The first year of your little one’s life is all about the documentation of major milestones. However, there is nothing quite like celebrating her first Christmas; it is such a special day and you have so much to be thankful for!
The good news is that when it comes to making your baby’s first Christmas super festive, you do not have to break the bank by buying expensive presents for her. She is still too young to get excited about receiving gifts. So what can you do instead?
Well, the trick here is to focus on little things and simple traditions that will awaken the spirit of Christmas in your child. The best part is that it is very easy to accomplish this. Here are a few ideas to help you do it:
1. Christmas Countdown Jar
An activity-based countdown jar will be a huge hit with kids of all ages. Get 24 strips of equally-sized paper, preferably in Christmas colors, then write out special activities to do with your little one. Things like walking in the snow or reading a Christmas story should feature here. By the time you get to Christmas Eve, you will have made lots of memories with her!
2. Decorating the Christmas Tree
For a lot of people, decorating the tree is the core of Christmas traditions. This year, hanging ornaments will be even more meaningful for you and your little one because it is her first Christmas! So go all out with a special ornament that will always remind you of this big moment. Then let your little one participate in the tree decoration (as safely as possible, of course!)
3. Go to a Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Watch your little one’s eyes light up when you attend a tree lighting ceremony and see the Christmas tree light up before your eyes. Many towns and cities host tree lighting ceremonies in the weeks leading up to Christmas day, so you will have no shortage of options! It’s worth letting her stay up past her bedtime!
4. Decorate Her Nursery
Deck out your little one’s nursery in Christmas pomp and color! Go all out with string lights and decorative stickers. You can even add a tiny tree or hang paper snowflakes around the room. Just be sure that you have all decorative elements safely out of your baby’s reach.
5. Visit Santa
Visiting your local Santa is a tradition that you probably did yourself as a child. Why not create new memories with your child in the same way? Braving the lines with a baby or toddler might be exhausting, but it is worth it for the adorable photos that you’ll get!
6. Hang Her First Christmas Stocking
Because you now have a growing family, it is time to add another stocking to the mantle! Get a unique stocking with her name and hang it there. If she is old enough, she can even help you do it while your partner snaps lots of adorable pictures!
7. Read Christmas Stories
For the entire month of December, make your bedtime story selection Christmas-themed. From classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to modern tales like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, there is no shortage of options when it comes to great Christmas stories. Your little one will definitely enjoy them!
8. Dress Her Up In Something Festive
Have a special Christmas outfit picked out for your little one for Christmas day. If you have been looking for a simple way to make those Christmas photos extra cute, this is it!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, making your baby’s first Christmas extra festive does not have to be difficult. As long as you think outside the box and try to make it a day filled with things that excite her, you’re on your way to success! Just be sure to take lots of pictures because this is what memories are made of!
