Making Your Baby’s First Holiday Season Special
The great wheel of the seasons has completed another turn—it’s winter. Whether your baby is just weeks old or nearing the year mark, your first holiday season as a family is a special one to remember. It’s a great time to make memories and start family traditions.
Of course, 2020 has been a year like no other. As the pandemic continues, it’s important to protect your baby, loved ones and community by following local health and safety guidance.
What are some ways to observe the season and enjoy this special time with your baby?
Make sure to capture this moment as a family.
There is a saying about raising a child: the days are long, but the years fly by. The very best way to capture some of the magic of this special time is to take pictures of your baby and as a family in this special season. If you’ve decorated your home for the holidays, be sure to snap a picture of your baby in front of your Christmas tree, menorah, or other decoration. This is a great way for (tired) new parents to remember when the picture was taken as well as to have a little bit of Nature’s greenery in the photo.
Some families like to take a picture with everyone in matching pajamas. Other families have adapted the practice of newborn and family photography sessions to “front door” and outdoor portrait sessions during the pandemic—a creative way to preserve memories while prioritizing safety and bringing in a little bit of Nature.
Add to your baby’s memory book.
If you’ve started a baby book, remember to record all the details of this special season. Include a family picture and write down what gifts your baby received, how you celebrated, what special treats you ate, and how your baby reacted. In addition to the baby book, you can also turn your family photos from this season into a slideshow to share with others, a holiday card to send to friends and family, and keepsake ornaments. Years from now, you’ll be able to share with your little one how he or she spent this first holiday season.
Remember that Nature can make this memory book special. Was there a big snowstorm during the holiday season? Be sure to write it down and take pictures.
Sing and read.
Stories and music make the holidays merry. You might remember reading favorite books about the holidays as a child. Now is an ideal time to build a small, seasonal library to share with your child year after year. Children—even very young babies—learn and expand their grasp of language every day. You can engage your baby with pictures and create a language- and learning-rich experience for her when you share books together. There are plenty of choices that showcase Nature in this season or that tell the stories of animals in winter, like Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer and The Animals’ Santa by Jan Brett.
Enjoy the season safely outdoors.
While some of Canada’s iconic wildlife hibernate, we humans do not. As long as your baby is dressed warmly, there is no reason you can’t enjoy the great outdoors together. Fresh air and sunlight are great for babies and can even help to calm overstimulated and fussy infants. Be sure to bundle your baby in warm layers and include a hat. You can go for walks to show your baby outdoor lights and holiday decorations, a first snowfall and other winter wonders.
Start a new tradition.
You might want to establish a new tradition that you and your family will carry on for years to come. Some parents give their child a keepsake ornament or book every year. Others fill stockings with gifts, leave a shoe out for St. Nick, or record a holiday video. Be creative in coming up with something that you and your growing child will return to year after year to mark this season.
Share holiday foods.
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without some bounty to share. If your baby is old enough to have started solids, you can safely share some holiday favorites with her (of course, consult your pediatrician first, and always follow your doctor’s guidance on the introduction and sequencing of solid foods). Babies old enough to be transitioning to solids and those experimenting with finger foods can share parts of your holiday meals, like sweet potatoes, soft stuffing and more. Even if your baby cannot yet enjoy these treats, you can narrate preparation and mealtime to give her more opportunities to hear and absorb language.
Send holiday greetings.
Make the most of your first holiday season as a family! Remember those pictures you’re taking this season? Turn them into a holiday or New Year’s card to send to family and friends. You can order printed or photo cards from many online services, or you can make your own digital card and send via email.
Connect with family.
This year’s holiday celebrations might look a lot different for many families. Instead of travel, family meals, and gift exchanges, there might be outdoor gatherings or video visits. While temporary, these changes can take some of the usual joy out of the season. Be creative to include family safely in this special time. Video visits with grandparents, extended family and friends can be a way to stay connected.
Be generous of spirit.
This is a time of generosity and giving. Some support special causes at year’s end. At Blloomigo, we donate a portion of proceeds from sales to One Tree Planted, a nonprofit that plants new trees to keep our forests thriving. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet. Together, small steps can add up to a big difference.
This is a special time for you and your new family. From us at Blloomigo, we wish you a happy holiday season and the very best for 2021.