# Realistic Christmas Photo Essays 'Christmas in America' Showcases the Good, the Bad and the Ugly By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-12-28 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-in-america References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3054874/exposure/a-heartwarming-look-at-how-americans-celebrate-christmas?partner=rss) & [jesserieser](http://jesserieser.com/projects/christmas-in-america/) Jesse Rietman's unique photo series, 'Christmas in America' gives onlookers an alternative perspective on the festive holiday season. The images are blunt and real, showcasing the unusual, over-the-top and at times, sad side that Christmas can bring. The Phoenix-based photographer captures Santa playing pool at a dive bar in Las Vegas, a chilly reindeer at a lonely petting zoo and an electricity box draped in [Christmas light wires and plugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighting-experience). The Christmas in America photo essay is not only meant to show the bleak however and also highlights some happy moments, loving couples and dedicated believers. A field of Santa Clauses all dressed up in Las Vegas catches the viewers eye, as well as a residential home that is decorated to the nines with child-like colors, candy canes and cartoon characters. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Realistic Holiday Portrayals:** Opportunity for brands to create authentic and relatable holiday-themed content that showcases the ups and downs of the season. - **Alternative Holiday Experiences:** Opportunity for travel and tourism companies to offer unconventional holiday experiences beyond the traditional 'white Christmas' imagery. - **Embracing the Imperfect:** Opportunity for retailers and marketers to promote imperfect, unconventional and unique products that deviate from the typical commercialized holiday aesthetic. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Opportunity to showcase unconventional holiday-themed photography that captures the diversity of the season beyond traditional imagery. - **Travel and Tourism:** Opportunity to promote holiday destinations that offer unconventional and unique experiences that deviate from the traditional holiday imagery. - **Retail and Marketing:** Opportunity to promote and sell unique and imperfect products that embrace the diverse and unconventional aspects of the holiday season. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Christmas Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-posters.md) - [Festive Americana Artwork Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norman-rockwell-for-pottery-barn.md) - [NFT Ornament Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nft-ornament.md) - [Festive Pet Letter Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewy-claus.md) - [Quirky Santa Murals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cushelle.md) - [Virtually Staged Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-pole-cabin-on-zillow.md) - [Festive Cream Cheese Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youve-got-a-friend-in-philly.md) - [Santa-Themed Hotel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santa-suite.md) - [Biodegradable Holiday Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-decor-collection.md)