A subtle but bold detail in a family’s holiday card has sparked a heated online debate, leaving parents divided over whether the prank was humorous or disrespectful.

Amanda Cooper, a travel and fashion influencer with over 14,000 Instagram followers, never anticipated the controversy her quirky family photo would generate when she shared it on social media. What started as a lighthearted joke quickly became a viral sensation, igniting conversations about family traditions, humor, and respect.

The stir began with a TikTok video Cooper posted on December 6, showcasing a close-up of her family’s holiday photo. The seemingly festive image revealed a hidden prank: her siblings subtly flipping off the camera while posing alongside their children. The stunt was a surprising twist on their usual tradition of perfectly coordinated family photo shoots, which are organized annually by their mother, Melynda King.

According to Cooper, the idea for the prank stemmed from a desire to shake things up and add a bit of humor to their otherwise picture-perfect tradition. Speaking with Today, she shared how she came up with the plan and orchestrated it with her siblings. “I texted my siblings in a group chat and pitched the idea,” Cooper explained. To keep the prank a secret until the last moment, they devised a code word.

“So, right before the middle finger picture, I called out, ‘Everyone say, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!’” she said with a laugh. The cue triggered the playful act, catching their unsuspecting mother off guard.

While King is known for her dedication to creating flawless holiday cards, she took the joke in stride. “I thought it was absolutely hilarious,” she admitted, appreciating the humor in the moment.

However, the internet had mixed reactions. The TikTok video quickly went viral, amassing over 2.4 million views and sparking hundreds of comments from viewers with differing opinions.

Some critics labeled the prank as “disrespectful” and “sad,” with one commenter expressing, “This would make me so sad.” Photographers also chimed in, lamenting the additional editing work required to remove such gestures from otherwise polished photos.

On Instagram, the critique continued, with one user remarking, “You came off like a bunch of jerks on the internet! Congratulations.” Another commenter shared a more personal reaction: “I’ve never had a family portrait taken in my life. This hurts as someone who doesn’t have a ‘family.’”

Despite the wave of criticism, many fans rallied behind Cooper, applauding her creativity and sense of humor. One supporter commented, “This is so funny and justified,” while another imagined how the tradition might evolve over time. “I cannot wait for when the kids are older and get in on this tradition too!”

The prank also sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining traditions and embracing individuality within families. Some praised Cooper for adding levity to a process that can often feel overly formal or staged. Others felt the gesture crossed a line, suggesting that family photos should remain a space for respect and togetherness.

For Cooper, the prank was all in good fun and a way to create a memorable moment with her loved ones. “We’ve been doing these coordinated photo shoots for years,” she explained. “This was just a way to make it different and unexpected.”

The debate over the holiday card highlights how humor can be subjective, especially when it involves cherished family traditions. While some see such pranks as a way to inject personality and fun, others view them as detracting from the sentimentality of the occasion.

Still, the incident underscores a universal truth: the holiday season is as much about creating joyful memories as it is about celebrating long-standing traditions. Whether those memories come from a perfectly posed photo or an unconventional prank, they reflect the unique dynamics of each family.

As for Cooper and her siblings, the prank has undoubtedly become part of their family lore. Whether future holiday cards will feature similar surprises remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Cooper family knows how to keep things interesting.