Roncesvalles Family Photos: Holiday Traditions at Home
Watching a family gather around their Christmas tree is like watching a tradition deepen in real time. It’s not just ornaments or lights—it’s the small rituals and familiar rhythms that mean more each year.
For this Roncesvalles family, decorating the tree is one of those beloved rituals. And this year felt especially meaningful: their youngest, now a toddler, was finally old enough to take part in the fun.
I arrived just as breakfast wrapped up. The boys—still in their matching plaid PJs—were buzzing with that unmistakable holiday (read:boy!) energy. The eldest wanted to show off his favorite ornaments for the camera, before running over and placing them on the tree.
Mom and dad were right there with them, offering gentle “boosts” to reach the high spots and sharing quiet little moments—squeezes, tiny hands in big hands, those in-between connections that make documentary sessions so special.
What stood out most wasn’t the tree itself, but the feeling in the room. Documentary photography is meant to capture how ‘felt’ vs ‘what it looked like’. Genuine laughter and real moments. And honestly—that’s why I love photographing families at home during the holidays. Studios can be beautiful, but there’s something irreplaceable about capturing real traditions in the spaces where they actually happen. This family’s feedback to me was:
“We just got to enjoy the moment — and now we have the memories captured forever.”
The holidays move quickly. Kids grow faster than we’re ready for. And the rituals we think we’ll remember… fade faster than we expect.
Documenting them is a gift to your future self.
If you’re thinking about holiday photos—tree decorating, cookie baking, snowy playtime, or a cozy morning at home—I'd love to help you capture it in a way that feels real, warm, and true to your family.
Learn more about Toronto family photography sessions at Black Vine Photography.
