Baby’s First Christmas: Ideas, Traditions & Keepsakes

Your baby won’t remember their first Christmas, but you will, and one day they’ll love seeing it. The secret is keeping it simple: a few meaningful traditions, a keepsake or two, and lots of photos, without overwhelming a little one who’d rather play with the wrapping paper. Here’s how to make baby’s first Christmas special, with ideas, traditions, keepsakes and safety tips.

Baby’s first Christmas ideas (1–6)

1. First Christmas photo session. Baby in pajamas by the tree, in soft window light. Repeat the same pose every year.
2. Look at the lights. Babies love high-contrast twinkle lights. Take an evening walk or drive to see the neighborhood displays.
3. Read a Christmas board book on Christmas Eve, the same one every year.
4. Sensory wrapping. Let older babies crinkle tissue paper and play with an empty box (supervised).
5. Video call faraway family. Record a few seconds of grandparents meeting baby on screen.
6. Keep the routine. Protect naps and bedtime; a rested baby makes for happier photos and memories.

First Christmas traditions to start this year (7–10)

Traditions that begin with baby’s first Christmas grow into something your child will look forward to for years. See more in our list of family traditions.

7. A dated ornament every year. By 18, your child has a collection for their own first tree.
8. A Christmas letter to your baby. Write what this year was like and what you hope for them. Seal it for a future birthday.
9. Christmas Eve pajamas and a story. Simple, cozy and easy to keep doing.
10. A giving tradition. Donate a toy or a book in your baby’s name each year.

Baby’s first Christmas keepsakes (11–14)

11. Handprint or footprint ornament. Salt dough or clay, dated on the back.
12. Photo ornament with the year and baby’s name.
13. First Christmas stocking with their name, used every year after.
14. Memory box. The first Christmas outfit, a card from grandparents and a printed photo.

Baby’s first Christmas gift ideas by age

• 0–6 months: high-contrast cloth books, a soft rattle, a play mat or a keepsake ornament.
• 6–12 months: stacking cups, chunky board books, a push toy or a shape sorter.
• For any age: experiences and memories, like a photo book of their first year.

Choose age-appropriate toys without small parts, and remember that soft toys and blankets don’t belong in the crib, following the AAP’s safe sleep advice.

Holiday safety for babies and toddlers

The American Academy of Pediatrics shares these holiday decoration tips:

• Avoid breakable or small decorations within reach, and anything that looks like candy or food.
• Keep button and coin batteries away from children. Check musical ornaments, light strings and toys; swallowing a battery can be life-threatening.
• Keep holly berries, mistletoe and Jerusalem cherry out of reach. If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
• Secure the tree away from heaters and walkways, and test lights for frayed wires.
• Clear wrapping paper, ribbons and bags right after opening gifts to prevent choking and suffocation.

How to remember baby’s first Christmas

Take the same three photos every year: baby by the tree, baby with each parent, and the family together. Write down who visited, what baby wore and what they did (even if it was sleeping through the whole thing). Then add it to your baby book. In ten years, flipping through every Christmas side by side will be one of your favorite traditions.

Frequently asked questions