Memories to be treasured
Baby’s first Christmas is a milestone in its own right, suggests Omeshnie Naidoo
CHRISTMAS through the eyes of a child is that bit more special: whether you’re celebrating your first Christmas with your baby or a second or third with a little one, it’s worth making some lasting festive season memories.
I never understood standing in long lines at a busy mall just so my child could sit on Santa's knee. That was until someone else did it for me. The picture with him beaming from ear to ear proved how much it meant. Don't deny your child the opportunities that adulthood might have made you cynical about.
Take the time to teach or sing a jingle: babies love Jingle Bells while Santa is Coming to Town is particularly effective for good behaviour during the holiday.
Bake. This can be anything really. Christmas sights and sounds are just as evocative as Christmas smells. And whether you're making Christmas cake, pudding, fruit mince pies or the one cupcake recipe you know is fail safe – get baking and let your little one help. These are the moments they're sure to remember.
Print Christmas cards to go with gifts on Sunday that have your baby's photograph on. You can design your own card on your cellphone or PC to include creative animation and borders or you can go with what your local photo shop has. These cost a nominal amount of about R6 each, with a minimum of about 10 prints, and can be ready in two days or so. Be sure to save one for baby when he or she is old enough to understand.
Do put up a tree. I love the idea of real trees but my toddler would just try to eat the leaves when I'm not looking. The pointy bits on the artificial tree are just too dangerous when you have kids running around. I prefer unconventional options such as those made of pallets or a photo tree stuck on a wall. A tradition in our home is to put up fairy lights at this time year – in the garden or on the windows – try it – it’s easy, out of the way and feels like Christmas.
Christmas stockings can be lots of fun. Fill these with small items that will keep your child busy.
Give a keepsake. My son loves snow globes and even with our humid South African Christmases they have relevance as it's yet another amusing thing for him to collect.