Some of us have family Christmas traditions that have been passed down from generations past, and others of us are trying to create new traditions of our own. Either way, I think we can all agree that we would like to create special memories with our children that can last.
As a first-time mom, deciding on your baby’s first Christmas presents is pretty special! Look no further for the best Christmas traditions to start with your family, we’ve rounded up everything from the fun to the sentimental below.
Family Christmas traditions to kick off your baby’s first Christmas
1. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament (My favorite Christmas Eve tradition!)
When talking with our Rookie Mom Squad about special Christmas traditions, many of us shared the tradition of giving our kids an ornament to open on Christmas Eve. I love choosing an ornament that represents my child for that year, whether it’s a movie they loved or a special memory you made together. Of course, you have to get a keepsake Baby’s First Christmas ornament in the first year too!
A little extra part of this tradition is that when your little ones are all grown up, you can give them each a box of their ornaments from the years.
2. Matching pajamas
You may hate matching year-round, but can you really deny how adorable it is during the holiday season? I sure can’t! Matching pajamas are a tradition you can start from your baby’s very first Christmas. Some people open their PJs on Christmas Eve and then wear them that night. Others wear them throughout December. It’s really up to you to make the delivery your own!
My nephew insists that everyone in his family wear matching pajamas and go around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. He asks for this about 3 times a week for the whole month, but that’s hardly enough for that long right? I’m sure it will lead to a really special family tradition for them for years to come (although hopefully with less frequency once the toddler years are over haha)!
3. A Christmas Light Hunt
Pick a day in December and designate it as Christmas Hunt Day. Take a night drive around your city to find the best light displays, a quick Google search will lead you to some great spots. Our city also has a Facebook group with a map showing you all the coolest light displays, so be sure to check if your city has the same thing!
Make this tradition unique to your family by bringing along hot chocolate in special mugs, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, or gifting a playlist you made together full of Christmas tunes.
4. Elf on the Shelf
If you’re new to the world of parenting, you might not know about the infamous Elf on the Shelf. Your elf arrives from the North Pole on December 1st to watch over your family and see who is naughty or nice. There is a whole story that comes with the Elf that will describe the tradition for you in more detail. Check out all our favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas here!
Your baby won’t understand this tradition yet, but they will be able to look back on special photos of their first year with their Elf! You can buy your family Elf on the Shelf here.
5. Come with a countdown
Many families have special Advent Calendar traditions. You can buy the paper box of 25 small chocolates, buy a reusable Advent Calendar that you can fill with small gifts of your choice or create your own tradition.
I personally love the reusable Advent Calendar. My husband’s family did this and even as an adult his mom fills out the Advent Calendar she has had since his first Christmas. We put very small gifts in each pocket and it makes every day so special. You can find tons of options on Amazon, check them out here!
6. Choose socks for the whole family
Mismatched socks have an eclectic feel that I love, but matching socks are also absolutely adorable. I especially like when they have everyone’s name embroidered on them. If it’s your baby’s first Christmas, get one for him, mom, and dad.
I’d also recommend grabbing some for siblings that may come along in the future if you’re planning on having more kids! You can add the embroidered name later.
7. Read a Christmas story
Not only is it good for our little ones to hear us read to them, but it makes for some really precious moments. Many families read The night before Christmas or stories from Bible on Christmas Eve, but you can really pick any story you want. I think it makes it extra special if you choose the same book to read together year after year.
8. Have a cookie decorating party
Your Aunt Karen may host the family Christmas party every year, but who hosts the cookie decorating party?! If no one else in your circle is throwing a cookie party, we say you claim it! After all, the most special thing about the holiday season is spending time with friends and family.
Invite everyone in their clothes or pajamas and you have already baked sugar cookies ready to decorate with different icings and sprinkles. You could also make gingerbread houses if you dare, but I like to keep it as simple as possible.
9. Choose a Family Photo Spot for Christmas morning
Park your boots in front of the Christmas tree or in the kitchen making breakfast or at the bottom of the stairs and take a picture. Whichever place you choose, return to it year after year and take a new photo so you always have a memory of the magic that takes place every Christmas morning.
10. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm together
Choosing the tree together each year is something that many families love. Running through the ranges in the cold weather looking for the perfect fit is always a blast.
However, I have a little secret to let you in on, even if you choose a fake tree for your home, you can still head to your local Christmas tree to experience the magic and take a family photo. There is nothing cuter than a young tiny baby in a pom pom bean hanging out on the Christmas tree!
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to starting with your family?
Pin for later!
Emily is our editor and content manager. Every day, you can find her cruising the streets in various strollers, bending over in new car seats, and figuring out how the newest baby carrier works. All because she’s passionate about sharing the latest and greatest in baby gear and providing honest reviews so you can spend your hard earned money on products that are truly worth it!
