Two brothers get photo taken with Santa every Christmas for 30 years

Michael and Martin have had their picture taken with Father Christmas every year since 1980, now they are getting their children in on the act

Michael and Martin Gray have had their picture taken together with Father Christmas annually for 30 years (Imgur)

In what may well be the sweetest family tradition ever, two brothers have had their photo taken together with Santa Claus every Christmas without fail for 30 years.

The photo album actually stretches back 33 years, after it was kicked off in 1980 when Michael Gray, from Massachusetts, had his first picture taken sitting on Father Christmas' lap.

Three years later his younger brother Martin joined him, starting a trend that has survived through to this Christmas - and, the plan is, beyond.

"It was year after year. Our father kept pushing us to go. It never seemed like a big deal. It just kind of happened," Michael told ABC News.

"And then after a certain point, it was like we've been doing this for two decades now and we're just going to keep going. At that point, you can't miss one. Because, you know, I just feel guilty about not going."

In 2011, a third recruit joined proceedings after Michael had his first child, a son. Then this year two more faces crashed the party - both Martin and Michael had daughters in 2013.

"I have two kids and Martin has one. And I guess we are going to continue with it," Michael said.

"Probably once they are teenagers [they will] hate us for it is my guess," Martin added.

View our gallery of some of the best years here: