15 Ideas for Baby’s First Christmas

Every married couple has discussed these dreaded questions: “Are we spending Christmas with your family or mine? What about Thanksgiving and New Year’s?” Splitting holidays is never easy, but adding a newborn baby to the mix complicates things even further. Make the decision several weeks in advance, then be clear with both families to avoid hurt feelings. 

Before the holidays, purge the baby items you no longer need, such as outgrown toys and clothes. Give them to charity, pack them away in storage for the next kid, or hand 'em off to a pregnant friend. That way, you'll have space for all the new items you're about to receive.

Baby’s presents should have your seal of approval—after all, you're the one who'll be looking at, washing, and storing them. Consider setting up an online wish list for her (on amazon.com or target.com, for example) and sending it to grandparents, relatives, and other gift givers.

Baby’s first Christmas is an exciting time. But despite the hustle and bustle, you should try sticking with routines for eating, sleeping, and playing. You don't want Mr. Cranky Pants in every holiday photo! Remind pushy relatives that scheduling some downtime is a non-negotiable necessity. 

Start a totally new tradition this year for Baby’s first Christmas. Don't stress about doing something big (Rockefeller Center and the Rockettes can wait)—small, simple gestures can be just as meaningful. Baby won't be able to participate yet, but you'll start the "lead by example" idea early. Here are some Christmas traditions we love: Wear matching PJs on Christmas Eve. Eat donuts while opening presents. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Donate unused toys to charity. 

The best gift you can give your child? Time. Designate one day during the holidays for family bonding—no holiday shopping or errand-running allowed. Your baby will love the extra attention, and you'll love the opportunity to slow down with your family.

Although it may be cliché, you don’t want to miss the quintessential photo with the mall Santa Claus. Stranger anxiety may not have set in yet, so you're likely to get smiles instead of shrieks when Baby gets handed off to the fat, jolly guy. It’s also an excuse to splurge on an adorably festive outfit! 

Take a month-long break from Goodnight Moon. Buy a special Christmas book, then take it out every December and re-read it. We love classics like The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas!

Let the grandparents go overboard, but there’s nothing wrong with getting your baby just one special thing. Think about a gift that she’ll treasure as an adult, like a tiny gold bracelet, a gorgeous silver rattle, an engraved baby cup, a cashmere stuffed animal, or even a quilt made from her too-small clothes. 

To share the holiday spirit, invite other babies and parents to an afternoon baby-fest. Have the little ones wear Santa hats and play with Christmas toys (be prepared for lots of adorable photo opps!). The grown-ups can sip something festive and swap strategies for upcoming in-law visits.

The old cliche "time flies" makes sense once you have a child. To chart her growth, snap an annual Christmas picture next to your object of choice—the Christmas tree, a teddy bear, the fireplace at Grandma’s house, etc. Turn the images into a photo display, if you’d like. 

Babies love the dazzle of Christmas lights, so why not hang some in her room? Just make sure lights are well out of her reach, and watch her eyes sparkle with excitement.

You probably want Christmas cards that show off your beautiful babe, and we think you should go for it! Let Baby play with something holiday related—like a shiny ornament or a Santa hat—and snap pictures as she explores. If she's too little to play, stick her in front of a holiday setting (like a group of poinsettias) or lay her down on some holiday gift wrap. Once you snapped the perfect shot, upload your photo to a website that creates holiday cards. Easy peasy! 

You don't need to travel far to enjoy Baby's first Christmas. Simply trek around town to check out holiday decorations and window displays. Your baby will love the bright lights and illuminated scenes, and you’ll be grateful for much-needed time outside the house.

Let your baby experience the holidays through his senses. Have him touch and smell a clipping from the Christmas tree. Excite his eyes with the tree lights or sparkly decorations. Jingle some bells and listen to holiday music. And if your baby's old enough, give him a taste of some special holiday foods. He'll love the newness of it all, and you'll love watching Baby’s first Christmas come to life!