A newborn baby is the sweetest, most snuggly excuse to get you out of any and all holiday-related obligations you just don’t feel up for. The company party? Baby’s too little to leave home with a sitter! Extended family gathering at Aunties? Baby’s immune system isn’t up for the germ fest! Volunteers needed to bake cookies for the holiday luncheon? Maybe next year!
Your bundle of joy is a free pass to politely decline literally anything in favor of staying home, cuddling up close, and soaking up this fleeting season together.
Which is wonderfully dreamy until the moment it isn’t.
When the FOMO creeps in (all your girlfriends at the cookie swap!) and the cabin fever begins to rise (has the house always been so small?), that precious get-out-of-jail-free card can suddenly feel like an all-day curfew.
But that doesn’t mean you’re destined for a holiday that’s more than miserable than merry. Here’s how to infuse some magic into the mundane to help ensure baby’s first holiday season is a welcome mix of comfort and joy.
01. Set the mood with twinkly lights.
It’s hard to overstate how the right lighting can change everything. Candles (LED are a safe and easy option if you’re prone to falling asleep at any given minute—and if you’re reading this post you probably are), string lights, and lamps cast everything in a romantic light.
Opt for warm bulbs with lower wattages (40W feels like candlelight) and skip overhead lighting when possible to avoid feeling like you’re back at the hospital. Grab a blanket and cue the cozy vibes.
02. Make a holiday movie bucket list.
Take advantage of the hours you're logging on the sofa by making your way through all the holiday rom-coms and Christmas classics your heart desires. (White Christmas, Klaus, Home Alone (1+2), Love Actually, Elf, Holiday Inn, It's a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Christmas Vacation, Meet Me in St. Louis, Diehard, A Christmas Story, Holidate, and more are all on our team’s watch list.)
If you make a list of your top picks, you’ll feel productive with each one you check off. Plus, it alleviates the pressure and/or indecision of the age-old “What should we watch?” question.
03. Take the time to FaceTime.
‘Tis the season for connection and while you may be managing quite a bit of that with the humans in your home, it can be refreshing to broaden your circle.
Make a date to FaceTime friends or family members—or better yet, call them on a whim when baby is happy (or happily sleeping). They’ll be delighted to catch a glimpse of your new addition, and you’ll feel energized by the interaction with the outside world.
04. Go for a brisk wrap ‘n’ walk.
Speaking of outside, you should go there! Bundle up yourself and baby (here’s how to dress for babywearing in cold weather) and go peep the holiday decorations and lights.
Maybe you’ll bump into a neighbor for a quick chat or perhaps you’ll just be invigorated by the fresh air. Either way, it will feel good to move your body—and you’ll have a newfound appreciation for your warm home when you return.
05. Have dinner delivered.
Perhaps you’re already doing this on the regular (newborn days are synonymous with takeout in our book!), but if not, go ahead and treat yourself.
Yummy food that you didn’t make and requires minimal cleanup might be just the ticket to pulling you out of your isolation-induced slump. And it’s bound to be better than those frozen pizzas you've been surviving on.
06. Cue up a just-right playlist.
Music can match—or sway—any mood. So whether you’re feeling calm and quiet carols or ready for a pick-me-up courtesy of Mariah, turn on some tunes and enjoy the company of your favorite artists.
07. Stay present.
The truth is: There will be times when you wish you were doing a bit more this year. And there will be times next year (and the next year) (and the next) when you wish you were doing a bit less.
Cover image by @laurieshearman
