43 Ridiculously Awkward Holiday Photos

• Soldier On

  It was this or sugar plum fairies, and dad put his foot down.

• Grin and Bear It

  Clearly she is not the Angel of Mercy.

• Spit Baby, Spit

  Spit happens -- even on Christmas.

• A Literal Low Blow

  Frankie was very excited to see Santa that year.

• Oh, Deer!

  Rudolph rejoiced when he finally got the corndog plant he'd been begging Santa for.

• Check Us Out!

  Anybody else suddenly craving pizza?

• Speaking of the Nutcracker…

  They said no cartwheels near the tree, but nobody said anything about splits.

• Sister Photobomb

  Santa's not the only one watching.

• Axe Nicely

  This rare portrait of young Stephen King and his family explains a lot.

• Talk to the Hand

  That's right, little sis. All these presents are for me.

• Who Hears Daddy on the Roof?

  The kids aren't falling for dad's antics again this year.

• Oh, Holey Card

  They may or may not be playing with a full deck.

• You've Got Mail

  Play your cards right, and you'll get on the Johnsons' holiday mailing list.

• Silent Night

  Sorry, guys. Maybe you'll get that Atari next year.

• All Fired Up

  In some families, Christmas is nothing but a drag.

• Season’s Beatings

  We know who’s been naughty not nice this year. No presents for you, Santa -- not even bail money.

• Different Strokes

  The kids were given a choice: Put on tacky red suits like Mum and Dad, or go with swimwear. It meant lifelong wedgies either way.

• Three’s Company

  We’re really looking forward to the new reality show Santa Wives.

• Oh My Goth

  They’re dreaming of a black Christmas.

• Survivor: Christmas

  Santa’s definitely going to vote them off the island.

• Regifting

  They say that it’s the thought that counts, but we’d be totally freaked out if we found this Stepford family under our tree.

• Real Swingers

  Those golf clubs Dad gave Mum last year are finally coming in handy!

• To Tree or Not to Tree

  Even Charlie Brown laughs at this Christmas shrub.

• Daddy's Onesie?

  Back when Santa was young, he worked two jobs to make ends meet: present giver and circus contortionist.

• Cookie Monster

  Eat one of her Christmas treats or else she’ll make you wear a scary holiday vest, too.

• Objection of Affection

  It’s 2:26 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Judging from the preacher’s face, they’ll be annulled by New Year’s.

• Hide the Yule Log

  We’re glad they’re not posing under the mistletoe.

• Matchy-Match

  Every family falls into ugly patterns at times -- especially around the holidays.

• Black Sheep

  No kids ever wanted to sit on poor Santa’s stepbrother’s lap.

• What a Catch

  Santa was expecting cookies, not fish sticks on Christmas Eve. The kids were, too.

• The More Masked the Merrier

  They’re all ready for the holidays -- and an impending biological disaster.

• Bring in the Creepy Clown

  Santa’s falling asleep and he needs backup...from Bozo?

• Flannel Pajama Mamas

  If that’s what they’re wearing on the outside, imagine the granny knickers underneath.

• Straight Shooters

  The family that preys together stays together.

• Star Wars vs. Charlie's Angels

  The cardboard cutouts are from Star Wars; the poses are from Charlie’s Angels. The result: this seriously confused Christmas photo.

• Totally Scrooged

  What'chu lookin' at, Santa?

• Distant Relative

  A rebel without a Claus at age three.

• Thank You, Mother Nature

  It’s snowing men. Hallelujah, it’s snowing men!

• Thank You, Mother Nature

  It’s snowing men. Hallelujah, it’s snowing men!

• Bath Time Warp

  Because nothing says Christmas in the ‘70s like a communal family tub.

• Tongue Tied

  These folks really made out at Christmas.

• The Light of Their Life

  Outlets are very dangerous kids, but wrapping you in Christmas lights is all in fun.

• I Spy Santa

  He used to be in the CIA - old hiding habits die hard.

• Next Up: Awesomely Awkward Photos: 80s Hair Edition

  Ah, the '80s. Between the moustaches and mullets, everyone wants to hide their big-haired photos away.

See also:

• Awesomely Awkward Photos: 80s Hair Edition
• Totally awkward birthday photos -- so much to celebrate!
• 30 of the weirdest school photos, ever