2025 Countdown to Christmas | Weber Photography | Greendale, WI

A figure in a pink bunny onesie costume sits with a toy rifle against a green backdrop with frosted Christmas trees.

A wooden rocking horse assembly process shown in four sequential steps on a hardwood floor next to a decorated Christmas tree.

A fairy-themed photo series with a pink-dressed figure and a fluffy dog against a blue backdrop with frosted trees.

A series of photos showing a child in a light blue dress with matching feather headpiece against a gray background.

If you’ve ever found yourself humming Christmas songs in the middle of July or quoting Elf without warning, you’re not alone. Around here, I fully embrace the idea that festive magic isn’t confined to December. In fact, one of my favorite traditions as a Greendale family photographer doesn’t happen on Christmas but leading up to it: my annual Countdown to Christmas photo series!

Since 2022, I've been decking the halls of my home studio with twinkle lights, themed backdrops, and enough hot cocoa props to make Buddy the Elf proud. All for a joyful series of kid-friendly, nostalgia-packed mini photo shoots that feature some of the sweetest faces (and sassiest toddler expressions) of the season. What started as a creative twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas has turned into a tradition that's as much for me as it is for the families I photograph!

A sequence of four holiday photos showing increasing excitement and surprise next to a frosted Christmas tree with red cardinals.

Let me guess: right around Thanksgiving, your calendar explodes with school events, gift shopping, holiday parties, and the occasional toddler meltdown in the wrapping paper aisle (we’ve had a few of those ourselves). The holidays bring a lot of joy… but also a lot of stress.

That’s where the Countdown to Christmas sessions come in! These lighthearted studio sessions are bite-sized, fuss-free, and full of festive fun. No big outfit investments, no outdoor weather drama, and no pressure for "perfect" smiles. Just your kiddo, a cozy in-home studio, and whatever whimsical theme I’ve cooked up that year.

For me, it’s not just about cute pictures (though, trust me, there are plenty of those). It’s also a way to stretch my creative legs as a photographer, try new concepts, and connect with families in a more playful, relaxed way... even if we’re wrangling a reindeer antler headband onto a two-year-old who just wants her fruit snacks.

A child in a red dress sits near a decorative white window frame with holiday decor in the background.

Sequence of holiday photos showing a cozy Christmas scene with stockings, ornaments, and plush toys by a decorated tree.

Holiday photo with baby lying on plaid blanket surrounded by Christmas lights and frosted pine trees.

Winter scene with a child in a red sweater and earflaps hat standing next to a plush Snoopy toy and decorative wooden sled.

Festive Christmas scene with red and white ornaments under a decorated tree and stockings hanging on a wooden wall.

Here’s what makes this experience so special,

both for the families involved and for me behind the lens:

A New Theme Every Year

Each December, I launch a 12-day series leading up to Christmas Day, and every year has a new twist! My home studio (yes, in my basement here in Wisconsin!) transforms into a mini set. I break out my flash equipment, dig into my stash of wintery props, and basically live out my dreams of being both behind the camera and directing a musical variety show starring toddlers!

Four sequential holiday photos showing someone seated on a blue couch in front of a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments.

2022

A photo spin on the

"12 Days of Christmas" song

A creative photo collage showing five similar poses of people sitting on a gray background with holiday props.

2023

Christmas songs reimagined

with kid-friendly setups

A group of children sitting together in colorful clothing against a blue studio backdrop.

2024

Childhood princesses

in a holiday theme

A person relaxes on a teal couch in a cozy Christmas-decorated room with a wooden rocking horse and festive decor.

2025

Nostalgic holiday movies brought to life

Real Memories, Not Just Pretty Pictures

While the themes and setups are part of the fun, what really moves me are the moments in-between. Like the giggles when a little one realizes snow is falling (aka foam sprinkles from above), or the serious concentration while they decorate a fake sugar cookie for the tenth time in a row.

I capture those tiny genuine moments because they matter just as much as the big smiles. They remind me of my own kids at those ages and how quickly the seasons fly by. It’s a gift I never take for granted - giving families a glimpse of their holidays through a loving, honest lens.

A Special Invite (Hint: Join My Email List!)

Want to be part of the magic next year? Here’s the secret: I announce these limited Countdown spots first to my email list during Christmas in July. That’s right - in the heat of summer, while you’re chasing kids around splash pads, I’m already planning snowflakes and Santa hats. And the families on my email list? They get the inside scoop.

These sessions have super limited availability, and they fill up quickly. So if your littles (or not-so-littles!) want to play dress-up in a holiday movie set or twirl in faux falling snow, be sure you’re on the list!

More Than a Session - A Tradition in the Making

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the season and forget to slow down... even for a few minutes to sing “Jingle Bells” at the top of your lungs or let your child pretend they’re Kevin McCallister fending off the Wet Bandits.

But these sessions remind me - and the families who participate - that joy is in the details. The crooked antlers, the halfway-buttoned pajama tops, the burst of laughter because someone shouted “SANTA!” at random.

A black Labrador dog and companion pose together in front of small evergreen trees during a holiday photo session.

That’s the heartbeat of Weber Photography! I believe in celebrating the connection, in letting families be just who they are (messy giggles and all), and in using photography to capture the love and chaos of real life... especially during the holidays.

Be the first to know about the 2026 Christmas Countdown event (plus other mini sessions throughout the year) by joining my email list. Until then, I’ll be dreaming up next year’s theme, polishing my prop collection, and soaking in all the wonderful memories made in that cozy basement studio. Whether you’ve joined me already or this is the first you’re hearing of the Countdown, just know, you're always welcome here. Wishing you a season full of laughter, light, and just the right amount of chaos!