If you’re like most Christmas lovers, every holiday brings something to be excited about. After
Whether you’re expecting your little bundle of joy this year or are getting ready for baby’s first Christmas, the key to enjoying your holiday is learning how to make a few simple adjustments. Looking at the season a little bit differently will help you make the most of it without feeling any excess stress.
Babys First Christmas
Christmas Shopping with a baby
Before vs. After
When you’re shopping for holiday gifts before baby’s arrival, you have the freedom to buy in-store or on the Internet. Many expecting moms who are close to their due date understandably wouldn’t dare to go toe-to-toe with the holiday crowds, and the same usually goes after your little one gets here. We live in an age where you can buy baby clothes online and find the ideal gift for your significant other from your recliner—so take advantage of it! Make a list and check it twice while baby is taking a nap and then head back to your computer or smartphone another night when they’re snug in bed.
Every parent is on a budget, so don’t be afraid to schedule a babysitting hour with your partner or friend. If you plan in advance, a quiet 60 minutes will allow you to take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your gift list, remember that the holiday season is about spending time with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of a bulk candle sale for your brothers and sisters or pick up a few gift cards for your in-laws and parents. The less time you spend scrolling for the ideal presents, the more time you’ll have to enjoy quality time with your son or daughter.
Baby proofing the Christmas tree with a baby
Before vs. After
Ah, the Christmas tree—a glorious, glittering marvel adorned with bright lights and delicate ornaments. Many parents-to-be have spent years collecting glass and crystal keepsakes and enjoy trimming the Tannenbaum with them each year. If baby is on the way, spend as much time around your perfect tree as you can—and don’t forget to take lots of pictures. Once you have your kid, you’ll be buying shatterproof ornaments by the tub and watching like a hawk to make sure they’re not racing over to tug on them.
Instead of wishing for Christmas past, get creative with your décor! Place must-have family heirlooms toward the top and complement them with unbreakable items throughout the tree and especially near the bottom. These days, there are plenty of shatterproof decorations that look like real glass, so your arrangement doesn’t have to look hokey.
Just try not to place too many adornments near the floor. Even a crawling baby can bring a whole tree down while marveling at a shiny gold dove or whimsical candy cane. If you’re wondering how you’re going to get the tree up and decorated in the first place, schedule a trimming night with your partner. Take turns holding the baby or wait until they go to bed to start. Parents who usually pick out a real tree may find it easier to buy an artificial one with pre-strung lights.
Christmas Parties with kids!
Before vs. After
Before baby, you can say yes to every holiday invitation you receive. One night you may be schmoozing at your office Christmas party, while the next you’re enjoying a cranberry martini at your best friend’s apartment.
Spreading seasonal cheer does get a little trickier post-delivery. Let’s face it, you won’t be able to attend every event. Some parents decide to be fair across the board and forgo activities altogether, especially in the first year. In the early days, the most important thing is to be smart about
The holiday season is definitely merry and bright, but it’s also the prime time for colds and the flu. Newborns have weak immune systems, which means they can’t effectively fight off bacteria or viruses. If you just had your baby, it’s best to stay home and look forward to next season.
Those with older kids may prioritize mellow family parties and bring the little one along with them.
You can also discuss the possibility of designating a babysitter for a several hours, so you can make it to a couple of big celebrations. If you can’t get out, you don’t have to feel like a complete shut-in. Dance with baby to your favorite Christmas songs with a delicious seasonal mocktail or screen a few favorite holiday movies over red wine and a cheese board. At least you won’t have to find the perfect outfit.
Family Festive Pictures
Before vs. After
Your expectations for Christmas photos probably depend on what you did before baby.
Some families spend hours planning holiday pictures, while others are grateful they can snap a shot with everyone’s eyes open at Thanksgiving. If you’re into formal photos with baby, schedule the session well ahead of time. This will not only allow you to pick a day that truly works for you, but it will also make it easier to reschedule if necessary.
Eliminate last-minute stress by deciding on outfits as early as Halloween. Shop online for dresses, formal sets and accessories, keeping in mind the colors of the season. Before you head out to visit the photographer, pack your diaper bag full of essentials. In addition to the usual needs, like diapers, bottles and burp cloths, add a hat, blanket and some toys to keep baby from fussing. If you can’t find the time for pictures this Christmas, don’t worry. Everyone on your contact list will be happy to get even the most informal shot of your little one in their holiday card. Remember: The joy is found in that cute little face, not the backdrop!
How To Pick Newborn Baby Gifts
If you’ve never had a baby before, or if it’s the first time that you’ve had to buy a baby gift, you mightn’t know what to get them for Christmas. There are multiple obvious things that you could get, such as clothes and some other essentials. Picking things out isn’t as easy as you’d think, as it’s not like buying a present for an adult.
There are multiple other factors that you’ll have to consider, such as size, a baby’s sensitive skin, and much more. How do you pick gifts for newborn babies? You’ll have to focus on a few things, such as the fabric that the gift is made from. While this concentrates solely on clothes and other gifts made with a fabric, it can still be important.
It’s recommended that you go with cotton, as this shouldn’t have any harmful effect on the baby’s skin. If you’re opting for soft toys, then you should make sure these are washable. Babies will make a lot of mess, so you should expect any toys you buy to get messy.
Being able to wash these regularly means that your baby can keep playing with them for quite a while. Most newborn baby gifts Australia, and in other countries should be washable. Some aren’t, however, which means that you’ll need to double-check.
Some presents also mightn’t be suitable for newborns; instead, they may be more appropriate for older babies or toddlers. Make sure you know what a particular gift’s age range is to make sure it’s suitable for who you’re getting it for. That’ll make sure they’re enjoying the present before and after Christmas.
Making the Most of Christmas with Baby
Now that you know how to make changes to your Christmas activities—and expectations—you’ll be able to adjust quickly to the new normal. While you may have to transform the way you celebrate, you’ll be thrilled at how everything turns out. After all, the most wonderful part of the season is holding your child in your arms and marveling at the greatest miracle in the world.
