Baby's First Christmas

Seeing things through our kids’ eyes can make things extra special and especially so at Christmas time. I personally never enjoyed Christmas until my sprogs came along; they are the main reason I now get excited at this time of year!

If we put aside the stressful consumerism that always prevails – what to get who, which side of the family to visit this year, remembering to post xmas cards in time, and the Christmas dinner no less – having Christmas for the first time as your own special family unit may capture the innocence back into it all.

You may think that your baby isn’t going to be bothered about celebrations and the tradition of Christmas, or what gifts you shower them with. Maybe it’s just the excuse you need to take a moment out, if it’s your first one as a family, or perhaps you have a new addition. I can’t think of a better time for photo cards and creating beautiful keepsakes. You could even have Santa in the picture; you or your partner might want to dress up for this one!

Perhaps you are looking for ideas to pacify some of the craziness around Christmas, and a bit of art & craftwork to set the scene. I find making cards with the baby very satisfying; actually using baby! Tiny foot and hand prints always go down well with relatives - add the date and already you have a memory made. Don't forget to make an extra for your other half.

Decorating/putting up the tree together can be exciting. However with crawling babies putting everything in their mouths, perhaps you might need to rethink this part. I hung everything on the top half of the tree when my boys were at that stage, and surrounded the base of the tree with furniture that could not be clambered onto!

Making decorations? Something that might occupy an older sibling, or you could even use old baby toys about to be thrown in the charity bin and hang those, for the sentimental ones amongst you. Making paper chains or ornaments using a salt-dough recipe, which can be baked hard in the oven, are simple and effective ideas.

It will be hard not to go overboard, as like all parents you will want to make it very magical and try to do everything for your little one(s). I’m always on the hunt for battery-free toys, having fallen into the trap for so many years and suffering the consequences of noisy toys with my first!

Wishing you the most special (and peaceful) Christmas with your wonderful family x

Comments

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