Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! ⛄🎄🕎 Tips on Taking Better Photos

Tips on taking better pictures this holiday season -

Just walk. Stroll with confidence toward or past the camera to catch some natural movement.

Hold something in your hand.

Relax your body by casually leaning against a wall.

Wear comfortable clothing: Choose outfits that fit well and make you feel confident. 

Relax your body language: Avoid stiff postures, slightly turn your body to the side, and shift your weight naturally. 

Engage with your surroundings: Interact with people around you, look at something interesting, or use props to feel more relaxed. 

Natural smile: Focus on smiling with your eyes, not just your mouth, to appear genuine. 

Find your best angle. Take photos of yourself. Use the idea of a clock and turn your head while taking selfies. Find your best angle. Mine is at 10.  

Don't overthink: Embrace the moment and let go of trying to perfect every pose.  

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year! ⛄ 🎄🕎

Holly, jolly tips and tricks for the holidays!

Food -

Don’t make everything from scratch – cheat a little with quality premade delicious treats and sides.

If you decide to cook everything get most of your side dishes and desserts done ahead of time.

You don’t need 6 side dishes - pick 2 or 3.  

Put out a bar so people can make their own drinks.

Say yes to help in the kitchen!

Travel -

Ship gifts ahead of time.  

At the airport pack your food and toiletries in their own separate zip lock bags so you clear security easily.

Pack fun toys or candy for the kids.  

Load up your iPhone or tablet with lots of games, music and books.

Day of the party -

If politics are too much to talk about - plan an activity. Make ornaments, decorate cookies, play a game or grab the old photo books and go through them. Create something to do to avoid the discourse.

Set the table ahead of time and set out the serving dishes too.

 If the standard gift exchange is getting old – go with a theme – white elephant, flip flop exchange (I’d say socks but we are here in SoCal and we are in flip flops more than socks!), cooking spice exchange, snack/cookie exchange, favorite Christmas movie or favorite candy!  There are lots of fun possibilities – get creative.

Again, if people ask to help clean up just say YES!

Merry Christmas!