How to Navigate Your Baby’s First Christmas

Preparing for your baby’s first Christmas can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Of course, you’ll want to make this holiday season as special as possible and full of happy memories for yourself and your family. Whether you want to get your baby a special keepsake present, start some new family traditions, or document their first Christmas with a photoshoot, there are plenty of ways to truly make this the most wonderful time of the year.

But it’s also important to remember that Christmas with a newborn isn’t always smooth sailing. You’ll likely face some challenges along the way, like feeling burnt out with so many social obligations or finding the perfect present for your little one. Luckily, we’re here to help and want you to remember your baby’s first Christmas fondly. So, we’ve put together this guide on navigating the holidays with a newborn, from making it special to handling the tougher times.

7 Ways to Make Baby’s First Christmas Special

 Although your little one won’t understand the concept of Santa Claus or why there’s so much excitement in the air, that doesn’t mean you can’t go all out and celebrate their first Christmas. Here are 7 ways to make your baby’s first Christmas special.

1. Hang Baby’s First Christmas Stocking

With a new addition to the family, it’s time to hang a new stocking on the mantle. There are tons of adorable stockings available for newborns, and you can even customize them with their name. Fill it up with baby stocking stuffers they can use and enjoy all year, such as teethers, pacifiers, and bath toys.

2. Start a New Holiday Tradition

Starting a new holiday tradition that can grow with your child will create treasured, nostalgic memories. Some things you can do with your little one every year include:

• Decorating a gingerbread house.
• Driving around to look at the local Christmas lights.
• Wearing matching family PJs.
• Attending a tree lighting ceremony.
• Visiting Santa.
• Baking together on Christmas Eve.
• Decorating the tree together.

3. Make a Handprint or Footprint Christmas Craft

There’s nothing sweeter than tiny baby hands and feet, and if you want to memorialize how small they were during their first Christmas, you can preserve your baby’s hand or footprint in salt dough (flour, salt, and water) or paint. This can then be turned into a Christmas decoration to hang on your tree every year to look back on.

4. Take an Annual Holiday Photo

As your little one grows, taking an annual holiday photo is a great way to document every magical year. Whether you photograph your baby with a themed setup, in their festive finery, or as a family in matching PJs, you, your family, and your child will cherish the photos forever.

5. Mark Baby’s Height

Mark your baby’s height every year using a piece of string or a festive ribbon, then tuck it into a clear ornament and write the year to hang on the tree and show them how much they’ve grown every year. You can also photograph your child next to an object in the house for a visual scale.

6. Taste Festive Foods

If your child is old enough to eat solid foods, they can have their first taste of festive treats! You can puree up some sweet potatoes or turkey with our Mighty Blender. Depending on their age, you could also give them a small gingerbread or chocolate treat for the special occasion.

7. Choose the Right Present

Choosing the perfect baby gift can be tricky as you want it to be meaningful, fun, and something that will help their development through the year. A comforting plushie, wooden walker, or ball pit would make an exciting first Christmas present. For more ideas, read our baby’s first Christmas gift ideas blog.

Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Newborn

As wonderful as Christmas with a newborn may seem, there are also likely to be some struggles as you try to settle into a new routine, keep your little one happy, and navigate through holiday guests and visiting houses. So, here are our top tips on surviving Christmas, as unscathed as possible, with a newborn. 

Come Up With a Game Plan

Being organized is key! Plan in advance whether you’ll spend Christmas at your parents’ house, host people at home, or do a mix of both. Having an agreed game plan will instantly take the pressure off.

Lower Your Expectations

Remember, the picture-perfect family Christmas doesn’t really exist. So don’t try to make everything perfect; otherwise, you’ll just be creating more stress for yourself rather than enjoying and appreciating the little moments. 

Set Clear Boundaries

There’s nothing wrong with setting clear boundaries at Christmastime, and most people will be understanding and accommodating. Your boundaries could include only seeing relatives for one day and wanting to spend the rest of the festive period with your baby and partner or not inviting too many guests over at once.

Shop Online

 While getting out of the house with your baby is a fantastic achievement, sometimes, it’s just not possible. So, do most of your Christmas shopping online and save yourself the hassle. 

Don’t Forget to Delegate

If you normally cook Christmas dinner, do all the wrapping, or are the chief decorator, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or accept help from others so you can look after your baby and yourself. We promise no one will mind lending a helping hand.

Beware of the Experts

Don’t be surprised when family members want to give you advice on how to raise a child. While they mean well most of the time, and the advice they give comes from a place of love and support, it can be frustrating, especially as a first-time parent. 

Schedule a Nap (for Baby and Yourself)

Never underestimate the power of a good nap. A quick 20-30 minute snooze will make you feel like you’re on top of the world after. Taking breaks and resting is essential for both you and your newborn. And while Christmas is a busy time of year, it’s also meant to be relaxing, so don’t feel guilty about it!

With our tips and tricks, you can nail your baby’s first Christmas and make it a joyful time of year for yourself, too!