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- 🎅 The "Candy Cane" Photo Trend is Viral
🎅 The "Candy Cane" Photo Trend is Viral
How to use the exact prompt for your family photos + OpenAI's new safety rules for teens.
Warren Schuitema
December 22, 2025
From Screen Time to Family Time
The Christmas Week Edition
Have you seen the "Candy Cane Photo Shoot" taking over your social media feed lately? It feels like every dad I know is suddenly wearing a sequined white suit and holding a giant lollipop. My buddy sent me one yesterday and I almost spit out my coffee. It’s ultra-realistic, slightly ridiculous, and proof that AI is officially moving into our regular lives for pure entertainment.
If you want to join the fun before Christmas morning, here’s the exact prompt people are using in ChatGPT with the new Images 1.5 model:
"Create an ultra-realistic 8K Christmas portrait using a 55mm lens with bright, playful holiday lighting. The man is in a whimsical candy-cane themed photoshoot, surrounded by pink giant peppermint decorations, snowy ground, festive trees, and oversized ornaments. Use his real facial features exactly as they are - do NOT change or alter his face in any way. He wears a sparkly white 3-piece suit, fitted and shimmering with sequins. He is sitting on a white cube block, posing with one leg lifted and crossed. His expression is playful and confident, smiling warmly toward the camera. In his hand, he holds a giant pink-and-white peppermint lollipop prop, resting it over his shoulder."
Give it a shot with a photo of yourself. It’s a quick win to make the kids laugh.
The Big AI News for Families (Dec 15–21)
It’s been a massive week for families who want AI to actually do things, not just talk. Here is what actually matters for your home:
1. ChatGPT Just Became Your Family’s "Control Center"
OpenAI officially opened the ChatGPT App Directory on December 18. You can now connect services like Spotify, Instacart, Expedia, and DoorDash directly inside your chat. Use the "@" command to trigger them during a conversation.
For us parents, this is a total game-changer for efficiency. Instead of switching between five tabs, you can plan a Christmas Eve menu in chat and then immediately say, "@Instacart, add these to my cart and check out". It handles the transaction right there.
2. A New "Safety Manual" for Your Teens
OpenAI also released an updated Model Spec on December 18 with specific "Under-18 Principles". They’ve also launched AI Literacy resources for parents and teens. Essentially, they are training the AI to be more of a "mentor" and less of a "random internet stranger". It’s designed to provide age-appropriate guidance and encourage teens to seek real-world support from parents or guardians when sensitive topics come up.
3. Gemini 3 Builds Apps in the Interface
Google’s Gemini 3 launched "Dynamic View" this week. This uses agentic coding to design and code a custom interactive user interface specifically for your prompt in real-time.
This is perfect for families to use together. Ask Gemini to "create a tracker for our 2026 family savings goal with a custom dashboard," and it will build an interactive tool right there. It’s a fun way to show the kids how AI can be productive, not just for homework help.
Set Goals with Me in Orlando!
I’m heading to Orlando in just a few days for the Goal Achiever’s Summit (December 29–30). I’ll be on stage showing you how to use my KIDSAFE prompt method to help your family set and actually stick to goals in 2026.
There will be 20+ speakers teaching frameworks for success. Don't miss this—grab your tickets at www.goalachieverssummit.com.
Need a Last-Minute "Magic" Gift?
I’m running Custom AI Gift sessions where I help you create a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one using AI tools. If you’re scrambling for something meaningful, I’ve got you covered.
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