Our Simple, Charming Christmas Photo Card with a Dog and a Baby

Anyone can create a memorable holiday photo card—especially if they have a cooperative dog and a curious baby. As the long weekend approaches, we’re excited to watch the kids unwrap presents (yes, Burger gets his own treats), snack on holiday goodies, and spend time with family and friends. But before the celebrations officially begin, we wanted to wish you HAPPY HOLIDAYS and share our family Christmas card along with a few behind-the-scenes notes and practical tips for making your own.

Above is the card we mailed to our family and friends. The message on the card reads: “Hope you get your mitts on everything that you want this season.” We used Snapfish to print the cards—simply uploading our photo and the text. They printed forty 5 x 7 matte photo cards and provided envelopes for roughly $25 after we applied a coupon code. If you plan to order prints, check for seasonal discounts or offers from online printers to keep the price reasonable.

Getting the final shot required more patience than in past years. In previous seasons Burger was featured solo as a reindeer, a kiss-monger, and even a proud big brother-in-waiting. This year we had both a dog and a baby to coordinate, so it took extra effort to get them both settled for the picture. We wrestled with a tiny sweater for Burger and kept a careful eye on Clara so she’d stay near him without fussing. It was chaotic at times, but genuinely fun—Clara tried to lick Burger repeatedly, which was weird and adorable all at once.

Here’s a peek at our makeshift set in the den where we shot the photo earlier in December. We used sheepskin rugs to create a cozy, neutral backdrop and positioned soft padding to keep the baby comfortable. You can spot a small block that acted as Clara’s stand-in while she got a diaper change—useful for setting up framing, lighting, and camera focus before your little one is ready. Small, practical props like these save time and help you capture better photos once the real subject is in place.

One small behind-the-scenes detail: we added the bow on Clara’s head later in photo editing because she doesn’t yet have hair to clip a real bow into. A subtle, tasteful edit like this can polish a final image without changing the essence of the moment. If you prefer a fully natural approach, consider a soft headband that won’t bother an infant, or style the photo around clothing and textures instead.

Tips for making a great holiday photo card with a baby and a pet:

• Prioritize comfort: use soft rugs, pillows, and familiar toys so both baby and pet feel secure.
• Natural light is your friend: shoot near a large window or outdoors on a cloudy day for even, flattering light without harsh shadows.
• Work in short bursts: babies and dogs have limited attention spans—capture several quick shots rather than staging one long session.
• Use a stand-in to set up shots: a block or stuffed animal can help you test framing and exposure while the baby is being readied.
• Have treats and toys on hand: gentle rewards for your pet and engaging toys for your baby can produce natural smiles and interactions.
• Be flexible with editing: small adjustments—cropping, color correction, or a tiny accessory added digitally—can elevate the photo without altering the truth of the moment.

We mailed our card to family and friends and loved the idea that this simple image conveys our warm holiday wishes. If you’re creating your own cards this year, choose a short, friendly message that matches your photo and keeps the tone personal. Remember: a candid moment with genuine expressions often outshines a perfectly posed, stiff picture.

Finally, happy holidays to everyone. May your season be merry and bright, and may your chihuahuas, infants, and other treasured family members be held close during the festivities. We hope this little snapshot and the tips above help you create a holiday card that feels as warm and real as your family gatherings.

Update: We also rounded up some favorite holiday decor ideas and budget-friendly finds for the season—many options are priced under $15 and can help set the scene for your own photo sessions and celebrations.