The First Year · Celebrations
Her first holidays.
A tiny costume, a seat at the big table, twinkling lights reflected in brand-new eyes. Here are cozy, simple ways to enjoy her first holiday season, keep it gentle, and start traditions you'll love for years.
The lights are glowing, the kitchen smells like something warm, and she's in your lap, reaching for everything that sparkles. She has no idea what a holiday is yet. But you do, and seeing it all through her eyes for the very first time makes every season feel new again.
Her first holidays don't need to be big or perfect. They just need to be yours. Whatever your family celebrates, and however you celebrate it, these are some of the sweetest days of her first year.
Her first Halloween
A baby in a costume might be the cutest thing on earth. Pumpkin, bumblebee, little lion: whatever you choose, comfort comes first. Pick something that isn't too long or too bulky, and make sure she can see, breathe and move her arms easily. Soft hats and cozy layers beat masks every time. Check labels for "flame resistant," and bright or reflective colors help others see your little group.
Pack a backup outfit, because at this age the unexpected is practically guaranteed. If you head out to see the neighbors, go before dark so her routine stays on track, and be ready to head home early. If she's already asleep when the doorbell starts ringing, a "please knock" sign on your door can keep the evening peaceful.
Pumpkins are a joy, too. Try a no-carve pumpkin decorated with paint or stickers, and use a battery-operated light inside instead of a candle. She'll love the glow.
A seat at the big table
Thanksgiving and other harvest meals are made for babies just discovering food. Pull her high chair close so she can watch the plates pass and hear the voices she loves.
If she's eating solids, she can share in the feast with soft, mashed versions of what's on the table, like smooth sweet potato or well-mashed squash. Save anything made with honey, like honey-glazed dishes or holiday baking, for after her first birthday. The candy bowl and party snacks aren't for her yet, and neither are foods like popcorn, whole nuts, marshmallows, whole corn kernels, or tough chunks of meat. Keep her sitting up while she eats, and keep a grown-up close by, even when the conversation gets lively.
Little hands, sparkly things
To a baby, holiday decorations look like a whole new world to explore, often with her mouth. Keep string lights out of her reach. Choose decorations that aren't sharp or breakable, and keep anything with small removable parts up high. Keep her away from button batteries and coin batteries, which can hide in light-up decorations. Place holiday plants that could be poisonous out of reach, and never leave a burning candle unattended. On Halloween, wrappers, stickers and small toys can be choking hazards, too, so keep the treat bag for the big kids.
Cozy, gentle routines
The holiday season is full and fun, and it can be a lot for a little one. Babies thrive on routine, so keep the big pieces of her day familiar when you can: her naps, her feeds, her bedtime songs.
If a gathering runs late, it's okay to slip away to a quiet room for a feed or a cuddle. Bring the song you always sing so bedtime feels like home wherever you are. And if all the new faces are a lot, a little calm time in your arms is the best gift.
Safe, sweet sleep on the road
If you're traveling to see family, dress her in thin layers for the car seat and tuck a blanket or her coat over the buckled straps, since puffy coats and snowsuits under the harness can leave it too loose. Bring her sleep setup with you, too. She should sleep on her back in a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets current safety standards, with only a fitted sheet. If she dozes off in the car seat or stroller, move her to a firm, flat sleep space on her back as soon as you can. Couches and armchairs aren't safe places to fall asleep with her, even when you're both worn out from a big day.
Keepsake photos to treasure
These photos will be favorites for years, so have fun with them.
- A first holiday portrait. Same cozy blanket, same chair, every year. Watch her grow beside the same backdrop.
- Her hand in yours. A close-up of her tiny fingers wrapped around yours, lit by the soft glow of holiday lights.
- The generations. A photo with grandparents, great-grandparents or the aunties who traveled to meet her.
- The real moments. Sticky cheeks, a sleepy pile of cousins, the outfit change halfway through dinner.
Sweet traditions to start now
The traditions you begin this year can be ones she grows up looking forward to.
- A letter each year. Write her a note every holiday season about who she is right now. Tuck them away for when she's older.
- A special book. Read the same holiday story every year, starting with her on your lap.
- An ornament or keepsake. One small piece for each year, to add to your collection of memories.
- A family recipe. Cook the dish your mom or grandmother made, and tell her the story behind it.
- A gratitude moment. Each year, share one thing you're thankful for about her.
The first of many
Next year she'll be toddling toward the lights. The year after that, she'll be helping you decorate. But this year is the only first one. Soak it in.
Happy first holidays, Mama. May your days be cozy, your heart be full and your camera roll be overflowing.
The date and the story of every first, ready to print.
Where this comes from
This article draws on guidance from trusted medical sources. It's here to help, not to replace your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician. If you have questions, ask them.
- Easing Babies & Toddlers into Halloween Fun: 8 Tips for Parents, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Halloween Fun & Safety Tips for Kids of All Ages, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Holiday Decoration Safety: 12 Tips for Families, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Choking Hazards, Infant and Toddler Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Winter Car Seat Safety Tips, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Botulism Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)