Three years ago, I took this precious picture of my children in front of a brick wall downtown. I shared it as a part of this blog post, in which I shared tips for taking DIY Christmas card pictures.

We are taking our own photos yet again, but this time I thought I’d share some different ideas.

There are a number of cute and creative ways to take your own Christmas card photo: I stand behind my original advice about color coordinating your outfits and using a tripod. Today, I’d like to share some neat ideas for taking your own photos.

1. Use “your” scenery

Have you got a pretty fireplace at your home? A pretty bridge or a grove of trees? Maybe a front porch that you decorate nicely? Using a spot at your home makes your photo more personal.

2. Involve your pets

We have two dogs, two cats and eight chickens. It’s not feasible to involve all of our pets, especially since our cats and dogs don’t get along. There is no reason you can’t put some of your pets in your photo. This year, we are going to take a picture at home and include our dogs in the shot. If they’ll let us, we may even put them in a cute sweater or bandana.

3. Coordinate your clothing

Nothing looks worse than a family picture in which everyone’s outfits clash. Choose two complimentary colors and have some people in the photo in one color and others in the other color. It just makes your portrait look so much more polished.

4. Use a photo of a fun memory, such as a vacation photo

Your Christmas photo doesn’t have to be Christmas-y. Have fun and use a memorable photo from your year.

What are you planning for your Christmas photo this year? Please share with me down below in the comments.