The not-so-perfect reality behind the perfect holiday family photo

// custom header art window.tgam.meta.photo_desktop = "https://www.theglobeandmail.com/resizer/v2/7WOXQHXUTNCN3IHKKFYOTLEZZU.jpg?auth=2818f24b04da4524df6b158f4fb1beee60672839a11c297fded04352f87b510f&width=1950&quality=80"; window.tgam.meta.photo_mobile = "https://www.theglobeandmail.com/resizer/v2/7WOXQHXUTNCN3IHKKFYOTLEZZU.jpg?auth=2818f24b04da4524df6b158f4fb1beee60672839a11c297fded04352f87b510f&width=1950&quality=80"; window.tgam.meta.video = ""; window.tgam.meta.caption = ""; window.tgam.meta.credit = ""; // custom header layout parameters window.tgam.meta.headline_overlay = false; window.tgam.meta.headline_overlay_vertical_position = "top"; // top, centre, bottom window.tgam.meta.headline_overlay_horizontal_position = "left"; // left, centre, right window.tgam.meta.headline_overlay_gradient = true; window.tgam.meta.two_column = true; window.tgam.meta.swap_column = false; window.tgam.meta.full_width = true; window.tgam.meta.dark_background = true; window.tgam.meta.dark_background_colour = "#880000"; window.tgam.meta.centre_headline = false; window.tgam.meta.large_headline = false; window.tgam.meta.sans_headline = false; window.tgam.meta.label_text_colour = ""; window.tgam.meta.label_box_colour = ""; window.tgam.meta.label_text_colour_overlay = "" ; window.tgam.meta.label_box_colour_overlay = ""; window.tgam.meta.audio_bar = false; // custom header display overrides (optional): window.tgam.meta.display_head = "Turning chaos into holiday card keepsakes"; window.tgam.meta.display_deck = "A candid look at the annual ritual where antsy kids and stressed parents challenge photographers trying to capture the decisive moment"; window.tgam.meta.label = ""; window.tgam.meta.byline = "Ann Hui"; window.tgam.meta.byline2 = "Photography by Galit Rodan"; window.tgam.meta.creditline = "The Globe and Mail"; This is how Vinitha Sankarsingh prepared this year for her family’s holiday photoshoot: She bought matching oatmeal-coloured sweaters for the boys. A tiny white hair bow for the baby. Brought along an arsenal of toy distractions to keep the children still. Plied them with promises of unlimited screen time.