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Here at Bump, Baby & You we absolutely LOVE Christmas!
It’s such a magical time that can be made extra special when your baby is celebrating with you for the very first time. There are so many things you want to show them, and though in reality they’re probably a little too young to fully understand the majority of it, you’ll be so overwhelmed with excitement that it’ll be almost impossible to resist the urge to start instilling them with magic and wonder. So, here’s a little round-up of what makes Christmas magical in our home…
Friends, Family, Memories, Togetherness & Tradition
It’s a time of traditions and, with your new baby, you get the opportunity to create new ones for your family to enjoy and treasure for years to come. We have a special Christmas photo album and we like to take a couple of family pics every year for it – some are even in the same poses! My eldest is now 13 years old, so it’s funny to see how much everyone has changed over the years – not to mention the changes in decor!
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Christmas Jumpers & Novelty Clothing
Growing up in the 80’s, I remember viewing Christmas jumpers with absolute disdain. They were the most embarrassing things a person could wear. Now, I honestly can’t get enough of them! There are so many more designs around, with something to suit all tastes… classic Fairisle, cute, funny or full-on cheesy! Even the pets can join in!
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Elf On the Shelf & Advent
Elf On the Shelf is quite a recent thing over here – and I LOVE it! It’s such a fun way to enjoy the countdown to the Big Day! It’s also a relatively safe outlet for my inner mischievous Elf! One of the things I love about this time of year, is the creativity that it invokes in people…. and thinking of all the funny, naughty things for Elf to get up to is brilliant fun. If you’re stuck for ideas, we have a guide here, or check out these hilarious ideas on Pinterest.
If Elf on the Shelf isn’t for you, the range of advent calendars tat have become available over the past couple of years is absolutely immense! No longer are we limited to tiny themed chocolate shapes behind each window…. you can get jelly sweets, toys, candles, fragrances, make-up, jewellery, alcohol and more. I couldn’t choose this year, so I had to have three!
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Winter Walks, Christmas Markets & Illuminations
We’re lucky enough to live on the North East coast, which is as beautiful as it is fresh – and there’s nothing better on a crisp, clear winters day than everyone wrapping up warm and going for a nice family walk to blow the old cobwebs off! A trip to the local Illuminations or ‘Switch-On’ is always sure to wow the wee ones too – the look on their faces will stay with you forever!
Christmas Markets are another thing that seems to have become more popular in recent years (unless I’m just at the right age to appreciate them more now), but we love a wander around to see the festive wares. The lights, sights and smells are just perfection. Top it off by enjoying a nice hot chocolate or a mulled wine to warm you through as you meander through the stalls.
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Saaaantaaaa!
Despite the fact that writing letters seems to be a thing of the past, one of the traditions that has stood the test of time with children all over, is the good old hand-written letter to Santa! The best thing is, that with the wonders of modern technology making Santa’s job a bit easier these days, not only does he have time to write back, but he can send a lovely personalised video message too!
Or you could always take them to meet Santa in the flesh – but I guess that would depend on how your little one would cope with such an overwhelming experience. Mine weren’t keen at all! But if you think yours would be up for it, then you’ll find him at most shopping centres and garden centres during the Christmas period.
We love these fab personalised letters – there are different options for different budgets and family dynamics, to make it extra EXTRA special. There’s so much thought and detail gone into these, and the prices are very reasonable too.
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Christmas Crafts, Decorations & Lights
I love the creative side of this time of year. Your little one will never tire of making Christmas cards and decorations – there are so many great ideas out there that are simple and enjoyable for all ages… and there’s just nothing like returning to a snug home, with festive decorations and twinkling fairy lights. The tree is obviously the focal point, but you can add decorations made by the kids – or even have some made by a pro, that are personalised with names, dates and even photographs!
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Nativity!
This is one of the highlights if you’re a parent… seeing your little one on the stage, re-enacting that all-important passage from the Bible (or a slightly improvised version of it), in full costume. All the hard work, rehearsals and preparation they’ve put into it is clear to see. Plus, there’s just something about children singing that hits me right in the feels – I find it so emotional!
Festive Food & Drink
The Christmas creativity extends beyond decorations and crafts… the cuisine inspiration is AMAZING! So many fabulous ideas out there, you’ll want to try them all. Check out our Festive Food For Little Ones article, or just have a look on Pinterest or BBC Food for ideas!
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Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is all about the anticipation. The bath, the new PJ’s, the movie with everyone cosied up around the TV watching festive films and enjoying treats before bed time.
I love the idea of having a Christmas Eve Box. Fill it with PJ’s, sweets/chocs, storybooks, Santa’s Magic Key, Reindeer Dust, DVD, hot chocolate, a soft toy.
Leaving a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa, and a carrot for the reindeer is a tradition that goes waaay waay back to when even I was a little believer.
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