1st Time Parents: Christmas Traditions to Start

The first Christmas after you have welcomed a new baby into your life can be a fantastic opportunity to decide what your holiday traditions are going to become. You have a completely blank slate to start with. Before this first Christmas passes you by, sit down and really think about what traditions you would like to start from the very beginning. They don’t have to be difficult or expensive. It is all about making memories that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for a little bit of inspiration, we have you covered. Here are some fantastic ideas for Christmas traditions to start with your family.

Trim the Tree Together

Set aside a day every year that the whole family can decorate the Christmas tree together. Whether you have beautiful ball ornaments or special ones you have collected over times, the act of trimming the tree can really start making it feel like the holidays. As soon as they are old enough, let your little one put the tree topper on as the final beautiful step.

Read a Book

Getting your kids to go to sleep on Christmas Eve can be a real challenge. Even though you are at the baby stage now, the day will come where they are so fired up about gifts that you will struggle to get them down the night before. Make that Christmas Eve bedtime a slow wind-down by taking time out to read a book as a family the night before Christmas. You can purchase a new Christmas book every year or get one book this first year that you read every year thereafter.

New Christmas Pajamas

The night before Christmas, let your child open one special gift — a new pair of pajamas. As your children get older, they are going to be dying to open a present a bit early. When you make that a new pair of pajamas not only do you satisfy their lack of patience, but you also ensure they wake up in a beautiful, matching, fresh pair of pajamas. In the morning, when you have that camera out taking pictures, you will be so glad you started this Christmas tradition.

Go For a Drive to Look at Lights

Sometime before Christmas, load up in the car and drive around town, looking at all the awesome lights. Most cities have websites that list the best Christmas displays around town. Chart out the ones closest to you and make the drive to see them. They will love oohing and ahhing over all the beautiful decorations.

Make a Special Recipe

Whether it is a Christmas Eve recipe or something for Christmas day, thing of one item that you can enjoy together year after year. In our house, a special cookie that has been handed down from generation to generation becomes an opportunity for the kiddos and I to bake together for an entire afternoon.

Enjoy Making Memories

It really doesn’t matter what Christmas traditions you start, it is all about making memories with your family that will last a lifetime. Keep the camera close at hand and take plenty of pictures. They grow up so quickly and it is so important that you take time out of the work to enjoy these very special moments.