Modern photographers often recreate the "Sears-style" family portraits of the past, dressing well-known "rocker" or cinematic characters—like the cast of Die Hard or The Griswolds —in festive finest for a retro holiday feel.

In the 19th century, photography was a rare luxury often reserved for a person's final "fancy" appearance. Because many people, especially children, were never photographed while alive, families would commission a "morbid" yet cherished portrait after their death.

Photographers used hidden stands or props like books to pose the deceased as if they were in a deep, peaceful sleep—a concept often called "eternal sleep".