They can’t go Christmas caroling, can’t eat what you eat during Christmas Eve dinner, and can’t help you with setting up the Christmas tree. And yes, they can’t badger you yet whether Santa’s real or not, but babies are nevertheless part of–or actually, the center of–the family’s Christmas celebration. Only that, they’re not quite aware of it yet, except perhaps for all the noise the rest of the family will be making during the celebrations. So how exactly do you keep them happy during the holidays, with all the Christmas rush keeping you and everyone else’s plate full to the brim, literally and figuratively?
In this busy Christmas season, babies are meant to enjoy the celebration quite as much as anyone else. Inasmuch as parents want to get Christmas shopping over and done with, as well as attend every important Christmas engagement, there’s always the question of the baby. How about your babies?
Manage, make lists
Manage your time between finishing that Christmas shopping list and sterilizing your baby’s bottles. Babies won’t be pleased with delays in feeding time; besides, they’re still your priority. Make a list of your Christmas-related tasks and put them side by side with your regular baby chores. It’s important to prioritize tasks–do the most urgent, most important, or work-heavy first, and it would be nice to have someone help you with it. Keep a neat calendar to jot down your Christmas deadlines and engagements so you keep track of the time. If you’re more organized with your workload, you’ll find it easier to care for your babies as well.
Travel light, or not at all
When you’re with babies, even a trip to town may be cumbersome, what with all baby paraphernalia you need to bring. If you don’t have a nanny to watch over your baby at home while you attend your older child’s Christmas recital, bring only the bare essentials. But if travel has proven extremely uncomfortable for your babies in the past, better not bring them along this time and instead hire a trusted babysitter or someone you know to watch over your baby for the time being.
Try to keep the noise down
Most babies detest a ruckus, and are bound to make one themselves if they are not left in peace. It’s best for the family to engage the baby during the celebration by communicating with him or her, and perhaps singing a Christmas carol or two. But because most babies are fast asleep come Christmas midnight, make sure you don’t scare the baby awake with loud screams. Keep the music, singing, and chatter at a minimum for your baby’s sake.