(Use this if you can do a session later.) If you can tell them, "fam, I am sorry, but this is my busiest time of year. I know this has become somewhat of a tradition with the family, but I have client work that I need to attend to now. We can plan a family session in the Spring (or whatever time is less busy for you) and we can discuss dates later. Thank you for understanding.
(Use this if you can't do a session later.) Hey, fam, I know that I have set an expectation in the past of being able to squeeze in a family session during the holidays. That was ok when I was starting out--I had a lot more free time then. Since then, I have built a very busy business, and client remain means that I no longer have time during the holidays to add on extra work. I am very sorry, but I cannot accommodate the family photo shoot this year.
(Use this if you can do a session later.) If you can tell them, "fam, I am sorry, but this is my busiest time of year. I know this has become somewhat of a tradition with the family, but I have client work that I need to attend to now. We can plan a family session in the Spring (or whatever time is less busy for you) and we can discuss dates later. Thank you for understanding.
(Use this if you can't do a session later.) Hey, fam, I know that I have set an expectation in the past of being able to squeeze in a family session during the holidays. That was ok when I was starting out--I had a lot more free time then. Since then, I have built a very busy business, and client remain means that I no longer have time during the holidays to add on extra work. I am very sorry, but I cannot accommodate the family photo shoot this year.