Kelly Clarkson has been making herself known in the news, lately, for both good and bad reasons. She recently had a chat with daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres about the name of the child she and her husband are expecting. Quickly on the heels of this, rumors began to fly that Clarkson’s new hubby, Brandon Blackstock, was cheating on her, and these vicious rumors were quickly squashed by Clarkson via Twitter. Now, Clarkson and her family are back in the limelight, although this time, the reasoning is a bit more festive.

Partially paying homage to Clarkson’s new Christmas album, “Wrapped in Red,” the American Idol winner and her husband, as well as his two children, took part in a candid-looking photo featuring the whole gang (including two precious puppies) wrapped up in, you guessed it, a giant, red ribbon. A bemused-looking Santa sits to the side, while the family side-eyes him. Clarkson tweeted the photo with the caption, “Merry Christmas from the Blackstocks!”

The photo is heart warming, and is a nice reminder that families everywhere seem to share that sort of aloof goofiness that can only be accurately captured in a Christmas photo. Clarkson seems to be taking very happily to married life and being a mother. Jeweler and family friend Johnathon Arndt said on the matter, “Since having an opportunity to be a loving stepmother, Kelly enjoys every moment and all the joy and happiness that comes with being a parent.” Clarkson has also stated to Ryan Seacrest that she “totally digs the mom thing.” If this photo is any indication, it seems like Clarkson and Blackstock’s upcoming baby will be in for a very loving, happy time on Earth.

Clarkson’s Christmas album, “Wrapped in Red,” as mentioned above, is available now in stores nation-wide.

[Image courtesy of Kelly Clarkson’s official Twitter page.]