Navigating the Holidays With a Baby: What I’ve Learned

The holidays hit a little differently when you have a baby. Last year, our son was still brand new to the world—tiny, fragile, and our number one priority. We made every choice with him in mind, which meant keeping things simple. Thanksgiving was reserved for our closest family, and Christmas was when we saw our extended relatives. Looking back, I’m so grateful we structured the season that way. It took away the worry of back-to-back big gatherings, reduced exposure to germs, and relieved the pressure of passing our newborn around when all I wanted to do was hold him close.

This year, our little guy is older—but that doesn't make navigating holidays with a baby any easier. He can still get sick easily, and we still try to be mindful without being overly strict. One perk? Because I kept him so close as an infant, he developed a very clear sense of stranger danger. He does not love being held or touched by people he doesn’t know well, so we hardly have to navigate the awkward “can I hold him?” moments. If he doesn’t want to be touched, he makes that very obvious.

The Gift Overload

Let’s talk about presents. Families go all out—and while it’s incredibly thoughtful, a 14-month-old only needs so much. We keep the gifts we know he’ll genuinely enjoy right now, and we tuck away a handful for later milestones. Anything that doesn’t suit him, we donate to churches, daycares, or families who may benefit more. It keeps our home uncluttered and spreads the generosity in a meaningful way.

The Food Stress

Holiday food is another big one. Everyone wants to offer babies “just a taste,” usually on their finger or with the fork they’ve been using. To avoid that awkwardness (and the germs), I usually keep him on my lap or my husband’s, or we buckle him in a high chair between us. I’m not opposed to sweets—he’ll get his fair share—but I do like him to have at least one thing with actual nutrients before diving into pure sugar. A little balance never hurts.

I’ve also had to learn to accept help. My plate rarely gets made on time, and I’m almost always the last one at the table. But honestly? That slower pace just means more snuggles and downtime with my son, and I don’t consider that a loss at all.

The Importance of Making Your Own Traditions

One thing I’ve really learned since becoming a parent is how important it is to create your own traditions. Families love their long-standing routines and expect you to carry them on “just like we’ve always done.” And while there’s love behind those expectations, sometimes those traditions simply don’t work anymore—especially when you’re juggling nap schedules, overstimulation, teething, and germ season with a baby.

It’s okay to be the one who steps back and says, “This doesn’t fit our family right now.” It’s okay to choose a calmer Christmas morning, or a shorter visit, or a day spent just the three of you. It’s okay to start fresh with new rituals that make the holidays magical for your little family.

Sometimes that means being a little “selfish” in other people’s eyes. But truly, you’re not being selfish—you’re being intentional. As long as your family is happy, healthy, and creating memories that feel right for you, that’s all that matters.

Traditions don’t have to last for generations to be meaningful. They just have to matter to the people in your home right now.

Embracing the Season

What I’ve learned is this: holidays with a little one are short, and they change quickly from year to year. Extend grace to yourself, create the boundaries that make you comfortable, and let the rest go. Let your child be loved on, let them be spoiled, and let yourself breathe. Whether you’re keeping things simple or juggling multiple gatherings, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your child—and yourself.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just doing what works for your family during a very special, very fleeting season of life.

With Love, Mommy & B 🩵