Family Pictures with Santa Including Mom and Dad

Every year, I see the same thing happen.

Mom spends weeks planning outfits. She gets everyone dressed, makes sure the kids are fed, loads everyone into the car, and arrives at the Santa session right on time. Dad helps wrangle the little ones, fixes bow ties, and carry in snacks and jackets.

Then, as soon as Santa arrives, both parents step out of the frame.

The children get beautiful photos with Santa, and everyone leaves happy.

But years from now, when those children pull out those Christmas ornaments, flip through family albums, or look at framed holiday portraits hanging on the wall, they’ll notice something.

Mom and Dad aren’t in the pictures.

That’s one of the reasons I love encouraging families to be part of their Santa session. Family pictures with Santa tell a much bigger story than a child sitting on Santa’s lap. They tell the story of your family during this season of life.

And sometimes, having Mom and Dad in the photo is exactly what helps little ones feel comfortable enough to enjoy meeting Santa in the first place.

Why Do Parents Usually Skip Their Own Santa Photos?

Most parents don’t intentionally decide to leave themselves out of the pictures.

They simply assume Santa photos are for the children.

Sometimes they’re worried about how they look.

They’re busy managing little ones.

Or they’re just focused on making sure everyone else has a great experience.

As moms, we’re often the memory keepers. We’re the ones taking pictures, organizing albums, ordering Christmas cards, and making sure every milestone is documented.

But somewhere along the way, many of us stop appearing in those memories ourselves.

When I see a parent stepping out of the frame, I always think about what those photographs will mean twenty years from now. Your children won’t be looking at whether you lost the last ten pounds or whether your hair was perfect.

They’ll be looking at you.

They’ll remember the way you held them.

More importantly, they’ll remember your smile.

The way you showed up.

And that’s what matters.

What Makes Santa Family Pictures Different?

A traditional Santa portrait is wonderful.

A family picture with Santa is something more.

Instead of documenting a child meeting Santa, you’re documenting your family sharing an experience together.

One of my favorite things about Santa sessions is watching how children interact with their parents.

A nervous toddler reaches for Mom’s hand.

A preschooler climbs into Dad’s lap.

A little one looks over at Mom before deciding whether Santa is safe.

Those small moments tell the story of childhood in a way a perfectly posed portrait never could.

They also become some of the most meaningful images families purchase as wall art, albums, and Christmas keepsakes.

Why Having Mom and Dad Nearby Helps Children Feel Comfortable

One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is:

“What if my child is scared of Santa?”

The truth is that many children are.

And that’s completely normal.

For some children, Santa is exciting from the moment they walk through the door.

For others, Santa is a stranger with a big beard and a red suit.

That’s why I never force interactions.

Instead, we often start with Mom or Dad sitting beside their child, holding them, or simply staying close.

Children naturally feel safer when they’re near the people they trust most.

As they relax, we can create beautiful family portraits while they become comfortable with the environment.

Often, those family portraits become some of my favorite images from the entire session.

Sometimes We Start with Family Pictures First

One of my favorite ways to help children warm up is to start without Santa being the center of attention.

We’ll capture family pictures first.

Mom cuddles the baby.

Dad makes everyone laugh.

The children settle in and realize there’s nothing scary happening.

Then Santa can slowly join the scene.

Sometimes he’ll peek around the corner.

He’ll stand behind the family.

He will also quietly interact from a distance.

These moments are often absolutely priceless.

Children become curious instead of nervous, and before long they’re smiling, laughing, and engaging with Santa naturally.

How Santa Family Pictures Become Christmas Keepsakes

When parents are included in Santa photos, the images become much more than social media posts.

They are:

…the images families choose for their Christmas cards.

…ornaments that get unpacked every December.

…framed portraits displayed during the holidays.

…albums that grandchildren will one day flip through.

As a photographer, I believe photographs should be enjoyed long after they’re taken.

These are the memories that will being your children back to their childhood.

That’s why I love helping families turn their Santa portraits into artwork they can enjoy year after year.

The Memory Parents Don’t Realize They’re Creating

Here’s what I want every parent to know…

This isn’t just a photograph of your child with Santa.

It’s a photograph of your family in this season of life.

This is your your toddler at two years old.

It could be your first Christmas as a family of four.

Maybe its the last time all of your children still believe in Santa.

Years from now, I don’t think that your children will care whether the photo was perfectly posed.

I think they’ll care that you were in it.

That they can see your smile & can remember what it felt like to be little.

… and they can remember Christmas with you.

What Santa Family Pictures Look Like at Shannon Reece Jones Photography

My Santa sessions are designed to feel relaxed, joyful, and completely child-led.

There is never pressure for a child to sit on Santa’s lap if they aren’t ready.

Parents are always welcome in the photographs, and I encourage it whenever possible.

We’ll create a mix of family portraits, Santa portraits, and candid moments that tell the story of your family’s holiday season.

Whether your little one runs straight to Santa or needs a little extra reassurance from Mom or Dad, we’ll create meaningful images you’ll treasure for years to come.

And the best part, is that everything comes in print, and your family will be able to look back and remember this Christmas with Santa Claus.

Book Your Family Pictures with Santa

The families who end up with the most meaningful holiday portraits are rarely the ones with the perfectly posed children.

They’re the families who decided everyone belongs in the frame.

If you’re planning your Santa session this year, I hope you’ll consider stepping into the photo too.

One day, those pictures won’t just remind your children of Santa.

They’ll remind them of you.

And I think that’s the real magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can parents be in Santa photos with kids?

Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it. Including Mom and Dad often helps children feel more comfortable and creates meaningful family portraits you’ll treasure for years.

What do I do if my child is scared of Santa?

That’s completely normal. We can start with family pictures, have a parent stay nearby, and allow your child to warm up at their own pace.

Do children have to sit on Santa’s lap?

No. I never force interactions. Some of the sweetest images happen with Santa nearby while children stay close to Mom or Dad.

What can we do with our Santa portraits?

Many families use their images for Christmas cards, ornaments, framed artwork, albums, and gifts for grandparents.

Should parents dress for the session too?

Yes! If there’s a chance you’ll be in the photos—and I hope you will be—plan outfits for the whole family so everyone looks coordinated and feels confident.

When Should I book my Santa Sessions?

The Nice List open July 1!

Click Here To Learn More About the Nice List & When To Book Your Session