Ho ho ho-rrifying! Christmas comes but once a year (but awkward family photos last a lifetime)



It's the most wonderful time of the year and what better way to capture the love and laughter than with an awkward family photograph?

The festive season is ripe with opportunity for the artless to express themselves on camera. Costumes are hastily thrown on, comedy hats appear from the back of the closet and as we have learned in the past, there is always one relative who just can't help but get naked.



Stiff competition: This horror show is another contender for the title of worst ever

Awkwardfamilyphotos.com has become something of a phenomenon after being set up by childhood friends Mike Bender and Dough Chernack.

They were inspired by the cringeworthy family snaps hanging around their own homes and decided to offer a safe place for others to exorcise those photographic demons.

The trade in awkward family photos has become so popular that there is now several books available - including awkward pet photos - a board game, t-shirts and mugs.



And the calendar makes an ideal Christmas gift to inspire the amateur photographer for the next family get-together.



The site receives millions of hits a day and submissions from around the world. Bear that in mind next time someone gives you a pair of antlers and snowman onesie - embarassing families happen to us all.



The family tree... full of nuts: Some relations will put up with a lot in order for a slice of turkey

Festive bubbles: What better way to get one up on the neighbours than by featuring the newly-installed hot tub in the family Christmas card

The family who eats together, sleeps together: Cram your distant relations full of carbs and you may get through Christmas day without a single conversation