grid. Leave one square for a holiday message if you want to follow this layout.
a portrait with the dog on top
The little dog at the top is absolutely the star of this picture. The two people below rest their faces in their hands, with dark green tops tying the portrait together.
Try the stacked-face composition with your pet photographed on a separate supported surface. Editing can give you that same tower effect without asking anyone to balance.
the oversized Santa hat
Last but definitely not least, we have this wonderfully simple holiday headshot. The huge tilted Santa hat, red sweater and big grin do all the work.
Choose a mottled blue backdrop if you want that same old-school studio look. This is a fun option when you don’t want a whole scene full of props.
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