Some families bake gingerbread. Others belt out carols from 1st November. But the real modern yuletide tradition is putting on matching PJs and taking photos that look like they’re straight out of a Christmas catalogue.

Few things feel more festive than a Christmas pyjama photoshoot where the dog’s stolen all the stockings, Dad’s eating a mince pie mid-shot and the fairy lights are a tangled mess. Again. Here’s how to nail your own festive shoot (and what to do with the pictures once you’ve survived it).

Taking the actual Christmas pyjama photos

1. Choosing the PJs

This is where the family negotiations begin. Matching tartan? Onesies shaped like gingerbread men? Or let everyone festive freestyle (aka Dad in joggers and a novelty tee he swears is festive because it’s red)?

Matching looks great and is a big favourite for the super organised, but a jumble of Christmas photos pyjamas is just as funny. And don’t forget the extras like reindeer slippers, Santa hats, even a decoration or two thrown over the top. Wearing baubles as earrings and tinsel as a seriously glam scarf is giving festive energy at its finest.

2. Take the ‘nice ones’ first (mainly for Nan)

Before the madness kicks in, get at least one photo where everyone’s pretending to behave. Have a Christmas pyjama photo shoot in front of the tree or fireplace, fairy lights on and mugs of hot chocolate in hand (marshmallow and whipped cream optional but absolutely encouraged). Even if it means bribing the kids with chocolate coins, hiding the mountain of online shopping boxes behind the sofa and smiling like no one’s arguing over who’s getting the last shortbread. This is the snap grandparents will proudly put on their mantelpiece (and the one Mum will use as her Facebook profile pic until she can replace it with a holiday sunset).

3. Lean into the festive pandemonium

Now for the real fun of a Christmas pyjamas photo shoot. Why not get everyone lined up on the stairs like a slightly questionable (and totally ironic) boyband poster? Or set up a festive bake-off in the kitchen and accidentally-on-purpose cover each other in flour. You could even recreate your own version of Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer in your front garden (a bit of imagination might be essential for this one…).

Funny faces, mid-bickering, OTT poses – the best Christmas pyjama photos are the ones where things feel a little unhinged. And we know from experience (👀) that the outtakes will become the real showstoppers.

4. Pets in pyjamas = cute or chaotic content?

Let’s be honest, pets will always steal the spotlight. And in the name of Christmas pyjama content, we’re absolutely here for it. Put your pup in matching PJs (or at least a bandana if they’ll allow it), or let your cat take centre-stage with their seriously unimpressed diva energy. The unplanned moments of your Christmas pyjama photo shoot are the ones that’ll give you all the lols – like when the dog gets zoomies and nearly knocks the tree over, or the cat puts the dog in its place for acting, well, weird? Chef’s kiss.

What to do with your Christmas pyjama photos

You survived the annual Christmas pyjamas photoshoot (congrats). Now it’s time to make sure everyone knows just how much effort you all put in by turning the most iconic snaps into a festive keepsake.

1. Festive and creative pyjama photo cards

Forget shop-bought ones – nothing screams Christmas quite like your family in PJs stuck to someone’s fridge, does it? Turn your favourite snaps from the shoot into a personalised pyjama card. Available in packs of 10 and complete with envelopes, there’s plenty for all the family, neighbours and long-distance friends who are dying to see what you’ve been up to this festive season.

2. Make a calendar of Christmas memories

Twelve whole months of hilarious Christmas pyjama photos? Coming right up. Line up your best (and most ridiculous) pictures and use them to create a family calendar. Imagine flipping to June and being greeted by Grandad asleep on the sofa in his light-up Christmas jumper? Equal parts legendary and sentimental, and all the family will lap it up.

Don’t want Christmas photos all year round? Make a calendar full of other family snaps and keep your Christmas pyjama photo content for December. Win-win.

3. Go big with a PJ poster print

Some snaps just beg to be supersized. Maybe it’s that one miracle photo where everyone’s facing the camera, or the outtake where the cat’s tangled in the tinsel. Blow it up into a poster print and hang it proud. Or gift it to a sibling so they’ll have no choice but to live with a giant version of themselves in elf PJs. Festive revenge at its finest.

The only thing more Christmassy than a family Monopoly row is a stack of snaps from your Christmas pyjama photo shoot. Print them, post them, calendar them… whatever you choose, those stand-out pyjama pics will keep you smiling even when the decorations are back in the loft. ‘Tis the season, after all.

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