The Masterclass of Awkward Family Christmas Photos 2025: 52 Times It Went Wrong

The "perfect" holiday photo is often a beautiful lie. While we imagine serene portraits by the fireplace, the reality usually involves siblings fighting, pets causing chaos, and toddlers having meltdowns. According to Bored Panda, a collection of 52 hilariously failed family portraits is taking the internet by storm this season.

Why We Love Awkward Family Christmas Photos 2025

Photographer Kelly Tareski argues that while composition matters, connection is the true soul of a memorable image. She believes candid, imperfect moments hold real emotion that outlasts the holiday season. These "in-between" moments—a child giggling or parents laughing when things fall apart—are what families actually treasure most when looking back years later.

• Younger generations prioritize and movement over stiff, formal poses.
• Matchy-matchy outfits remain a comedic staple in holiday portraiture.
• Tension from house guests often translates into "glorious awkwardness" on camera.

Insights from Awkward Family Photos

Since 2009, the website Awkward Family Photos, co-founded by Mike Bender, has been archiving these uncomfortable gems. Bender notes that photos of kids with Santa—whether it's a crying child or a creepy Santa—never get old. These images serve as a record of history as it was actually lived, rather than a polished version of reality.