How to take awesome Christmas card photos

I don't know about you guys, but taking the photo for the Christmas card stresses me out every year. In my mind, the perfect photo of my two children is snapped. They look cute, they look loving, and I look like the perfect parent. RIGHT!? I mean, my children are ALWAYS perfectly quaffed, nicely dressed, and smiling sweetly. DUH.

Well, it never goes well. And, it is a small miracle that I end up with any photo that is good enough to even send. But, such is life. This year, I wanted to share my favorite outtakes, and of course my pro photography tips.

I started the photo shoot outside, in the freezing cold temperatures, because I really like the background of the brick. Because I am a skilled photographer, and skilled photographers enjoy edgey, rugged-like backgrounds like brick. Also please note that I put gel in my children's hair. Pro-tip: This makes them look handsome.

Result: Sam looks a little too happy, Abe looks unnatural touching Sam lovingly.

 The 20 degree temps are really starting to get to them. Amateurs.Because I am such a good mom, I let Abe wear his Spider-Man gloves. Pro-tip: It is always good to tell siblings to "hug." It will always look natural.

Result: Sam likes to "hug" forcefully.

 Because the kids were whining about being cold (divas) we moved indoors. I positioned them in front of the Christmas tree. Pro-tip: It's good to include festive things in holiday cards. Abe was making me pay for this photoshoot by shooting me daggers with his eyes, and instilling years and years of guilt that I cannot erase from my memory. Sam is rocking his hair gel. 

Result: It's time to start high stakes bribing.

The bribing worked! Abe certainly has a price. I must have told them to get close together. It doesn't look awkward AT ALL. Abe is working it, but his "old man grimace" is not working for me. Sam looks frightened. Pro-tip: It is not good if your child smiles as if he is scared.

  

Result: Close, but no cigar.

And finally, success by accident: