Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: Dec. 12, 2011
“Tag him and I’ll grab the snacks!” I called out to my partner, Jake. Dressed in our festive family attire, he sprinted after our energetic one-and-a-half-year-old, Liam, in the backyard. It was Christmas Card Picture Day, and Liam was already displaying the rebellious spirit of the terrible twos, channeling his inner superhero. We had booked a professional photographer for the occasion, but it quickly became evident that sitting still was not on our toddler’s agenda. Instead, we were in for a day of chaotic action photography.
“Maybe this wasn’t the best idea—trying to capture a formal photo with two little boys,” Jake sighed, looking a bit defeated. “Shouldn’t we just apologize to the photographer, pay her, and call it a day?”
Absolutely not. I was resolute in my mission to get at least one decent family picture for our holiday card, which would be sent to 175 of our nearest and dearest. I had a festive letter to include, after all! This was the season of giving, not giving up. I had faced worse days alone, and a little game of toddler tag with three adults on the case was not going to derail my plans. Jake felt the pressure of the moment, but what he didn’t realize was that our perfectly dressed boys—complete with white turtlenecks and red knit vests that made them look like little scholars—wouldn’t stay that way for long. I had even swapped my usual mom hoodie for a stylish sweater set. This photo would happen, blurry or not.
Laura, our photographer, was still adjusting to the unpredictability of young children. However, she was full of energy and patience, suggesting we place the boys on our laps for a cozy outdoor shot. I grabbed a blanket, and while our older son, Max, squirmed, the little one remained determined to defy the camera. The resulting images were chaotic, with Jake clinging to Liam like a lifeguard rescuing a wayward swimmer.
“Indoor shots could be better,” Laura suggested, likely hoping to corral the boys. Unfortunately, that location was equally unsuccessful, filled with more distractions and snack breaks. Strike two.
“Let’s try the back porch,” I insisted, still focused on capturing the ideal family portrait. We positioned ourselves against the white railing, with boys lifted high in our arms. Almost an hour had slipped away.
“Say Cheese! Or Spiderman! How about Family?” urged Laura. “Family” seemed to resonate, and finally, we managed to capture a moment that felt just right.
To our surprise, the porch shot turned out beautifully and was met with an overwhelming response. I felt like I had won an award as friends and family flooded me with compliments—our Christmas card had struck a chord. A distant cousin even declared our photo the winner of her annual holiday card contest. My college friend, who was still single, proudly displayed it in his living room. My mom was brought to tears.
What was it about that photo? Perhaps it was our struggle, the resilience of young parents, or maybe just my stylish sweater set. It remains a mystery, but I’ve never managed to replace that cherished black-and-white snapshot, which now resides in a quirky metal frame featuring Kokopelli, a gift from Jake. Even though it doesn’t match our decor, it feels right where it is, and I can’t bear to tuck it away in an album—it deserves to be front and center.
“Am I going to have to chase you again today?” Laura teased Liam during this year’s shoot, receiving a sheepish grin and a half-hearted apology from him, a decade overdue. Christmas Card Picture Day is still a highlight for me, although my co-stars have grown less enthused over the years. The bribes to get them in something other than sweatpants have become quite the tradition. Fortunately, they did manage to sit still this time, exchanging playful nudges as they got into position. As always, Laura prompted us for genuine smiles.
“Say Family,” she said, capturing the moment.