Our Christmas Card 2012

This year I was determined to do something different for our Christmas card photo. I researched and checked Pinterest, but kept coming up with the same ideas. Tons of people were doing similar family photos. I have a strange quirk in that I love to be original and different. So I have been thinking and brainstorming for a while now on ideas. It hit me finally, I LOVE Christmas carols! Why not let my kids act them out in pictures 🙂

So the kids and I spent a whole day laughing, getting props and singing while doing the most fun photo shoot to date in our family. We used only props we had already or made at home. I am posting each of the carols we did and what they are. I will be printing them as photo booth strips for our friends and family this year.

First we did “Silent Night.” Noah wanted to yell instead of shhh! I just hung a black sheet on the wall and added star stickers to it for a night scene.

Next we did “Joy to the World.” The girls helped me draw the world on the driveway and some gifts with Joy written on them. We even added tags that say, “to the World” 🙂 this was an interesting shot. Eric took the picture from the second story window in our home while I helped pose the kids. Bella isn’t smiling much in any of them because she was upset her hair was getting dirty. At least the other two are!

Katie and I made this tiny town out of white clay we made and she loved how cute it was 🙂 This was our version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Then we did “Hark the Harold Angels Sing.” I dressed the girls in angel costumes and then added name tags that read, “Hi my name is: Harold.” Then I made my son a megaphone that said, “Hark!” My husband had to help him hold it while he yelled into it so I could take the picture 🙂 the kids loved this one!

Next was my personal favorite, “We Three Kings.” I made them crowns from yellow poster board and glitter foam cut to look like jewels. Then my husband had the great idea to give them Wii controllers (borrowed from a great friend who doesn’t question my creative whims). Then while getting everything ready we were singing the song and I thought, “we need gifts!” So I grabbed some gift bags, hey it is a modern version ;). This sparked a great discussion with the girls about the three gifts the bible mentions and their value. I absolutely love natural teaching moments like that with my children!

The last one we did was by far my son’s favorite, “Little Drummer Boy.” I gave him a faux hawk, an upside down bucket, two wooden spoons and let him go! He had a blast 🙂 I can’t decide between two of my favorite pictures of this one though so I am posting them both. Maybe my readers can give an opinion as to which I should use for the final photo booth strip Christmas card? I would love opinions!

Well that is it, now I’m off to compile them into a long strip of photos and add a Christmas greeting! The kids and I had a blast making these I hope you enjoy them as well 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Johanna