From Photos to Keepsakes: Creative Ways To Display Your Family Holiday Photos
Treasured family holiday photos often end up tucked away on our phones or lost in the depths of a computer folder. They hold the sweetest moments but often get left behind. Why not turn these priceless memories into something tangible and meaningful? From heartfelt keepsakes to beautiful home displays, there are countless ways to breathe life into your holiday pictures. Keep reading to learn what to do with your photos and discover fun, creative ways to turn them into stunning displays, thoughtful gifts, and lasting mementos.
10 Family Holiday Picture Ideas To Display Your Favorite Photos
Your family holiday photos are more than just pictures — they’re snapshots of the love, laughter, and memories you’ve created. They’re a great way to document how your family evolves over the years and hold onto those little moments that make every holiday special. Here are 10 creative ideas to inspire you to showcase and share your pictures.
1. Create Personalized Christmas Cards
This is one of my favorite ideas for family photos! There’s something so special about turning your holiday snapshots into personalized Christmas cards. When your friends and family open them, they’re not just getting a greeting — they’re getting a little piece of your holiday magic. Plus, it’s so much fun to pick your favorite photo and design something that truly feels like “you.”
(And if you book your family photoshoot with me, you get automatic access to print options like this — and the next idea — through your digital gallery!)
2. Send Out New Year Cards
Did the holidays fly by too fast for Christmas cards? No problem! Transform those same photos into cheerful New Year cards. Your friends and family care more about getting your family update than the timing. Plus, it’s a great way to ring in the new year while catching up with loved ones you didn’t get to see during the holiday season.
3. Display High-Quality Prints
There’s nothing like seeing your favorite family memories come to life on your walls! Displaying family photos on a wall is such a timeless way to keep those moments close every day. Here are three ideas that look great:
Themed Photo Gallery: Create a gallery wall with a theme — maybe all beach shots from your holiday mini session or a series of moments captured during golden hour. Use matching frames to make it feel cohesive, or mix and match for a fun, eclectic vibe.
Statement Piece: Pick one single, jaw-dropping photo and print it on a large scale. This can be the centerpiece of your living room or hallway, instantly catching everyone’s eye when they walk in.
Creative Layouts: Instead of sticking to straight rows, try something playful, like an asymmetrical arrangement that feels relaxed and personal. You could even incorporate other pieces like artwork or quotes to tell a bigger story about your family.
What’s really cool is that when you work with me for your family photos, you'll get access to high-resolution files that are perfect for big prints like these. It ensures every detail of your photos looks stunning, even at larger sizes. Trust me, turning your walls into a canvas for your family’s most beautiful moments is so worth it!
4. Design a Family Photo Book
Instead of flipping through your phone, imagine paging through a beautifully designed family photo book. Create one with all your favorite holiday snapshots and keep it on the coffee table for easy access whenever you want to relive those sweet moments. Bonus — it makes a great conversation starter for guests! (The digital gallery I’ll send you with all your pictures has an option to get a family photo book that makes it super easy to design a keepsake you’ll love!)
5. Get Crafty With a Scrapbook
If you love creative projects, a scrapbook is the perfect way to preserve your family holiday photos in a hands-on way. Add fun details like ticket stubs, travel maps, or handwritten notes alongside your photos to tell the full story of your special time together.
6. Turn Photos Into a Puzzle
When it comes to what to do with your photos, I love the idea of using them as gifts, and making a puzzle is such a fun and unique option! Imagine taking a beautiful family group shot from your holiday, turning it into a puzzle, and gifting it to your relatives — what a cool way to share a cherished moment. Or how about creating one just for Grandma? You could use a sweet picture of the grandkids, and they can all do the puzzle together when you visit during the holidays. It’s such a thoughtful, interactive gift that’s perfect for making new memories while reliving old ones. Trust me, this one’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
7. Design a Cozy Blanket
Transform those wintery holiday photos into a snug, custom blanket. Every time you wrap yourself in it, you’ll be reminded of the joy and warmth of spending the season with your loved ones. This custom picture collage blanket is one of my favorites — plus, it’s made in Texas (you can’t go wrong with supporting local businesses!).
8. Personalize Everyday Items
Give your family holiday photos a functional twist by printing them on mugs, tote bags, or even phone cases. These everyday items become special reminders of your family time — and they make thoughtful gifts, too! Some great small businesses to shop from for gifts like these are TheGiftBucks, JoyandChaos, and PeacefulPulse.
9. Create Holiday-Themed Ornaments
Why not add a personal touch to your Christmas tree? Print your holiday photos on ornaments to decorate your tree for years to come. This is a lovely way to make your tree uniquely yours while celebrating your family traditions. (And again, it makes a great gift for family and friends — plus, you get automatic access through the digital gallery I’ll send you!)
10. Make a Family Calendar
Keep your holiday memories alive all year long with a custom calendar. Choose one photo for each month, and you’ll have a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. It’s such a cute way to relive special moments while also staying organized. LittleMapleGifts makes a really cute one!
With these ideas, you can take your treasured family holiday photos and turn them into something that brings joy far beyond the holiday season. Whatever you choose, you’ll be creating meaningful reminders of the moments that matter most.
Bring Your Family Holiday Photos to Life All Year Long
When it comes to what to do with your photos, the possibilities are endless. Now, the real question is how to bring these family holiday picture ideas to life. There are lots of different companies out there that can turn photos into a puzzle, photo book, or high-quality prints. But I make it super easy for my clients! When you book with me for family photos (or any photos for that matter), you automatically get access to a one-stop shop for stuff like this!
So not only are you getting stunning photos that capture your family's unique personality, but you’re also getting an experience tailored just for you. Being a photographer in Los Angeles, I specialize in candid, storytelling photography that feels authentic and personal. Plus, I make it easy to turn all your beautiful moments into custom keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years. Get in touch with me today to learn more and book your next mini or full-length session!