The holiday season is upon us, which means there’s also the potential for unnecessary stress — especially if you have a newborn. That being said, you are allowed to take the vacation your way this year. Yes, you have permission to keep your sanity and get through this moment with as little added stress as possible. Enjoying the holidays with a brand new baby is possible!
How to handle the holiday season with a new baby
How does one manage this time with a newborn, you ask? We got you covered. Here are seven tips for handling the holiday season with a new baby in tow:
1. Take a breath. . . This season will fly by (literally).
First things first – breath. As a new mom, it’s understandable that you might feel stressed about the holidays. But remind yourself that this season won’t last. You just have to get over it (and you will!). Try to focus on what really matters this holiday season: your family. The rest will fall into place. And remember not to be too hard on yourself. You should enjoy this time too, so don’t set huge expectations on yourself.
2. Do what works for you and your family
Above all, it is important to look after your own family. . . even if it means doing things differently than in the past. You’re the mom here, and you get to call the shots now. Your mother and mother-in-law had their turn to do Christmas their way, and now it’s your turn. If you’d rather trade the traditional 25 person Christmas Eve dinner with extended family for a quiet evening watching Christmas movies and taking care of your little one in peace, go for it! Don’t feel guilty about giving up, making new traditions and prioritizing your family peace.
3. Discuss boundaries with your partner beforehand
While it can be uncomfortable to let others down, setting boundaries is a necessary part of being a parent and preventing awkward situations. So set your holiday non-negotiables with your partner in advance – and stick to them. For starters, you’ll want to ask anyone who interacts with your newborn to wash their hands thoroughly beforehand.1 If you feel more comfortable only allowing people who have had flu and whooping cough shots to touch your baby, let them know in advance. It’s okay to set boundaries to protect your little one! You don’t have to allow kissing, your baby doesn’t have to be passed around like a hot potato, and you don’t have to stick around until the crowd clears out. Heck, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home if you don’t want to! But if you choose to attend celebrations, just make sure you and your partner are on the same page beforehand.
Think about how you will handle your baby’s sleep. you might consider making sure there is room available for pack-n-play. If you know you won’t want to hang out later than necessary, set a predetermined time for you and your newborn to leave the festivities. Make a plan for how you and your partner will support each other with your newborn and how you will both handle potentially difficult scenarios with the family. A little forethought goes a long way here!
4. Make things as easy as possible for yourself
Attending family events during the holidays with a newborn takes a bit of planning, but it’s totally doable. Think ahead about what steps you can take to minimize the stress of meeting your loved ones. Worried about people getting too close to your baby? Grab a baby carrier you love and go the babywearing route. Worried about feeding? Bring a nursing cover — or have a private space ready for nursing or pumping sessions. Not ready to load up your little one and all the essentials to travel the family? Invite grandma and grandpa to come to you. Dread the idea of missing your still-in-progress sleep schedule by a mile? Keep your baby’s routine as close as you can. Of course, flexibility is essential. . . but when you have a newborn, so does normalcy.
5. Say “No” to anything that causes unnecessary stress
Whether you’re skipping the New Year’s Eve party or refusing to be around extended family who just don’t respect boundaries, feel free to say no this holiday season. If something doesn’t add peace of mind to your vacation experience with your newborn, it’s not worth it. It’s okay to decline invitations. And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to do it simply because you’re not ready this time. After all, you just had a baby! Relax with yourself and discard any pressure to fill the calendar. There’s always next year.
6. Create new traditions that feel good for your family
With a new baby in the family, the way you celebrate the holidays will inevitably change in some way, so you might as well take advantage! Embrace the magic and use this holiday season as an opportunity to create new traditions for your family. These don’t have to be extravagant. . . they should just feel good you. Think homemade cinnamon buns, matching pajama movie marathons, or even inviting nearby loved ones to stop by—at times that work for you and your little one, of course.
7. Ask for and Accept Help
It takes a village to raise a baby. . . and, sometimes, to spend the holidays. Regardless of your plans, be open to getting help from others. Thinking ahead and determining what support you will need is a great way to be proactive to survive the season. If you’re hosting, ask your friends and family to help prepare, serve and clean up the meals. Whether you’re at home or away, make sure to carve out some time for yourself (and baby) while your loved ones handle everything else. Don’t be afraid to share this article, 15 Things to Do for a New Mom, with your guests!)
You can survive the holidays with a newborn
Spending the holidays with a newborn can be scary, but it is it is it is possible to survive the season (and even enjoy it!). With a little forethought and intentional thought about how you want this year’s special days to look for your family, everything will go just fine. happy holidays!
