It’s the 1st of December which means VanStrijpmas is back with another festive Christmas photoshoot.
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 December 2021) – They’re back!!! A South African couple have been posting their annual Christmas photo for six years now, and every year, they just get better… and funnier.
Because let’s face it, Christmas is meant to be festive!
Nicole Malan and Chris van Strijp started out doing this as a way to bring their love of dress ups and Christmas together in a way that was unique to them but the couple has created something that is funny and festive!
“Over time, we saw how our #VanStrijpmas pics – no jokes, we have our own Christmas hashtag for December activities cause we are weird like that – got our friends excited to see how we outdid each year, so we decided just to keep doing it and keep the festive cheer going.”
Nicole and Chris say that people even comment on their posts saying that they’ve been waiting all year to see what the couple will do for this festive season.
“It’s something we love doing together as “our little thing”, and pre-plan and think out on what’s happening around us as inspiration to what drives each pic.”
Last years photo was one inspired by the lockdown with sweat pants and a tree of beer cans.
“Because that’s basically what 2020 was, the year before we had a take on the American tartan and snow cabin look, and the year before that, we made our own Christmas t-shirts using kiddies felt letters and craft supplies. I even wore a Christmas sack once and we’ve even featured our dear grumpy little hedgie harry – bless his soul in hedgie heaven.”
They post it every year on the 1st of December to kick off the festive season, and you’ll always spot a glass of something in their hands to bring on the festive spirit(s) and something Christmassy on to keep a single thread going, whether that’s hats, wrapping paper, bows, Christmas lights, or decorations in hair or beards!
“I think that we can be so silly and laughing at ourselves – together – is what keeps us doing this. And the best part is having the same sense of warped humour adds to the fun!”
Check out the photos below, starting with 2016:
by 