Belinda Joyce
First Christmas:
Your first Christmas with your baby is a great time to start new family traditions. Your baby won’t yet understand the significance of Christmas and won’t remember these early experiences well however they will enjoy them at the time.
Depending on the age of your baby you can try different experiences and then you get to choose what you’d like to do again next year!
Keep things simple, lower your expectations and try to be flexible. Especially with a newborn baby you may be very tired and it’s best not to put too much pressure on yourself for the ‘perfect’ Christmas, whatever that really is!
There is no need to be spending large amounts of money on Christmas presents and the day itself, instead focus on the special family moments and experiences. Let the Grandparents spoil your baby.
Ideas to try:
- Read some Christmas story books, your local library will have a great selection and you may want to purchase a new one each year.
- Decorate the Christmas tree together as a family, play Christmas music and dance with them. Babies love watching the flashing lights and shiny decorations.
- Making Christmas craft like hand and footprints with you baby and make cards and wrapping paper, your family and friends will love it.
- Do a tour of your area and look at Christmas lights, some families really do go to a lot of effort to create amazing displays, some even have a Santa or Mrs Claus!
- Simply wearing a Santa hat with your baby is a lot of fun, putting it on them as well. Depending on their age they may be able to join in or maybe they would just love seeing themselves in the mirror.
- Dress your baby in a festive outfit-show them how cute they look in a mirror!
Try an elf onesie, it’s a great time to do a mini photoshoot!
- Often your baby doesn’t need anything, buy clothes and toys your baby can grow into.
- Get a family photo on Christmas day while you’re all dressed nicely and then get one each year.
- Consider visiting Santa, depending on your baby’s age and personality, this could be fun or frightening and you may not know until you try. You may need to sit next to Santa with your baby in your arms.
- Spending time with family and friends is great but try not to hand the baby around too much, it can be unsettling and sometimes frightening if they don’t know them well.
- Try to follow a similar pattern with your baby on Christmas day if possible. If celebrating at other’s homes, use a portable cot and find a quiet room. This may be helpful for a quiet feeding space as well.
- Try to slow down, if possible, especially if you notice your baby or you are feeling overwhelmed.
Slow down and enjoy this time of year as babies and children really do make Christmas magical and their wonder is very special to watch and be part of. See what worked well, what you all enjoyed and add new traditions next year as your baby grows older.
Take the pressure off, Christmas doesn’t need to be ‘perfect’, instead, enjoy this time with close family and friends.
