A family’s holiday card has sparked a heated debate online, with parents divided over whether a prank in the photo was funny or disrespectful.

Amanda Cooper, a travel and fashion influencer with over 14,000 Instagram followers, never expected her quirky family photo to go viral when she shared it. The controversy began on December 6, when Cooper posted a TikTok video of her family’s holiday photo. The photo, which appeared festive, revealed a prank: her siblings were subtly flipping off the camera while posing with their children.

Cooper explained that the prank was meant to shake up their usual tradition of perfectly coordinated family photos, a tradition organized annually by their mother, Melynda King. The prank was planned in a group chat with her siblings, and they used a code word to trigger the gesture. “Everyone say, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!” she called out, catching their mother off guard.

While King, known for her dedication to flawless holiday cards, thought it was hilarious, the internet had mixed reactions. The TikTok video quickly went viral, with over 2.4 million views. Some viewers criticized the prank as “disrespectful,” while others felt it was an unwelcome gesture in a family photo. Photographers also voiced frustration over the extra editing needed to remove the gesture.

However, many fans supported Cooper, calling the prank creative and funny. Some even looked forward to how the tradition might evolve over time as the kids grow older.

The debate highlighted the balance between family traditions and individuality. Some praised Cooper for adding levity to a process that can feel too formal, while others felt family photos should reflect respect and togetherness. For Cooper, the prank was about creating a fun, memorable moment with her family.

The incident shows how humor can be subjective, especially with cherished family traditions. Whether through a perfectly posed photo or a playful surprise, the holidays are about creating joyful memories, reflecting each family’s unique dynamics. As for Cooper, this prank is now part of their family lore, and it remains to be seen if future holiday cards will continue the tradition.