The holiday season is a time for joy, warmth, and self-expression, yet societal norms often dictate that holiday traditions—like sending festive cards—are reserved for couples or families. But single women are rewriting those rules, celebrating their lives and individuality with stunning holiday photoshoots. This empowering trend isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about self-love, confidence, and redefining what the holidays mean.
Why Holiday Photoshoots Matter for Single Women
For years, holiday cards have been synonymous with family photos, cozy couples, and smiling kids. Yet, single women like Jessica Thomas and Crystal Piedy are stepping into the spotlight, reminding everyone that a fulfilled life doesn’t require a partner or a traditional family structure.
Thomas, a holiday photoshoot veteran, shared how her tradition began.
“I love receiving Christmas cards from friends and family,” she shared. “Each year I save all of them and place them on my mantle during the Christmas holidays. It inspired me to start taking pictures and sending out cards years ago. I think having the confidence to do it as a single woman shows I am okay with exactly who I am and the life I live.”
For Thomas, the shoots are more than just a fun activity. They’re a way to stay connected with loved ones and to express her vibrant personality. She even has friends and family who eagerly anticipate her cards every year.
“It’s motivation to keep stepping my game up each year,” she said.
Piedy’s journey to a solo holiday shoot was about reclaiming joy after a tough year. After calling off her engagement in May 2023, she found empowerment in celebrating herself.
“The last time I did a holiday photoshoot was actually with my ex-fiancé,” she explained. “I wanted to reclaim that for myself—plus, I didn’t see any reason not to celebrate myself this holiday season.”
Embracing the Spotlight
The decision to do a solo holiday shoot often comes with doubts. Thomas admitted that she initially thought she might be the only single person at the studio amidst a sea of families. But her love for the holidays and spreading cheer far outweighed any reservations.
For Piedy, the leap required a mindset shift.
“I spent so much of my life focusing on men and the relationships I wanted that I forgot the most important relationship is the one with myself,” she shared.
Piedy’s message to single women is very clear: you deserve a fabulous life, with or without a partner. These shoots are more than just taking a picture; they’re about taking ownership of one’s narrative and celebrating the present moment.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The resulting photos aren’t just for Instagram though they absolutely deserve a spot in your grid. Thomas uses her cards to reach out to family and friends near and far, making them feel special during the holidays. Piedy is still deciding whether to create cards but loves the idea of having the photos as keepsakes to decorate her home.
Both women emphasize that these shoots are an act of self-love and a way to inspire others.
“I refuse to be held hostage to ‘societal’ limitations,” Thomas declared. “If it brings me joy and allows me to celebrate the beautiful life that I have been blessed to live, I’m doing it!”
A Call to Celebrate Yourself
To the single women out there debating whether to book a holiday shoot, Thomas and Piedy have some advice.
“If you want to go out and do something, do it!” Piedy urged. “Don’t let your ‘status’ in life hold you back. You are never going to regret doing it, but you might regret not doing it.”
Thomas echoed a similar sentiment.
“I think more single women should take Christmas photos and send cards to family and friends,” she explained. “The beauty of their lives should be celebrated no less than women who choose a different life path.”
The holidays are about joy, connection, and self-expression. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, you deserve to celebrate yourself in the ways that feel most authentic to you. So go ahead and book that photoshoot, put on your favorite holiday outfit, and let your confidence shine.