9 Holiday Traditions for Baby's First Christmas

Baby's First Christmas...and second and third

This year you won't just be “Dreaming of a White Christmas” or a “Silent Night” but for all the magic and wonder of the season for your little one on their very first Christmas. Experiencing the joy of the season through the eyes of a child as they watch snow fall from the sky, or hear about Rudolph fly, is pure magic!

We are convinced that baby’s first Christmas is a multi-year occasion.

Why? Year by year your little one will begin to take notice of the lights, the sparkle, and the tree [mama’s decorations have never looked more enticing.] Plus, they’ll begin to enjoy playing with the gifts they receive not just the empty boxes and wrapping paper.

I hear Santa is an understanding guy, so fingers crossed that you both make it onto the NICE list despite having to navigate teething, sleep regressions, and the “terrible twos”. So, whether you plan to embrace the season and decorate Clark Griswald style, or opt to keep it minimalist and low-key – below we are sharing 9 fun and festive activities to try with baby in tow this season.

Why 9? One for every reindeer, of course!

Now, don’t forget to manage your expectations. As they say – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again – AKA, know that you will always get a re-do of baby’s first Christmas next year.

Matching Christmas Pajamas

New jammies, who 'dis?

Strut your stuff in a new pair of [matching] Christmas PJ’s

We love the idea of having the whole family #twinning for the Holidays and these Bambi & Birdie PJ’s will certainly do the trick.

Best part? The fabric on these jammies is buttery soft – just like your famous shortbread cookies.

Not in to matchy-matchy?

L’ovedbaby has sleepers in literally every colour under the rainbow and is made of 100% organic cotton. Looking for something seasonal and sweet? Our current collection of Juddlies Playsuits is perfect for the little one in your life — we are obsessed with their two-way zipper that allows for easy access diaper changes.

Visit the North Pole

AKA take your little one to the Mall for a photo op with Santa and his holiday helpers! 

Baby may not remember their first few visits with Santa, but that crying photo of them on his lap will bring a lot of laughter for years to come. May we suggest getting IN the picture with baby? Not only will it [hopefully] prevent the tears but Mama’s are never in front of the camera enough. You may look exhausted in the photo, but you will hold onto the momentum for years to come.

P.S. babies are ALWAYS on the nice list...

Toddlers? Up for debate.

Read a Christmas Story

Storytime with your little one is always sweet and the holidays are the perfect time to add a few festive titles to your library. Your child may be too young for classics like Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas but there are so many adorable baby-friendly board books available.

Pick a story, snuggle up, and get in the spirit!

Snuggle Bugz Pro Tip:
Make a trip to your local library to borrow some classic Christmas stories – just don’t forget to set an alarm on your phone with your due date.

[No, not THAT due date!]

Get Outside

Do you want to build a snowman?

Don’t let the winter blues keep you housebound for weeks on end. Get outside with baby because a little bit of fresh air will do you good. Go for a hike, make a snow angel, or go sledding with your toddler. We’ve got a huge selection of comfy cozy hats, mittens, boots, and more that will keep the smallest hands and feet warm and dry.

Snuggle Bugz Tip:
If your little one is in daycare, consider purchasing multiple pairs of mittens to ensure they always have a dry pair on hand. Choose a hat with a chin strap to ensure ears stay covered and the hat stays on during outdoor playtime. Check out our article for Dressing Your Baby For Cold Weather!

Trim the Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!

You can't celebrate the season without a tree, the question is are you team faux or fir?

Your little one will probably do more playing than decorating but they will certainly enjoy seeing all the colours. Add a few special festive frills with an adorable keepsake decoration like these ones that capture baby's adorable little hand print.

Expecting? Frame your sonogram picture and display it for all to see.

Be Kind

Do something in your community. Teach em’ young.

It’s never too early to begin teaching your little one about the power of kindness.

• Hold the door for someone at the coffee shop
• Volunteer your time for a cause you care about
• Write a note to the Doctors, Nurses, Midwives or Doulas who helped bring baby into the world
• Shovel your neighbour's driveway

“Doing good” doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or financial.

Snuggle Bugz Tip:
Practicing positivity will go a long way in keeping you grounded during the hustle and bustle of the season.

Hide Tawny the Reindeer

It's like “Elf on the Shelf” for baby...but using a cozy and sweet Jellycat stuffy. 

Jellycat always has the sweetest little keepsake stuffies so it’s no surprise that they have come out with a Christmas line that includes Merry Mouse, Perry the Polar Bear, and more!

Write a letter to Santa

If you took our advice and crossed # 2 off your list, then you probably already told Santa what was on your wish list. Why not write him a letter just in case?

Bake Christmas Cookies

If you like adventure but don’t want to venture outside of the house, may we suggest baking Christmas cookies with your toddler? 

Even the smallest sous chefs can help scatter sprinkles to decorate! Your little helper will love scooping flour and sugar into the mixing bowl and how exciting when you get to turn the mixer ON!

Don’t forget to save a few cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Snuggle Bugz Tip:
Add a pinch of patience + a bib!

If your little one is too young to help in the kitchen, then playing patty-cake works too.

Christmas Spirit

No matter what holiday traditions you decide to partake in with your family, we hope this Christmas is a memorable one, filled with love.

Snuggle Bugz is here to help you find the perfect little someone for all the littles in your family. For ideas, check out these helpful Gift Guides in our Learning Centre.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!