Last December, a client sent me a photo of her living room all decked out for the holidays. Right there in the middle of everything was the gallery wall we’d designed together the year before—but she’d added eucalyptus garland draped across the top and tucked little twinkle lights around the frames. It looked like something straight out of a magazine, and she said it took her maybe 20 minutes. That’s when it clicked for me: family portraits and holiday decorating are kind of a perfect match.

In my own home, with five kids running around, the holidays are all about these simple, authentic moments. We have a tradition where the kids race to the mailbox every day to see if we’ve received any Christmas cards. If we have, they get the honors of taping them up around the big mirror in our entryway. It’s a literal “wall of connection” that grows every day!

It reminds me why I love what I do—photography is a canvas for showing how beautiful your real life is. If you’ve ever felt like your year-round photos don’t quite “go” with your seasonal vibe, I have good news. You don’t have to choose between your everyday family memories and your festive decor.

Creative Portrait Displays Just for the Holiday Season

Your portraits deserve to be front and center when guests walk in. Here are a few ways to elevate your photos this year:

• The Entryway Mirror: Like we do in my home, use a large mirror or doorway to frame the cards and photos you receive.
• Photo Ornaments: Don’t just keep your favorites in a frame—hang them on the tree! I love using small framed pictures as ornaments; it turns the tree into a family history book.
• Tabletop Easels: These are perfect for entry tables or bookshelves in your home, allowing you to swap in your newest session prints easily.

Why Your Family Portraits Make the Best Holiday Decor (Seriously!)

Store-bought decor is fine, but it doesn’t have a soul. Your family portraits add a layer of warmth, richness, and beauty that a plastic reindeer just can’t compete with. As a photographer, my heart is to help you see your true worth and the beauty within your family. Displaying these photos during the holidays reminds you—and everyone who visits—what the season is truly about: the people we love.

Easy Ways to Add Holiday Flair to Your Existing Gallery Wall

If you already have a gallery wall, don’t feel like you have to take it down to “make room” for Christmas.

• The “Easy” Hack: I’m a huge fan of what I call the “easy button”—adding simple red bows to the corners of the frames you already have out. It’s instant holiday cheer!
• Twinkle Lights: We love tucking fairy lights or twinkle lights into our bookshelves. It makes the photos of your little ones literally glow.

The Mantel Moment (Because Yes, Your Portraits Belong There Too!)

The mantel is usually the heart of the home during December. In my house, I layer a lush Christmas garland with my favorite stocking holders. The best part? My stocking holders actually have frames on them! I keep a photo of each of my five kids in their respective holders. It’s a functional and beautiful way to keep the focus on the kids while they wait for Santa.

Don’t Forget About Portrait Gifts for Everyone on Your List

If you’re looking for a gift that will actually be cherished, you can’t beat a high-quality print. I remember giving my in-laws a framed portrait of my children years ago—it has never left their wall.

That is the power of a professional portrait; it becomes a legacy piece. Whether it’s a set of 20 hand-edited digital images or a full gallery upgrade, it’s a way to share the beauty of your family with the people who love them most.

Make Your Portraits Part of the Holiday Magic

This season, I encourage you to look at your walls with fresh eyes. Your family photos aren’t just “background art”—they are a ministry of love and a reflection of your family’s unique story.

Would you like me to help you design a gallery wall or book a session to get fresh photos in time for your holiday decorating?