Holiday cards and family portraits without the studio queue. Upload one family photo and this prompt keeps everyone's real face, dresses the whole family in matching knitwear and places you in a cosy, glowing winter living room. It works for any winter celebration.
TypeImage
Best withNano Banana, ChatGPT Images, Midjourney v7, Flux
Aspect ratio4:5
DifficultyEasy
NicheSeasonal & holidays
Why it is trending
Matching-outfit family portraits and AI holiday cards are among the most-shared seasonal photo trends from November to January, and Nano Banana's ability to keep several faces makes it a top use case.
The master prompt
Copy it as it is, or change the parts in [BRACKETS] to make it yours.
Using the uploaded family photo, create a warm, cosy winter holiday portrait of the same people. Keep every person's face, facial features, skin tone, age, hairstyle and expression exactly the same so each person is clearly recognisable; keep the same number of people. Only change the clothing, pose and setting. Outfits: matching cosy knitted sweaters in [DEEP RED / FOREST GREEN / CREAM] with a simple white snowflake pattern, worn with dark trousers or long skirts; children in the same pattern; [optional: matching knitted scarves or neat headscarves in the same colour]. Pets (if any) get a small matching knitted scarf. Pose: the family sitting close together on and around a big soft sofa, smiling naturally, arms around each other, the youngest on a parent's lap, everyone looking at the camera. Setting: a cosy winter living room in the evening: a glowing fireplace with a crackling fire, warm fairy lights along the mantel, a few wrapped gifts, a knitted throw and cushions, mugs of hot chocolate on a wooden table, and a large window behind showing gentle snowfall and a blue night. [Optional for Christmas: a decorated tree in the corner.] Light and camera: warm firelight and fairy-light glow as the main light, soft fill on faces, golden bokeh, 50mm lens at f/2.8, everyone's face in sharp focus, natural skin texture, rich warm colours. Vertical 4:5 with a little space at the top for a greeting. No text, no watermark.
Short version (for apps with a character limit)
Using my uploaded family photo, keep everyone's exact face, age and number of people. Create a cosy winter holiday portrait: matching red snowflake knit sweaters, family close together on a big sofa, glowing fireplace, fairy lights, wrapped gifts, hot chocolate, snow falling outside the window, warm golden light, 50mm, all faces sharp, 4:5, no text.
What to avoid (negative prompt)
changed faces, missing or extra people, distorted hands, text, watermark, plastic skin, revealing clothing
Remix it: ready-made variations
Snowy outdoor portrait
Using my uploaded family photo, keep everyone's exact face. Create a winter portrait of us outdoors in a snowy pine forest at golden hour, in matching cream knit sweaters, scarves and coats, snow gently falling, warm sunlight, everyone laughing, 4:5, no text.
Couple's winter card
Using our uploaded couple photo, keep both faces exactly. Create a cosy winter card portrait of us by a frosty window with matching green sweaters, holding mugs, fairy lights and snow outside, warm light, 4:5, no text.
Vintage holiday card
Using my uploaded family photo, keep everyone's faces. Create a 1950s-style vintage holiday card illustration of our family by a fireplace, with soft painted textures, rounded retro shapes and warm reds and greens, no words or text. 4:5.
Tips for each AI model
| Model | What to do |
|---|---|
| Nano Banana | Use a photo where everyone's face is clear and similar in size; Nano Banana keeps groups best with good, even light. |
| ChatGPT Images | If someone's face changes, reply 'keep [person's position] face exactly as in the photo'. |
| Midjourney v7 | Groups are harder in Midjourney; use Nano Banana or ChatGPT for families of four or more. |
How to make it, step by step
- Choose a clear family photo. Everyone facing the camera, faces visible, good light.
- Pick your colour and options. Fill in the sweater colour and choose the optional lines.
- Check every face. Make sure each person and pet looks right before sharing.
- Add your greeting. Add your message in the space at the top with a card app.
Posting kit
A caption and hashtags you can use when you share your version.
This year's holiday card, sorted. ❄️🧶 #holidaycard #familyportrait #NanoBanana #winter #matchingsweaters #AIphoto #cosy #GeminiAI #christmascard #family
Questions
Will it keep all our faces?
Nano Banana and ChatGPT Images keep group likenesses well with a clear photo. Always check each face before printing or sharing.
Can I use it for Christmas, Eid or New Year cards?
Yes. The base scene is general winter; add the optional tree for Christmas, or swap decorations for your own celebration.
Can I add our pet?
Yes. Include the pet in the uploaded photo and the prompt gives it a matching scarf.
