Some families bake cookies; others make holiday crafts. But one thing almost every family has? Awkward family Christmas photos! These perfectly imperfect moments bring out the charm, chaos, and, yes, occasional cringe of the season.
Ready to laugh? Check out these awkward family Xmas photos that prove the holidays are full of unexpected, hilarious surprises.
Table of contents
- 1. 80’s Awkward Family Christmas Photos
- 2. Serving Up Holiday Spirit—Literally!
- 3. The Christmas Tree Decorations Came To Life
- 4. Awkward Couple Christmas Photos
- 5. A Christmas Dad Joke Gone Too Far
- 6. When ‘JOY’ Isn’t Quite The Mood
- 7. Funny Awkward Christmas Photos In A Bathtub
- 8. Armed For The Holidays
- 9. Christmas…Or Easter?
- 10. Strange Family Christmas Photos
- 11. Grumpy Granny & The Holiday Cheer Squad
- 12. When The Family Joins The Cone Of Shame Club
- 13. Weird Christmas Family Photos
- 14. Santa, Smiles… And A Grinchy Surprise!
- 15. Santa’s Little (and Very Unexpected) Helper
- In Conclusion
1. 80’s Awkward Family Christmas Photos

Sometimes, family Christmas photos don’t go as planned, and this one perfectly captures that delightful awkwardness. Here, we have a classic 80s or 90s holiday setup—parents dressed in matching red blazers while their three kids, for some unknown reason, are all decked out in matching swimwear.
Yes, swimsuits! With a decorated Christmas tree in the background and the family’s bright smiles, they were clearly aiming for festive. But the choice of outfits adds a twist of unexpected charm, making this unique family portrait hilariously confusing and oddly memorable.
2. Serving Up Holiday Spirit—Literally!

When it comes to awkward family Christmas photos, this one takes the cake—or maybe the main course! Here, we have a family gathered around a festive dinner table, but instead of the typical centerpiece, there’s Dad’s head served on a platter—complete with an apple in his mouth!
The young girl behind him holds utensils, ready to “dig in” with a mischievous grin. It’s quirky, it’s hilarious, and it’s not your traditional Christmas photo.
3. The Christmas Tree Decorations Came To Life

This is one of the most awkward Christmas portraits! We have a dad as a shining star (literally) with his head poking out of a big yellow star, a mom wrapped in tinsel like a human Christmas tree, and two kids dressed as giant red presents.
The whole family is set against a backdrop of festive Christmas trees, but they clearly went all out with their costumes. Their creativity is endearing, but the funny, mismatched outfits give it that unmistakable “awkward” holiday photo charm.
You might also like: Lovely Christmas Pregnancy Photoshoot Ideas for Couples
4. Awkward Couple Christmas Photos

This classic entry in awkward family Christmas photos shows a couple embracing the holiday spirit with a surprising family member. Both are sporting oversized reindeer antlers, while the man proudly wears a “World’s Best Dad” sweater with an adorable dog face on it.
The small dog snuggled between them suggests it’s the true star of the photo. This family Christmas photo balances the line between festive and hilariously over-the-top, capturing the charm of the holidays!
5. A Christmas Dad Joke Gone Too Far

Here’s an awkward family Christmas photo that takes holiday humor to a bold level! In front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, we have Dad comfortably seated in a chair, proudly wearing a shirt that reads “Chillin’ with my Ho’s.”
Meanwhile, his wife and daughters stand around him in matching “Ho” shirts, adding an unexpected twist to the classic holiday attire. The serious poses and coordinated outfits make this photo equal parts funny and cringe-worthy.
You might also want to check out: Winter & Christmas Overlays Bundle
6. When ‘JOY’ Isn’t Quite The Mood

This photo is the perfect example of Christmas photos not going as planned! Here, we have a little girl holding a big, bold “JOY” sign—but she’s in tears instead of smiling. It seems the holiday spirit didn’t quite catch up with her in this moment!
Kids are unpredictable, and capturing a “perfect” family photo can sometimes be challenging. Despite the tears, this candid shot has its charm. It showcases a real, honest moment that makes it hilarious and relatable.
7. Funny Awkward Christmas Photos In A Bathtub

Here’s a classic addition to the list of awkward family Christmas photos! Instead of a cozy, festive setting, this family chose a unique approach: a hot tub photo shoot with twinkling Christmas lights in the background.
While they all look happy and relaxed, something about the combination of swimsuits, bubbles, and holiday decorations makes this picture hilariously out of place. Sometimes, the best family photos are the ones that make you laugh and wonder, “What were we thinking?”
8. Armed For The Holidays

This photo takes the idea of a family Christmas portrait to a whole new level! Here, we see a family posing in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, each proudly holding a firearm. It’s certainly not your typical festive scene.
While most people stick with matching sweaters or silly Santa hats, this family went for a more, let’s say, “intense” holiday look. Whether they’re sharing a strong family bond or just showcasing their unique sense of humor, this photo captures a very different kind of holiday spirit.
You might also like: Trending Ideas For Your Holiday Photoshoot
9. Christmas…Or Easter?

The family seems ready for the holidays, dressed in matching red polos, but there’s one puzzling twist—they’re all wearing bunny ears! It’s a hilarious mix-up that makes you wonder if they’re celebrating Christmas or Easter.
The mom, with a slightly more serious expression, sports black ears to stand out. She’s even holding a reindeer plush as if to remind us that it’s supposed to be a Christmas photo. These kinds of awkward family Christmas photos capture those delightfully odd moments that make family portraits so memorable.
You might also want to check out: Free Photoshop Overlays To Glam Up Your Festive Stills
10. Strange Family Christmas Photos

This family photo is a hilarious take on the classic Christmas portrait. Up front, we have a mom and her two kids, all decked out in their festive pajamas, ready to capture a sweet holiday memory. But in the background, the dad steals the show by striking a confident pose without any clothes!
These unexpected, funny moments make family photos so memorable—proving that a little humor can make the holidays even more special.
11. Grumpy Granny & The Holiday Cheer Squad

This is one of the most unique, awkward family Christmas photos. The family has gathered around, flashing big smiles and cozy vibes—well, most of them. Front and center, we have what appears to be the resident grumpy Santa, rocking a whimsical Christmas hat but clearly not in the holiday spirit! The contrast between her serious expression and everyone else’s festive cheer makes this photo hilariously unforgettable.
You might also like: New Year Photoshoot Ideas For A Memorable Kickoff
12. When The Family Joins The Cone Of Shame Club

This family has gone above and beyond to make their pup feel included. The adorable dog, sporting the classic “cone of shame,” looks like it’s recovering from some recent mischief. But instead of leaving their furry friend out, the parents have hilariously donned matching cones to stand in solidarity.
With a festive Christmas tree in the background, this photo perfectly captures the lengths we’ll go to for our pets—and how, sometimes, the most awkward family photos are also the most heartwarming!
You might also want to check out: Fireworks Overlays Bundle For Holiday Photos
13. Weird Christmas Family Photos

Here, Santa looks cheerful as ever, but he’s surrounded by a family fully embracing their gothic style—even during the holiday season. With their black outfits, intense makeup, and serious expressions, they bring a whole new vibe to the traditional Santa photo.
The contrast between Santa’s jolly red suit and their edgy attire makes this picture hilariously memorable.
You might also want to check out: Beautiful Bokeh Overlays Bundle
14. Santa, Smiles… And A Grinchy Surprise!

In the spirit of awkward family Christmas photos, this one has a classic twist! While the little girl is all smiles sitting with Santa, an unexpected guest lurks in the background—the Grinch himself, dressed in a Santa suit and photobombing the scene with his mischievous green grin. It’s the perfect blend of holiday cheer and playful chaos.
You might also want to check out: Magical Confetti Overlays Bundle
15. Santa’s Little (and Very Unexpected) Helper

Dressed in a Santa suit, this woman proudly holds an unusual holiday companion—a monkey dressed in pink! Between the holiday decor and Santa costume, this picture leaves us wondering if this little primate is the unexpected helper for Santa this year.
It’s a delightfully strange combination that captures the spirit of holiday cheer with a big dose of the unexpected, making it one of those Christmas photos that everyone will remember!
In Conclusion
Awkward family Christmas photos are a holiday tradition that keeps on giving, bringing laughter year after year. Whether you’ve got your own collection of funny family pics or just enjoy browsing these holiday gems, one thing’s for sure: the holidays wouldn’t be the same without a little family awkwardness!
Like this post? Check out more fantastic photography content here.