This is truly one of the most wonderful times of the year, and having a baby during this season is all the more special!

If you’ve been following along on my blog for a while, you might already know I lost my mom suddenly in June of 2020. Since then, the holidays have been tough to say the least. There comes an age where you realized that all the Christmas magic you felt as a kid was the result of someone who loved you very much, and for me that was my mom.

Having Hendrix around has brought a whole new joy back to the season. I am so happy and excited to make the holidays as special for him as my mom did for me. Embarking on the enchanting journey of baby’s first Christmas calls for a delightful countdown to the big day, which is why I came up with this idea!

As we cherish each magical moment, we’ve curated the ’12 Days of Baby’s First Christmas’ – a festive guide to infuse the spirit of the season into your little one’s earliest holiday memories. From twinkling lights to timeless traditions, join us as we unwrap 12 heartwarming activities that will make this holiday season truly special for your bundle of joy.

Don’t miss a single enchanting moment! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily doses of festive joy, adorable memories, and heartwarming surprises. Hit that follow button and join the celebration! Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable together.

And before you dive into the festive fun, don’t forget to ensure that each activity is age-appropriate for your little one. Let the countdown to joyous celebrations begin!

1. First Advent Calendar

Dive into the season of anticipation with a special advent calendar designed to engage your little one in the countdown to Christmas Day. I love this magnetic calendar from Melissa & Doug, unlike other advents it’s low waste and will be a part of our family traditions for years to come!

2. Get baby’s stocking

Deck the halls and prepare for Santa’s visit by getting a charming stocking for your little one!

3. Meet Santa Claus

Capture the magic of your baby’s first encounter with the jolly man in red. Whether at home or a local event, and whether your baby is happy or crying, the photos will be priceless!

Hendrix’s first time meeting Santa was made extra special by the fact we got to do it in Disney World! He was pretty skeptical of Mr. Claus, but no tears were shed!

4. Holiday photoshoot at home

Create picture-perfect memories with a cozy and festive photoshoot at home, capturing the magic of the season with your little one. A festive outfit for your little one is a must!

5. Watch classic Christmas movies

Cuddle up for cozy moments and introduce your baby to timeless holiday classics! From the Grinch, Elf, and the Santa Clauses to National’s Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, there are so many fun Christmas stories to share in!

It’s so nostalgic and makes me feel like a kid again, watching the same Christmas classics year after year.

6. Look at holiday lights

Embark on a twinkling adventure as you explore the dazzling holiday lights in your neighborhood or at local shows and events, captivating your baby with the enchantment of the season.

We explored the amazing display at the Florida Botanical Garden. I’d highly recommend their holiday lights if you’re in the Tampa/ St. Pete area!

7. Make a Christmas sensory bin

Tailor the festive fun to your baby’s age by creating a sensory bin. From water-based delights to age-appropriate textures, there are endless possibilities to explore. Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas for toddler-friendly sensory bins, while water-based sensory play might be more ideal for younger babies.

This can be super easy and really fun! I just got some red & green glitter and holiday stickers from the Dollar Store, combined that in a ziploc with water & green food dye, then taped it to the floor for play! See the results here!

8. Create a handprint ornament

Craft a timeless keepsake by capturing your baby’s handprint in a festive ornament, creating a memento that will adorn your tree for years to come.

We were gifted a kit for creating an ornament at our baby shower last year, but it can be easy to do with air dry clay, which you can pick up at any craft store!

9. Listen to classic Christmas music

Immerse your home in the melodic charm of classic holiday tunes! We danced around the halls and decorated the house with classic Christmas tunes ringing from our record player. Playing these records every Christmas is going to be one of my favorite traditions!

10. Read holiday stories

Start a tradition of reading enchanting holiday stories, fostering a love for storytelling and building a collection of cherished tales.

Hendrix got three books to kick off his collection, Snowy Day, Merry Christmas Mouse, and Moo, Ba, Fa La La La.

11. Holiday footprint craft

Transform your baby’s tiny footprints into adorable holiday-themed crafts, adding a personalized touch to your festive decorations. There are so many creative ideas for this on Pinterest!

12. Host a holiday party

Culminate the ’12 Days of Baby’s First Christmas’ with a grand celebration! We hosted the most wonderful cookie decorating and white elephant party, creating lasting memories surrounded by the warmth of loved ones.

So, let’s unwrap the magic of the season, one delightful activity at a time! Remember to follow along on Instagram and TikTok to witness the joy, laughter, and adorable moments as we navigate each enchanting activity with our little one.