dad and mom with baby, hanging ornaments on the tree - one of baby’s first christmas traditions

Baby’s First Christmas Traditions: 21 Fun Ideas To Try This Year

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Now that you have a little one, you’re on the hunt for ways to make the holidays extra special – and you’re in the right place! Today, we’re covering a list of fun “baby’s first Christmas traditions” to try this year.

Celebrating your baby’s first Christmas can feel so magical. And this is the perfect time to start meaningful traditions to enjoy together from year to year.

And if you decide to try something different in future years? No biggie! What matters is that you’re spending time together with your little family, making memories that will last well into the future.

My husband and I have enjoyed finding new ways to make the holidays special with our three little girls… And now I want to share some of those ideas with you.

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21 Baby’s First Christmas Ideas

Sure, your baby is a…well, a baby. They’re not gonna remember anything from their first Christmas. But YOU will – and hopefully you’ll have photos to look at down the road.

And starting family Christmas traditions NOW is the perfect way to try new things. Then you can decide whether they’re something you want to continue doing as your child grows. (Or toss aside for something different.)

You’ll add in more age-appropriate activities as your baby grows. First, into a toddler and, eventually, into a teenager. But hold that thought; this post is all about things you can start this year with a baby.

Coming right up…twenty-one ideas for celebrating your baby’s first Christmas.

1. Start an Annual Family Christmas Photoshoot

It seems that most families take some sort of traditional snapshots every year. For example, I like to get pictures of the kids by the tree every year. I usually take photos of them in the new pajamas we give them on Christmas Eve, as well.

But… Why not take it up a notch?

A quick professional family Christmas photoshoot could be a lot of fun! Especially later on, when you’re looking back at how much everyone has changed from year to year. (Well, that part might be more bittersweet than anything.)

2. Take a Photo With Santa

Taking the previous idea a step further: Go get a photo with Santa. Of course, some kids don’t do well with strangers, so this idea is definitely not a “must” in my book.

3. Make an Annual Tree Ornament

I love the idea of commemorating every Christmas with my kids by doing something special. And making a new handmade tree ornament each year would be really special! 

Unfortunately, I didn’t think to start this tradition with any of mine when they were babies. However, it could be a fun idea for you to start this year.

Salt dough handprint ornaments are really popular during the baby and toddler stages. Or you could paint a little wooden cutout, customizing it with their name and the year. 

And over the years, it’ll be fun to look back on previous Christmases together!

4. Read a New Christmas Book Together

There’s definitely not a shortage of Christmas themed children’s books! Wouldn’t it be fun to get one new book every year, then snuggle up and read it with your kiddo? 

And each year, your collection of Christmas stories will grow a little bigger. Which, by the way, equals more time spent reading together.

5. Make Handprint or Footprint Art

Handprint (and footprint) art is really popular right now. It’s a fun way to look back and see how much your baby has grown. To create it, add a little paint to your kiddos’ hand or food, then stamp it onto a piece of paper. 

You can create your own Christmas designs, if you like. OR… You can grab printable handprint art templates on Etsy (head over to my shop to see the templates I’ve designed!)

handprint and footprint art on a green background; text that reads: christmas bundle handprint & footprint art: 10 designs: instant download

6. Visit a Christmas Market

If you’re looking to get out of the house, check to see if there’s a local Christmas market in your area. Okay, okay — babies aren’t likely to be interested in the shopping aspect. Still, the atmosphere at holiday markets will put anyone in a Christmassy mood! 

7. Wear Matching Holiday Pajamas

Wearing matching holiday PJs is a fun and cozy way to spend an evening at home. 

We usually buy the girls new jammies every Christmas. But a couple years ago, we did the whole matching thing – even my husband and myself.

(You’re definitely not going to see a photo, though!)

8. Start a Countdown to Christmas

Advent Calendars have long been a popular method of counting down the days until Christmas. But in recent years, people have come up with some fun alternatives.

Here’s an example: One year, at the end of November, I purchased and wrapped up 24 books for my kids. They were then allowed to open up one new book every day leading up to Christmas. 

My girls loved that — and they also love to make paper chain countdowns! It’s super simple, and if you use at least a couple contrasting colors, it’ll really catch your baby’s eye.

9. Take a Christmas Lights Drive

Go for a drive with the sole purpose of looking at Christmas lights, or visit a local holiday light display. Bright, colorful lights are entrancing, especially for a baby. And it’s a wonderful tradition to continue throughout the years.

10. Watch Holiday Movies Together

Snuggle up and get cozy for a holiday movie marathon! Need help finding a good, family-friendly film? Check out my Christmas Movies Bucket List for a list of 100 ideas.

11. Get Custom Stockings (To Use Year After Year)

For your baby’s first Christmas, order a personalized stocking to hang on the mantel (or wherever you hang stockings in your house). Etsy has some nice options – and you’ll be able to hang them up year after year.

12. Make an Ugly Christmas Sweater

Making a new “ugly Christmas sweater” could be something fun to do every year, especially since kids grow so quickly. 

Buy a cheap sweater in your child’s size. Then decorate it using whatever Christmassy elements you can get your hands on. Don’t forget to take a photo of your little one in their festive sweater!

13. Make a Christmas Eve Box

This is something we started doing a few years ago. Every year, I fill a box or gift bag with a few gifts that the kids can open on Christmas Eve. Usually some pajamas, along with treats, a book, or something else that they can enjoy that night. 

Check out my post on Christmas Eve Box Gifts for Baby for baby-specific ideas.

14. Read Christmas Stories All Month Long

Earlier, I mentioned reading a new Christmas book together. Another idea is to spend some time reading a different Christmas book each day in December.

15. Re-Enact the Christmas Story

This could go a few different ways, depending on your kids’ ages. But if this is your first baby, here’s a fun way to re-enact the Christmas story…

Buy a toy Nativity set and simply play together with the pieces. We have the Little People Nativity toys at our house, which my girls really enjoy.

16. Bake Cookies for Santa

This is one that we do every year. We bake cookies and various goodies, then set them out for Santa on Christmas Eve using a special plate. 

17. Buy a Special Ornament Every Christmas

Not really a DIYer? No worries, you can buy a new ornament to commemorate every Christmas spent with your little one. 

You could choose a theme or buy similar ornaments every year. Or you could change it up from year to year. 

Consider buying a personalized ornament with each child’s name and the current year. This will make the ornaments extra special.

18. Visit a Live Nativity

Some churches will set up a “live nativity” that kids can visit around Christmastime. Usually, they’re complete with real animals, like donkeys and sheep. We visited one when my firstborn was a toddler, and they even had snacks and a crafting area for the kids. 

If there’s a live nativity in your area, it could be a fun Christmas tradition to start with your baby this year.

19. Make a Charitable Donation

A baby isn’t likely to understand the act of being charitable at such a young age. But as your baby grows into an older child, it’s a tradition that could follow them through the rest of their life.

20. Open One Gift on Christmas Eve

As a kid, we were usually allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. My husband and I have continued that tradition with our kids, usually in the form of a Christmas Eve box

21. Watch a Holiday Lights Parade

And finally, if there’s a holiday lights parade in your area, pencil it onto your calendar. As long as it’s not too cold in your area, it could be a lot of fun for even a baby! 

Baby’s First Christmas Traditions

And there they are – baby’s first Christmas traditions you can start straight away. Which are your favorites? Which are you going to do this holiday season?

More Christmas Ideas From The Writer Mom:

25 Magical Family Christmas Eve Traditions to Start This Year 

“12 Days of Christmas” Gifts for Kids – 12+ Fun and Unique Gift Ideas

75+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids That AREN’T Toys

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