Your baby won't remember their first Christmas, but you will. The good news is that it doesn't need to be big. A few small traditions, a cozy outfit and a calm day are more than enough. Here are ideas for making it special without making it stressful.
Simple traditions to start this year
- A first ornament with the year on it, added to the tree every year after.
- A letter to your baby about this Christmas: who visited, what they loved, what made you laugh. Keep one for every year.
- A holiday book read on Christmas Eve, the same one each year.
- A handprint or footprint in paint or salt dough.
- A yearly photo in the same spot, like beside the tree or with the same stuffed animal, so you can watch them grow.
Photo tips
- Take photos after a nap and a feed, when your baby is happiest.
- Use natural light from a window instead of the flash.
- Get down to their level.
- A soft, cozy outfit looks lovely in photos and keeps them comfortable. The Critter fleece romper has covered feet and a sweet animal appliqué, in sizes 3M to 12M. It's playwear, not sleepwear.
Decorating with a baby in the house
- Put breakables and small ornaments high on the tree, or skip them this year.
- Secure the tree so it can't tip if a crawler pulls on it.
- Keep cords, lights and batteries out of reach. Button batteries in decorations and remote controls are especially dangerous if swallowed.
- Watch out for plants like mistletoe and holly berries, and keep them out of reach.
- Nothing in or above the crib. Keep garlands, stockings and decorations away from the sleep space.
Gifts that get used
Babies get plenty of toys at Christmas. Practical, lasting gifts are often the most appreciated by parents.
- A hooded towel like the Puddle towel, which fits up to about 3 years.
- Board books, the start of a home library.
- Wall decor for the nursery, like the Lofty hot air balloon set, hung out of reach and never above the crib.
- A soft night light for night feeds. The Glow night light is cordless, with a warm-toned glow, and stays out of the crib.
- A big plush friend for when they're a little older. The Waddle plush is about 16 inches. Plush toys stay out of the sleep space for babies under 12 months.
More ideas in our baby shower gift ideas, most of which make lovely first Christmas gifts too.
Keep the day calm
- Stick to naps and feeds as much as you can.
- Have a quiet room where you can take a break from the noise.
- It's fine to say no to a few invitations. A calm baby makes for a happier day for everyone.
Questions parents ask
What do you do for baby's first Christmas?
Keep it simple: a first ornament, a photo, a holiday book and time with family.
What's a good first Christmas gift for a baby?
Something useful or lasting, like a hooded towel, board books or nursery decor.
How do I babyproof a Christmas tree?
Secure it so it can't tip, hang breakables high, keep cords and batteries out of reach, or put a play yard gate around it.
See more gift ideas in our gift guides.
