Christmas may still feel far away, but September is the perfect month to complete one holiday task that often becomes stressful later: taking your family pictures.
If you’re working toward a calmer, more organized Christmas, make this your goal for September:
Schedule and take your family photos before the month ends.
Here’s why September is one of the best months to do it.
1. The Weather Is Cooler
The intense heat of summer is beginning to fade, making outdoor pictures much more comfortable. No one wants to wear coordinating sweaters while sweating in the late-afternoon sun!
Cooler temperatures can mean happier children, fewer complaints, and hair and makeup that hold up better throughout the session.
2. You Can Take Pictures Before the Time Change
Once daylight saving time ends, the sun sets much earlier. That can make it difficult to schedule outdoor pictures after work, school, sports, and other activities.
Taking pictures in September gives you more evening daylight and greater flexibility when choosing a session time. You can enjoy that beautiful golden-hour glow without rushing to beat an early sunset.
3. Fall Scenery Is Beginning to Appear
September offers a lovely transition between summer and fall. Depending on where you live, you may find golden fields, changing leaves, colorful flowers, or warm autumn light.
You can create a fall-inspired family picture without waiting for the busiest weeks of October.
4. Photographers May Have More Availability
Family photographers become extremely busy as the holidays approach. By October and November, the best dates and times may already be booked.
Scheduling your session in September gives you a better chance of finding:
- A photographer you love
- A date that works for your entire family
- A convenient evening or weekend appointment
- The perfect outdoor location
- Enough time for a rain-date backup
5. You’ll Have Time for a Retake if Necessary
Children have difficult days. Weather changes unexpectedly. Someone may get sick, blink in every picture, or decide to give themselves a haircut the night before.
Taking your pictures early leaves enough time to reschedule or arrange a quick retake without jeopardizing your Christmas card deadline.
6. You Can Order Christmas Cards Early
Once your edited pictures arrive, you can design and order your Christmas cards before the holiday rush.
Ordering early may help you take advantage of sales while avoiding expedited shipping charges, delayed deliveries, and the stress of addressing cards at the last minute.
You could even prepare the envelopes now and save the completed cards to mail after Thanksgiving.
7. Coordinating Outfits Is Easier
Stores begin introducing fall clothing in late summer and early September, giving you plenty of coordinating options. You can choose colors that work beautifully for both autumn pictures and Christmas cards without being limited to matching holiday pajamas.
Consider warm neutrals, forest green, burgundy, navy, cream, denim, or soft shades of blue. Coordinated colors usually photograph better than having everyone wear exactly the same thing.
8. Family Schedules Become Busier Later
October, November, and December quickly fill with school events, sports, Halloween activities, Thanksgiving plans, Christmas parties, shopping, and travel.
Completing your pictures in September removes one major task from your holiday calendar before the busiest season begins.
9. Your Pictures Can Become Meaningful Christmas Gifts
Family photos aren’t only for Christmas cards. They can also become beautiful and personal gifts for parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
Once you receive your gallery, you’ll have time to order:
- Framed photographs
- Photo books
- Calendars
- Canvas prints
- Ornaments
- Magnets
- Personalized keepsakes
Ordering these gifts early also gives you time to check the quality and replace anything that arrives damaged.
10. You’ll Capture Your Family as They Are Right Now
Children grow quickly, and families change from year to year. Taking an annual family picture creates a visual record of each season of your family’s life.
The session does not need to be elaborate or expensive. You can hire a photographer, use a tripod and phone timer, or ask a friend to take the pictures. The important thing is to capture the people you love.
Your September Christmas Planning Checklist
Make family pictures your organized-Christmas goal this month:
- Choose a photographer or decide who will take the pictures.
- Select a date and backup date.
- Decide on a location.
- Choose a simple color palette.
- Check what everyone already owns before shopping.
- Schedule haircuts at least a week beforehand.
- Gather shoes and accessories.
- Take the pictures before September ends.
- Choose your favorite image for Christmas cards and gifts.
The Smallest Step to Take Today
Open your calendar and choose two possible dates for your family pictures. Then contact your photographer—or the friend or relative who will help you take them.
One small decision in September can eliminate a major source of holiday stress later. When December arrives, you’ll be grateful that your family pictures, Christmas cards, and personalized photo gifts are already well underway.
An organized Christmas doesn’t begin in December. It begins with completing one thoughtful task at a time.