Holiday Traditions to Start with Your Newborn
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The arrival of a new baby brings boundless joy and wonder into your life, and as the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to establish cherished traditions that will create lasting memories for years to come. Celebrating the holidays with your newborn is a magical experience, and here are some delightful traditions to start with your little one.
- Baby’s First Ornament
One of the most heartwarming traditions is to get or make a special ornament to commemorate your baby’s first Christmas. Personalize it with their name and the year, and hang it on the tree. As the years go by, you’ll have a beautiful collection of ornaments filled with memories.
2. Storytime by the Fire
Cosy up by the fireplace or a softly lit area of your home and read Christmas-themed books to your baby. Whether it’s classic tales like “The Night Before Christmas,” modern stories, or stories about the first Christmas, the soothing sound of your voice and the colorful images will captivate your little one.
3. Visit Santa Claus or a Live Nativity
If your family enjoys the tradition of Santa Claus, taking your baby to see Santa for the first time can be a magical experience. Even if your little one is too young to understand, the trip’s photos and excitement will become cherished memories.
Whether or not your family “does” Santa Claus, you can also visit a local live nativity. Churches often host these in conjunction with a petting zoo full of soft sheep. In fact, churches are often looking for families to act as the holy family, so if you’re willing to sit in costume and hold your baby while children ooh and ahh, contact a local church and volunteer your baby for their first acting gig!
4. Create Handmade Keepsakes
Get creative and make handprint or footprint ornaments, cards, or even a baby’s first holiday scrapbook. These DIY keepsakes will be treasured for years to come.
5. Baby’s First Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. Consider creating a baby-friendly version with soft, sensory-filled pockets or compartments. You can place small toys, baby-safe treats, or notes with loving messages inside. (Pop over here for Christian-themed Advent countdown ideas.)
6. Light Up the Night
Take your baby for a stroll around the neighborhood or to a local holiday lights display. Bundle up warmly and enjoy the twinkling lights, festive music, and the wonder in your baby’s eyes. Alternatively, you can have your very own display at home, with the help of professional holiday lights installation provided by companies like ABC Home and Commercial Services.
7. Host a Baby-Friendly Cookie Decorating Party
Invite friends and family over for a baby-friendly cookie decorating party. Instead of the usual sugar cookies, make baby-friendly options using baby cereal or pureed fruits. Let everyone get creative with baby-safe toppings.
8. Play Dress-Up with Baby
Dress your baby up in festive holiday attire. Whether it’s a cute reindeer onesie, a tiny star hat, or a knitted shepherd outfit, your baby will steal the show at any holiday gathering. (Find some religious Christmas costumes in this article!)
9. Baby’s First Stocking
Hang a stocking for your baby by the fireplace or in their nursery. Fill it with baby-friendly toys, teething rings, or small items they can safely explore. As your baby grows, they can help you pick out items to add to their stocking.
10. Christmas Morning Breakfast
Create a special breakfast tradition for Christmas morning. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast casserole, pancakes shaped like reindeer, or a batch of warm cinnamon rolls, make it a meal to savor as a family.
Starting holiday traditions with your newborn is a wonderful way to infuse the magic of the season into your family’s life. These traditions will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds between you and your little one as you celebrate the holidays together.
Let me know in the comments what YOU would add to this list!
