Your baby’s first Christmas is one of the most magical ‘firsts’ of all. Much like their first words or first steps, their first Christmas is a reminder that life will never be quite the same again - in every wonderful way possible. It marks the beginning of all your Christmases together as a family; whether that’s your first Christmas as parents, or your last Christmas with a new baby in tow.
If you’re travelling with baby at Christmas for a family holiday (or perhaps even moving abroad), you may feel under pressure to recreate the Christmas magic on the go. But without a tree - and the presents under it - it might feel like you and your baby are missing out on a major milestone. Here’s how to make sure your baby's first Christmas is as special and as magical as it can be - wherever you are.
Travelling with baby at Christmas: Stress free tips
First up, let’s talk travel. Going abroad with your baby can be a bit daunting for even the most seasoned of travellers - and Christmas is especially busy.
As with all things when it comes to parenting, getting organised ahead of time is key to making sure your experience is as smooth and stress free as possible:
Packing essentials:
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If you’re flying (and budget allows), check in as much of your luggage as possible
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Keep a changing bag on you with all the essentials - nappies, wipes, spare clothes and a folding changing mat
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A backpack of toys and books to keep baby entertained - ideally 3-5 objects so you can rotate as needed
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Snacks and bottles (if required/age appropriate)
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A teether to chew or dummy to suck (if they have one) to help with any change in air pressure during take off and landing
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Anything snuggly can also help your baby to feel at home on the go - a favourite toy, comforter and blanket are all essentials for a happy little traveller
Finally, comfort is key for everyone - it might be tempting to reach for a Christmas jumper for that all-important family snap, but save it for when you reach your destination. For baby, stick to easy sleepsuits and/or light layers that can be removed easily. Don’t forget to take a change of clothes for yourself, just in case - nappy explosions, travel sickness and milk leaks are easier to manage knowing you can get clean and dry, too.
Christmas with baby on holiday: Creating festive magic
You’ve arrived! Christmas decorations and celebrations may vary depending on where you are - but instead of focusing on what’s missing, focus on what’s new and exciting. Being somewhere different is an opportunity to make that time together extra-special.
Most hotels will be suitably festive at Christmas, but for rental properties (such as an Airbnb), Christmas decorations and trees may be scarce. Instead of lamenting the lack of a tree or the decorations you would have had at home, find smaller ways to bring the magic with you. Stockings or sacks are a great way to bring in a touch of Christmas (and take up the same space as a Christmas jumper in your luggage). Simply lay at the foot of beds for adults and big kids (place baby’s underneath the cot) for instant festive appeal.
If you’re staying with family or friends, join in with their traditions - they’ll certainly feel extra special in helping you celebrate your baby’s first Christmas. If they have a tree to decorate, a personalised bauble is a touching gift for the host to commemorate a special Christmas spent together - and a lovely memory to hang pride of place in years to come.
Gifting when you’re away for Christmas
Babies don’t need a lot - and practically, you can only gift and pack what you can feasibly bring back with you. If your baby is very young, you may just want something small but meaningful that will mark their very first Christmas.
Gift ideas for your baby’s first Christmas:
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A themed comforter - a fun and festive design is a snuggly nod to the season, without taking up too much room in your suitcase
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A personalised cuddly toy - if you have a bit more room to spare, a personalised cuddly toy is always a welcome addition to their toy box
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A Christmas ornament they can keep forever - and hang on the tree by themselves one day
If you’re travelling with family (or staying with family when you arrive), leave room for gifts to bring home - or perhaps bring an extra bag to check in for the flight home. For a short break, it may be worth reminding those you’re travelling with that you don’t have a lot of space for gifts - this is not the year for grand gestures (there’ll be plenty of time for those)!
With gifting covered, Christmas is a time for connecting with those you love most. Treasured memories and time spent together are what Christmas is all about - so make the most of being away. Go on an adventure, try new food or a new activity, and take plenty of photos to commemorate your baby’s very first Christmas. If you’re really missing the festivities, just remember that much of a baby’s first Christmas is remembered by you - not your baby. With that in mind, soak up all the delicious newness of it, safe in the knowledge that future Christmases will likely look more traditional and home-based.
Celebrating Christmas Abroad: The Big Day
Christmas is finally here - and all the planning, preparation and excitement has led to this one joyful day. Our top tip? Relax and take in the special firsts - the first present unwrapped, the first gift given - maybe even the first taste of Christmas dinner.
Just remember, happy parents = happy baby, so do what makes you feel most joyous (and if you’re staying with family, there’ll be plenty of cuddles for baby, too - leaving you hands free to grab a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of something sparkling).
If you’re on holiday but not with family or friends who might be able to take baby for a cuddle or walk, take the stress out of any pressure for a perfect Christmas. Trying to recreate a ‘home’ style Christmas will likely leave you feeling more stressed than festive - so let yourself off the hook. Embrace exactly where you are, with all it has to offer - even if it means skipping traditions for a year (or perhaps even reinventing what traditions feel right for your little family).
Your first Christmas with your sweet baby is the chance to make new memories, wherever you are in the world. Enjoy every moment - and all the firsts that are yet to come.
