Simple Ways to Include Baby in Holiday Traditions

Even though your baby is too young to understand holidays, including them in traditions creates beautiful memories and lays the foundation for years to come. Here are simple, age-appropriate ways to make baby part of your celebrations.

For Newborns (0-3 Months)

Sensory Experiences

Let baby experience the sights and sounds of the season. Hold them near the Christmas tree to see twinkling lights, play soft holiday music during feeding times, or let them feel the texture of a soft stocking.

Special Outfit Photo

Dress baby in a festive outfit for a simple photo. This becomes a treasured keepsake even though they won't remember it.

Quiet Presence

Simply having baby present during family traditions—even if they're sleeping—makes them part of the celebration and creates memories for you.

For Older Babies (4-12 Months)

Safe Ornament Exploration

Give baby a few unbreakable ornaments to hold and explore. Fabric, wood, or plastic ornaments are perfect for little hands to discover.

Holiday Book Reading

Read simple holiday board books together. Even if baby doesn't understand the story, they enjoy the rhythm of your voice and the special time together.

Music and Movement

Dance with baby to holiday music, sing songs while holding them, or let them explore baby-safe instruments like bells or shakers.

Handprint Keepsakes

Create ornaments or cards with baby's handprints or footprints. These become precious mementos of how tiny they were.

Special Foods

If baby is eating solids, let them try a small taste of holiday foods (age-appropriate, of course). Their reactions make wonderful memories.

Universal Traditions for Any Age

1. Morning Routine

Start holiday mornings with a special routine—maybe holiday pajamas, a particular song, or a favorite breakfast. Consistency creates tradition.

2. Light Viewing

Take baby on a walk or drive to see holiday lights. Even young babies are captivated by the colors and movement.

3. Family Photos

Take annual photos in the same spot or with the same props. Watching baby grow through these photos becomes a tradition itself.

4. Story Time

Read the same special book each year. As baby grows, this book will become associated with the holiday and family time.

5. Special Meal Participation

Have baby at the table during holiday meals, even if they're just in a high chair. Being part of the gathering matters.

6. Gift Opening Helper

Let baby touch wrapping paper, play with bows, or sit with you while others open gifts. They're learning about giving and celebration.

Creating New Traditions

Start Small

You don't need to do everything. Choose one or two meaningful traditions to start this year and add more as baby grows.

Make It Yours

Traditions don't have to be elaborate or match anyone else's. What matters is that they're meaningful to your family.

Document the Journey

Take notes about what you did and how baby reacted. These details fade from memory but are precious to look back on.

Be Flexible

Some traditions will work beautifully, others won't. That's okay. Adapt and adjust as you learn what works for your family.

The Real Gift

The most important tradition you can create is simply being present and joyful with your baby. They won't remember the specific activities, but they'll grow up feeling the love and warmth of family celebrations.

Including baby in traditions isn't about them understanding or remembering—it's about you creating a family culture of celebration, connection, and love that will shape their childhood and beyond.