"So when I had my own kids, I continued this tradition without question. Every year, I'd book a family photo session well in advance of Thanksgiving, hoping that temperamental Chicago weather wouldn't put a damper on our outdoor photos. I'd scour Pinterest for outfit inspiration, aiming for a coordinated but not totally matching vibe. The goal was to capture one frame of perfection - a photo worthy of the hundreds of envelopes I'd soon address by hand."
"But the reality behind those photos was far from picture-perfect. There were bribes of hot chocolate and complaints about itchy sweaters. I'd smile through gritted teeth while the photographer tried to get everyone looking in the same direction. By the end, the kids were shivering, my husband was done, and I was wondering why we put ourselves through this every year."
Coordinated family holiday photos and matching outfits were a childhood ritual enforced with careful grooming and firm prompts to smile. The tradition continued into parenthood with scheduled sessions, Pinterest-driven outfit planning, and hopes for favorable weather. Photo sessions involved bribery, itchy-sweater complaints, and forced smiles, leaving children cold and parents exhausted. After securing a passable image, hours were spent designing cards online, tweaking fonts and layouts, and agonizing over which family photo to use. The pursuit of a single perfect holiday image created substantial stress and consumed time that could otherwise be used for more enjoyable family moments.
Read at Business Insider
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