This year marks our baby’s first Christmas!
I already await the Christmas season yearly because it’s my favorite time of the year, but this year will be extra special.
That’s why I wanted to start planning it out a little earlier.
Although our baby probably won’t remember it, that doesn’t mean she won’t enjoy it!
Plus, we will remember these special moments, and we’ll make sure to make the memories last by taking pictures along the way!
Without further ado, here’s our list of ideas of what to do to make baby’s first Christmas both enjoyable and memorable!
Disclosure: I have included affiliate links to products that I have used and enjoyed. These are for your convenience. I do receive compensation without any increase to your own price.
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1. Take Some Holiday Themed Family Pictures!
I like to think about family pictures very early on because good photographers are hard to book!
Planning out a picture date early on allows you to actually enjoy the season more because, well, the hard part’s is done.
At least that’s how it is in my case, pictures are stressful!
Try to get yours done in November so that they’ll be ready to send out when December comes!
2. Visit a Mandarin Farm
Via UwajimaTourism
One of my favorite things about winter is that it’s mandarin season!
Grab your baby and head out to a local orchard (if you have one) because the Christmas season is the best out at the countryside.
You’ll get to enjoy the fresh air (at least for a little) while picking some yummy fruit and have a great excuse to cuddle up right after (bundle up!).
Of course, we live in sunny California, so our winters aren’t as bad as other places, definitely consider the conditions in your area to see if it’s worth the drive.
Also, if you don’t have a mandarin farm nearby, you could visit another orchard/farm as there are plenty of other fruits that are harvested in the winter.
These include other citrus fruits, apples, and persimmons, among others.
3. Look at the Local Lights
One of the things that make the Christmas season so exciting is the lights and decorations.
That was something I enjoyed a lot as a child!
One tradition we had in our family growing up was driving through various Christmas light displays in our city.
Although I might not remember all of it, I have pictures that show me how much fun it was!
As far as I know, babies love lights so that should definitely be on the list!
4. Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium
Via IndianapolisZoo
On top of being able to see the awesome animals, usually zoos and aquariums do something special for the Christmas season so I would definitely take advantage of that!
Ours offers a “Breakfast with Santa” which would make for some memorable pictures.
5. Take a Picture with Santa
Via Wyng
Taking a picture with Santa is something not all babies enjoy, but the pictures are priceless.
Best of all, it gives you an excuse to dress up your little bundle into something super cute!
6. Watch the Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Via FamiliesMagazine
Just like the other light shows, the lighting of the Christmas Tree is usually a fun event for the whole family.
Our city usually goes all out for this and has a lot of other fun activities going on simultaneously.
You’ll get to take a beautiful picture with your baby as a keepsake, and enjoy the festivities.
7. Baby’s First Snow Trip
Via GettyImages
If you are blessed enough to experience some snow during Christmas, take advantage of it!
Let your baby play a little with some snow, it’ll be an exciting sensory activity while it lasts.
You might even decide to build a snowman together while you’re at it.
Just don’t forget to bundle up because baby it’s cold outside!
8. Pick Out a Tree with Baby
Via IStockPhoto
While you’re out there in the snow, pick out a tree and let baby choose!
The local farms in our area are a bit pricey, but the experience of picking your own Christmas tree (especially baby’s first) and cutting it down is priceless.
I have hopes of finding a cute small tree just so that our baby could have her own to decorate!
9. Decorate the House and Dress the Tree Together.
Via LDS
Sure your baby might not be much help, but I can guarantee that they will definitely enjoy watching you put up the lights and the ornaments!
You could even let them participate a little by hanging up an ornament here and there.
10. Make Some Hand Print Ornaments
Via PotteryBarnKidsSo this is something I want to definitely do this year!
Amazon has this great kit that allows you to make this baby hand/footprint keepsake ornament right at home!
This is something that will be treasured through the years, and it’s super adorable!
11. Bake Some Cookies with Baby
A house smelling like freshly baked cookies is reminiscent of the holiday season.
Baking cookies could definitely be a new tradition you could start with your baby.
You could let them help if they are old enough or you could let your baby participate in the process by letting them make and play with their own dough.
Here is a recipe for homemade play-doh that uses the same ingredients you would use to bake.
It’s safe if your baby decides to put some in their mouth, but if you want to avoid the mess, just place it in a large zip lock bag and let them have at it.
12. Watch a Nativity Play with Baby
Via DailyEcho
We have local churches that put on the nativity play and then have a lot of other activities for kids to participate in like petting zoos and arts and crafts.
I would probably steer clear of your baby touching any animal, but admiring from a distance is a treat in itself.
Your baby might not remember the play itself let alone actually sit through it, but it’s still a memorable event your family can attend.
Well, and most of all, it tells of the reason we have Christmas in the first place!
This leads me to probably the most important place you could take your baby on their first Christmas.
13. Go to Church!
We are super involved in our church so our baby is going to be in all of the festivities by default, but church is probably the most important place to take your baby during the Christmas season.
I mean that’s what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus Christ!
At our church, there are sweet kids programs where kids participate and then they hand out candy presents afterward.
Of course, that’s not the main reason for going to church, but it’s a bonus for the kids.
14. Go Caroling
Via ChathamChatlist
Now I know not everyone does this, but in our culture, we go all out for caroling.
It’s a great tradition and it’s great fun for the kids.
It might be a little difficult if your baby is very small and has an early bedtime, but if you can do it you should!
A bonus is that your baby gets a lot of great exposure to music which is definitely a great sensory stimulant!
15. Family Dinner
Via TwinCities
The holiday season is also about family and coming together to celebrate.
I’m sure many of you probably already plan on having a get together with the parents and in-laws, especially since this is your baby’s first Christmas.
I still wanted to put it on the list because it is a huge part of your baby’s first Christmas experience!
16. Baby’s First Present
This one is mainly for the cuteness of having your baby shred up gift wrapping, but it’s also a sweet way to end baby’s first Christmas.
Of course, the gift you put inside has to be meaningful for your baby, which at this stage is probably anything they can chew on.
Regardless, the gift you choose will be meaningful especially later.
17. Baby’s First Christmas Photo Album
Now that you have a list of experiences, you have multiple opportunities to take keepsake pictures along the way.
You could then put all of these pictures into a “Baby’s First Christmas” photo album.
If you choose to do so, it could even be a part of your baby’s first Christmas present!
I guarantee you and your baby will enjoy this gift for years to come!
Well, I hope your family has a Merry Christmas and that this list gave you some ideas on how to make your baby’s first Christmas a little more special!
What are some ways you have made your baby’s first Christmas more special, be sure to let me know in the comment section below!
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