Often, a single photo can't adequately capture the moment. If your camera has an interval timer mode (check the camera's menu or user guide), you can use it to create your own time-lapse photos. Set up the camera in a corner of the room with a good view of the action, and configure it to snap one picture every minute or so as you decorate the tree or open presents. You can turn the resulting photos into a , or you can publish the most interesting shots as a series of images on your Web site or photo-sharing site.

Another alternative is to use the burst mode or continuous-shooting setting on your camera to take a series of rapid-fire shots while the assembled multitude is opening gifts. You're much likelier to get a memorable photo this way, and you can discard the images that you don't like.

Whether you choose to shoot photos at intervals or in burst mode, you'll want to avoid using the flash, in order to save battery life and to let the camera recharge faster, with less lag between shots.

Since the holidays are about getting together with friends and family, you'll want to take some portraits along the way. The two biggest problems people tend to have with holiday photos is focus and lighting. Let's start with focus.