A Very Merry Christmaskeeping Up With The Karda... ⟶
Critics and viewers often point to these specials as the pinnacle of "over-the-top" holiday celebrations, where the cost and scale of the events—from custom winter wonderlands to designer wardrobes—often overshadow the religious or traditional roots of the holiday.
The episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Season 8, Episode 21) serves as a fascinating study of how a modern "dynasty" blends genuine family sentiment with highly manufactured public branding. Released in 2013, the special centers on two main pillars: the reminiscence of past holiday traditions and the high-pressure creation of their annual Christmas card . The Architecture of the Kardashian Holiday A Very Merry ChristmasKeeping Up with the Karda...
The episode documents the 2013 shoot with avant-garde photographer David LaChapelle , which featured a chaotic, carnival-inspired set. While the family views it as a way to "capture memories," the intense logistics and artistic conflict—such as LaChapelle's commentary on the family's lifestyle—frame the holiday as a high-stakes branding event rather than just a personal greeting. Critics and viewers often point to these specials
The special acts as a mirror for contemporary celebrity culture, where the holidays are used to perform status. The Architecture of the Kardashian Holiday The episode