
How to make the most of your first Christmas as a new parent
– Updated for 2024 –
Merry Christmas, and a happy new… baby! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for new parents, the stress of planning Christmas dinner, decorating the house, wrapping presents, and changing nappies can sometimes be overwhelming.
However, the excitement of your child’s first Christmas can also make it incredibly magical. Here at the Good Play Guide, we’ve put together some suggestions to help you make the most of your first Christmas as a new parent, ensuring the spirit of Christmas is felt by all while keeping the stress to a minimum.
Be realistic with the presents
As much as we want to make our baby’s first Christmas as magical as possible, the reality is that your little one won’t remember whether they’ve received two presents or two hundred.
There’s no need to put financial pressure on yourself to buy the latest and best toys. Babies don’t understand the concept of gifts yet. Instead, consider focusing on age-appropriate, developmental toys and practical gifts that will be beneficial in the months to come. Items such as the next size up in clothes, teething rings, or even bulk nappies can be wrapped up to create that picture-perfect moment without breaking the bank.
Think about what you and your baby will need over the next six months. Baby bath products, comforters, or even books are great practical options that make lovely gifts while keeping your spending in check. Remember, it’s not about the quantity but the thoughtfulness behind each gift.
Start new traditions
Some people have traditions that have been passed down to them from when they were children and these are fine to continue.
However, don’t be afraid of creating your own traditions for yourself and your new family. Whether it is wearing matching Christmas pyjamas and watching a Christmas movie the night before the big day, or creating a new handmade decoration for the tree each year, make your Christmas unique to you and your family.
Yes, your new baby is unlikely to remember the first year of the new tradition, but you will. The first Christmas with your baby is not just about your baby. It is about you and your partner as well and it is important to remember this.
Do Christmas your way and enjoy making those memories with your new family.
Keeping your baby safe
A new baby plus Christmas equals lots and lots of presents from friends and family!
Play is a key part of how children learn to thrive in the world and if toys are brought as gifts, it is vital that they are age appropriate.
The age guidelines that are issued to toys are not just based on the developmental levels of the child, but factor in concerns around the size of removable parts that could be choking hazards to certain aged children.
Avoid comparing yourself to new parents
For your own mental well-being, it is important to avoid comparing yourself to other new parents, and what they are doing for their first Christmas.
With the invasive nature of social media, everyone’s lives are now on show for all to see. But quite often, people only post picture-perfect moments that aren’t necessarily an accurate depiction of their lives.
It is important to remember this when using social media.
Just because they are saying their child is sleeping 12 hours a night, it does not mean this is entirely accurate. A beaming smile may be masking the feelings of sadness and in that sense, the saying ‘the camera never lies’ cannot be further from the truth.
The most important thing is that you focus on yourself and your family and ensure you make the memories that you want to make. What is right for one family may not be right for yours so focus inwards and take little notice of what other families are doing.
Babies are unpredictable, so don’t feel disheartened if you can’t manage to get the perfect family picture in front of the fireplace like others are doing. Focus on you and your family and make sure that you have the Christmas that is right for your family.
Managing your expectations of what your first Christmas as a parent will look like is important. Although you may feel the pressure to do it all, the first Christmas with your new baby will be memorable no matter what.
A relaxed parent makes for a calm baby, so sit back, open a few presents and enjoy your first Christmas together as a family.