Capture the memories of the festive season in your heart and mind by snapping the special moments on camera. This is the best way to relive them long after the festivities have died down. During this time of year keeping a camera handy is such a basic thing but in the hustle and bustle of it all, many people forget to bring it along, or if they do it never leaves their handbag.

That would be a sure pity because this is the time to capture the fleeting moments of your grandchildren's growing years, your husband dancing with the kids, your six year old eyeing the pudding, and your dog wearing a Christmas hat. It would be a crying shame if such beautiful moments are not snapped up for years to come.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Christmas is a magical time every year and there is no other way to capture your joyous moments to unfold them later on and to enjoy them time and time again. Even nature brings out its special beauty during the Christmas season. And with humans craving for celebrations and joy, it all adds up to what is probably the most opportune time to snap away and make memories.

Some snap happy ideas:

• Find the mistletoe and snap anyone who comes underneath it. The flash will force them to kiss and produce some lovely photos!

• The Christmas mist can be clicked for posterity but if it's missing it's a sign that the sun must be shining - a beautiful sight for a Christmas morning that's not worth missing.

• A walk in the country side will reveal lights and scenes particular to this time of year, so snap away at anything that captures your fancy.

• Make sure you gather up all the family members and take a group photo. You never know when the entire family will be together again. Long-distance relatives, cousins, and children who came back after months from faraway places, will love having an enlarged print of this group photo.

You can then use the photos as gifts for Christmases yet to come. Check out how to produce a digital album online or how to produce a printed calendar featuring last year's Christmas shots and your family's faces.

Internet social networking sites are also a great way to share photos. Exchange your Christmas snaps and share albums to reconnect with family and friends. When times get hard during the year, these pictures can change moods quicker than anything.

Hence don't forget your camera this Christmas!