Send Picture-Perfect Holiday Cards With These 10 Tips

Before you start looking for a photographer, your first step is to decide where you would like to take your photos. Try making a list of your family's favorite destinations and choosing from there. Or, you can come up with a general background you'd like to have, depending on where you live — a beach, park, Christmas tree farm, or even your home would look lovely! And if you're going to be photographing young children, a location that is convenient and easy to manage is a must.

Sure, identical outfits would look cute, but depending on your timeline and budget, it might not be doable. To simplify, choose a color group rather than buying matching outfits for everyone. Using color to tie everyone together allows for more clothing options, especially when you have a large group with varied ages.

And be sure to plan ahead! "Make sure you have outfits picked out and put together the day before your session, at the latest," said Meaghan Aldridge, owner of Aldridge Photography in Saratoga Springs, NY. "You do not want to be stressed out or running around at the last minute. Make sure everyone is well rested, and have a nice relaxing morning beforehand. Young kids especially can tell if you are frantic. Also, give yourself enough time to get ready so you look and feel your best!"

Hiring a professional might take some of the work out of picture day, but don't stress if you want to capture your own photos. "If you are going to pick out a Christmas tree, bring your camera (or cell phone) and capture some photos of your kids in the moment," Aldridge suggested. "Embrace the personalities in your family — the best photos are not always the ones with everyone looking at the camera and smiling! I love to include the 'blooper' photos for my clients, and it amazes me how often these end up on their Christmas cards. So interact with one another, be candid, and most importantly, have fun!"

Make the most of natural light, even if you are indoors, by staging your photo near a window or doorway. Natural light is often the most flattering! And you may be surprised to find that the sun brightens the shot better than your camera's flash.

Add a bit of whimsy by including cute props in your holiday photo. Gather around the Christmas tree, have your little ones hold a seasonal banner, or give everyone Santa hats — anything goes. For extra credit, you can have the family pet join in on the fun! Just be sure you have a clear vision for what you'd like the photo to look like said Megan Bochette of Megan Bouchette Photography in Malta, NY. "Some people want more simple photos with the focus being on the family, while others want an elaborate Christmas set up." That will help you determine the props that make the most sense.

While digital cards can be quicker, sometimes it's nice to hold a photo in your hand, especially in a world where virtually everything is available online. If you can, try to send out old school cards — they feel more personal. And who doesn't love opening the mailbox to find a lovely letter?

One little apostrophe can be the difference between an error-free card and a grammatical nightmare. In order to make your last name plural, just add an "s." If your last name ends in an "s", then add an "es". Worried you'll mess it up? You can always sign the card from "The (insert your last name here) Family" if you are unsure.

Save the apostrophes for other (grammatically sound) uses. For example, an apostrophe is needed for the phrase "Season's Greetings" in order to make it possessive.

Add a special touch to your cards by including a heartfelt message to your recipients. If you're short on time, a simple yet sweet message like "Thinking of you this holiday season!" or a sweet holiday saying will do the trick. If you'd like to go a little farther, a family newsletter to keep relatives and friends up to date with what has happened since you last spoke can be fun. In either case, remember that the sentiment written inside your holiday card is as important as the photo.

Always include your return address to ensure recipients have your current address on file. It makes it easier for your recipients to turn around and send a card back to you if they have your address on hand. Printed adhesive labels (or having your return address preprinted on your envelopes) simplifies everything in the long run.

Aim to mail out your cards by the first week of December so your holiday greetings arrive early to mid-December — and you miss the holiday rush at the post office. If you're overly ambitious, you can try to get your cards out before Thanksgiving. But don't stress if you don't get your cards out until later in the month — your recipients will appreciate New Year's greetings as well!