Holiday Memories
One of my favorite traditions & gifts I have given the boys is a photo book of their year. I flip through my pictures on my phone and review all the things we have done. It really helps me be so grateful for the whole year during this busy season. I am so grateful for many families trusting me for documentary sessions, family sessions, weddings, and the fun new addition of the Secret Santa sessions.
But now that those books are sent off I am working on our family's schedule for Christmas; making sure we have all the last minute gifts, double checking we didn't miss anyone on the list, meal planning and planning a time to pick up the house (notice I didn't say actually cleaning up). Part of the planning is thinking ahead to some pictures that I want to make sure I get. Here is my list for this year:
- Picture of the decorated tree
- The kitchen (the cooking, the table, the mess, etc)
- The kids opening gifts
- The destruction left behind after opening gifts
- The kids playing with new toys
- Family picture
- Grandparents & kids
- Tired kids/parents/people
When going into the day with an idea of what I want to capture helps me build my story of the day. I don't force the pictures to happen or set up any poses, but having an idea reminds me to document the day. One thing that is really important to me is to stay present during a big day like Christmas. That means I don't stress about getting all the pictures off my list. I also don't worry about getting the first present, or every present or even perfect pictures. Documenting your day is not about getting it all or getting it perfect-it is about capturing the spirit of the day.
I challenge you to focus on the spirit of the day, don't wait until you get your make up on or clean up the holiday mess-take the picture first!
