The holiday season is filled with traditions—family gatherings, festive meals, exchanging gifts, and of course, Christmas cards. For many families, these annual cards are a cherished opportunity to share memories and updates with loved ones. However, one family’s creative twist on this tradition has stirred up a storm on social media, sparking both laughter and outrage.
Amanda Cooper and her siblings decided to inject some humor into their family’s Christmas card this year, but their cheeky prank has left the internet divided. Let’s explore what happened, why it’s caused such a stir, and what this says about modern holiday traditions.
Christmas is a time of getting together. Credit: alvarez/Getty
The Classic Christmas Card Tradition
Christmas cards have long been a way for families to connect during the holidays. From handwritten notes to glossy photo cards, these greetings allow loved ones to stay in touch despite busy lives.
While the tradition is less common today, some families, like Amanda Cooper’s, go all out to keep it alive. Amanda’s mother, Melynda King, is especially passionate about the annual holiday card, putting meticulous effort into every detail—from coordinating outfits to staging the perfect photo.
This year, however, Amanda decided to shake things up.
The Mischievous Prank That Sparked the Outrage
Before their family photo shoot, Amanda texted her siblings with a bold idea: What if they subtly flipped off the camera during the shoot? The siblings agreed, and with a bit of coordination, they pulled it off.
The prank involved a cleverly planned cue. Amanda’s brother-in-law suggested using a code word, so when Amanda called out, “Everyone say, ‘I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!’” the family discreetly raised their middle fingers for a single shot.
Amanda gave her mother a heads-up before posting the reel on Instagram. To her surprise, Melynda found the prank hilarious. “I burst out laughing,” she recalled. However, when the images hit social media, reactions were mixed.
Social Media Divided: Humor vs. Poor Taste
The family’s holiday prank quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism. While some users appreciated the humor, others found the gesture offensive and disrespectful.
- “In such poor taste to ruin a family photo this way,” one commenter wrote.
- Another added, “Why? No class.”
- A few saw the gesture as hurtful to mothers who struggle to bring their families together for a photo. “I know this is meant to be funny, but it hurts my heart a little for moms trying to get their families together for less than an hour,” said one user.
On the flip side, many praised the family for their sense of humor.
- “I love a family with a sense of humor! This is hilarious,” one person commented.
- Another wrote, “If my kids did this, it would probably be my favorite photo because it shows how close we are.”
The contrasting opinions highlight how personal values and perspectives shape reactions to humor, especially during a season steeped in tradition and sentimentality.
Why the Prank Resonated with Some (and Offended Others)
Humor is subjective, and what one person finds funny might deeply offend someone else. The reactions to Amanda’s family photo prank stem from different views on what Christmas traditions should represent.
For those offended, the prank may feel disrespectful to the spirit of family unity and the effort often required to bring everyone together. Many parents treasure these moments, especially as children grow older and busier. The prank might come across as mocking or dismissive of that effort.
For those who loved the joke, the photo represents something deeper: a family so close and comfortable with each other that they can playfully break tradition. The humor in the prank doesn’t undermine the family’s bond—it highlights it.
A Reflection on Modern Holiday Traditions
Amanda’s family prank also underscores how holiday traditions are evolving in the modern age.
While Christmas cards used to be formal and polished, today’s families often embrace more casual, fun, and authentic approaches. Many opt for silly poses, candid shots, or creative themes, reflecting a shift toward celebrating individuality and humor over perfection.
Amanda’s card, though unconventional, aligns with this trend. It may not appeal to everyone, but for her family, it added a layer of laughter and connection to the holiday season.
Christmas is fast approaching. Credit: skynesher/Getty
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Reactions
What might have been a private family joke 20 years ago has now become a viral sensation, thanks to social media. Platforms like Instagram allow people to share their lives with a wide audience—but they also invite scrutiny from strangers with differing values and opinions.
Amanda’s prank, while funny to her family, became a public spectacle. This dynamic raises questions about how social media influences our perception of personal moments and whether every laugh is worth sharing online.
The Importance of Keeping Humor Personal
Ultimately, the key takeaway from this viral Christmas card saga is the importance of context. Humor shared within a family or close group of friends may not translate well to a broader audience.
Amanda’s family enjoyed the prank, and her mother found it hilarious. For them, it was a moment of joy and connection—something that fits the spirit of the holidays, even if it defies tradition.
For those offended, the prank serves as a reminder of the value of empathy. Not every joke is meant to hurt, and sometimes, understanding the intent behind an action can soften the reaction.
Conclusion: Laughter and Love in the Holiday Season
Amanda Cooper’s cheeky Christmas card prank might not win everyone over, but it perfectly captured her family’s sense of humor and bond. While some might see it as disrespectful, for the Coopers, it was a playful way to make memories and keep their traditions alive.
At the heart of the holidays is connection—whether through laughter, love, or even a little mischief. And if one family’s humor doesn’t resonate with everyone, that’s okay. The holidays are a time to celebrate what matters most to you and your loved ones, in whatever way feels right.
After all, isn’t a little laughter one of the best gifts you can give?
