Prince George and Princess Charlotte Just Won the Contest For the Cutest Holiday Card Photo

Getty | Handout

Whether you started planning your perfect family holiday portrait in July or put it off until the last minute, we're here to help! From candid baking sessions with your little ones to frolicking in the Fall foliage, there are countless ways to nail the ultimate photo for your holiday card. Take the pain away from brainstorming the perfect idea (and start the season stress free!) by getting inspired with 36 of our favorite festive photo ideas — including a royal one!

01
A Formal Family Portrait
Instagram | mrsemmaburton

A Formal Family Portrait

Nothing says shabby chic like formal attire with a woodland background.

02
Peaceful Props
Momma's Gonna Snap

Peaceful Props

Could anything be cuter than an angelic shot of your tot and his or her BFF?

03
Modern Pillows
Instagram | myahmcneill

Modern Pillows

A few colorful pillows create a modern look without needing an elaborate background.

04
#Twinning
Carlin Fisher Photography

#Twinning

Simple outfits with a bold color palette create a graphic appeal.

05
Fall Frolics
Flickr user ChrisPrice

Fall Frolics

Some leaves and a candid shot make for the sweetest family moment.

06
Monogrammed Pajamas
Momma's Gonna Snap

Monogrammed Pajamas

There are no words for this adorable moment in front of the Christmas tree.

07
Enjoying the Little Things
Flickr user Photoflurry

Enjoying the Little Things

It doesn't have to be a grand, staged moment for it to be a powerful picture. Smelling the roses (or admiring the foliage!) makes for a sweet photo op.

08
All in Plaid
Momma's Gonna Snap

All in Plaid

Coordinating outfits never looked so cute!

09
A Chilly Stroll
Flickr user John's Photography

A Chilly Stroll

Show off your little one's walking skills and your favorite boots all at the same time.

10
The More, the Merrier
Carlin Fisher Photography

The More, the Merrier

Adorable newborns clad in knit hats steal the show every time.

11
Jumping For Joy
Carlin Fisher Photography

Jumping For Joy

The family that jumps together stays together.

12
Blowing Snow
Momma's Gonna Snap

Blowing Snow

Such a sweet moment of childhood innocence deserves to be seen by all of your family and friends.

13
Playing in the Leaves
Carlin Fisher Photography

Playing in the Leaves

Take advantage of changing foliage for a vibrant holiday card backdrop.

15
Nostalgic Outfits
Carlin Fisher Photography

Nostalgic Outfits

Red monogrammed overalls? Enough said!

16
Candy Cane Hearts
Momma's Gonna Snap

Candy Cane Hearts

You'll love the adorable shot, and your kids will love the leftover candy.

17
Naughty or Nice Sign
Momma's Gonna Snap

Naughty or Nice Sign

Celebrate the holidays with a sense of humor!

18
Add a Pop of Color
Carlin Fisher Photography

Add a Pop of Color

Statement accessories can turn a typical family photo into something special.

19
Playful Pose
Momma's Gonna Snap

Playful Pose

Take a few candid shots while swinging your little tot around. The results might just surprise you!

20
Babies in Bow Ties
Carlin Fisher Photography

Babies in Bow Ties

We're a sucker for babies wearing bow ties, but when you add an oversize sweater to the mix, our hearts instantly melt.

21
Christmas Tree Stand
Momma's Gonna Snap

Christmas Tree Stand

A simple smooch between siblings caught among holiday props makes for an adorable photo.

22
An Action Shot
Carlin Fisher Photography

An Action Shot

Have everybody jump or toss leaves at the same time and enjoy the final results.

23
There's No Place Like Home
Carlin Fisher Photography

There's No Place Like Home

A sweet shot outside your home makes for a personal and intimate holiday card.

24
Rain Boot Jubilance
Shutterstock

Rain Boot Jubilance

The bigger the puddles, the bigger the joy!

25
Sweet Kisses
Momma's Gonna Snap

Sweet Kisses

Keep things pressure free and just enjoy the outdoors with your family. You may be surprised by the unplanned moments you manage to capture.

26
Holiday Selfies
Shutterstock

Holiday Selfies

Perfect for the Instagram-loving family!

27
Baking Cookies
Momma's Gonna Snap

Baking Cookies

Sometimes, the happiest of memories come complete with a mess.

28
Christmas Tree Glow
Momma's Gonna Snap

Christmas Tree Glow

Between the matching pajamas and the intimate Christmas tree glow, this innocent moment is destined to be framed.

29
Cookie Jar Attempts
Momma's Gonna Snap

Cookie Jar Attempts

Let your little one (clad in adorable pajamas!) get to work stealing the cookies while you get photos of their sweet attempts.

30
Barns and Bows
Momma's Gonna Snap

Barns and Bows

A rustic barn is the perfect setting for an intimate holiday card.

31
Camping and Hot Cocoa
Flickr user Get Found - Digital Content Specialist

Camping and Hot Cocoa

These boys know how to steal the show (and stay warm while doing it!).

32
A Puff of Snow
Momma's Gonna Snap

A Puff of Snow

One handful is all it takes to create a Winter-worthy shot.

33
Eskimo Kisses
Momma's Gonna Snap

Eskimo Kisses

Not every moment needs to be posed in order for it to be perfect.

34
Hot Chocolate Gulps
Momma's Gonna Snap

Hot Chocolate Gulps

Between Christmas pajamas and slurping hot chocolate, there's nothing not to love about this.

35
Christmas Tree Smooches
Momma's Gonna Snap

Christmas Tree Smooches

Take a moment before the holidays get hectic to enjoy Christmas traditions, and make sure to snap a shot of the fun.

36
Royal Children
Getty | Handout

Royal Children

Or, you can just grab a few royal children and add them to some Fall surroundings and watch as the world drools over your beautiful family photo!