Making Christmas Magic: Traditions, Firsts, and a Sprinkle of Chaos

The holiday season is in full swing, and I can’t help but wish I had finished my Christmas shopping during the Black Friday sales. Despite my best intentions, here I am, still chipping away at my list. But on the bright side, our house is fully decorated! The trees are up, and Justin and the girls have been hard at work getting the outdoor lights just right. It’s all coming together beautifully, especially since this is Jesse’s first Christmas. 💕

Rediscovering the Magic of a First Christmas

There’s something undeniably magical about a baby’s first Christmas. I remember Ayla’s first Christmas so vividly—the twinkling lights, the soft carols, and how everything felt extra special. Seeing the holidays through the eyes of a little one brings back the wonder and nostalgia of childhood in the most heartwarming way.

This year, I’ve caught myself feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle—the to-do lists, school events, and endless preparations. But I’m making a conscious effort to pause and savor this season with Jesse. He will only have one first Christmas, and I want to cherish every little moment. It’s a reminder to focus on the magic instead of getting lost in the chaos.

Holiday Traditions: Simple Ideas with Big Impact

Creating family traditions is such a beautiful way to make Christmas meaningful. Over the years, we’ve established some favorites, and I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to keep things fresh and fun.

1. Holiday Memory Book
One of my favorite traditions is our Christmas memory book. Each year, I add our Christmas card and jot down what we did for the holidays—events, gifts, and little moments I want to remember. It’s like a time capsule of our family’s Christmases, and I love flipping back through it to relive those memories.

2. Handprint Ornaments
Tiny handprints on ornaments make the sweetest keepsakes! I’ve done these with each of the kids (with varying success 😅), and they’re such a precious way to remember how little they were.

3. Personalized Ornament Collections
Each year, I pick an ornament that reflects the kids’ current interests. Dinosaurs, princesses, or favorite characters—it’s fun to see how their tastes change over time. These ornaments double as memory markers and bring a personal touch to our tree.

4. Matching Pajamas & Christmas Photos
You can’t go wrong with cozy matching PJs and a family photo! These little snapshots of our life each year bring so much joy as we look back on them.

First Christmas Tips for New Moms

If this is your first Christmas as a mom, here are some ideas to make it extra special:

Keepsake Ornaments: Include your baby’s hospital bracelet, first hat, or a handwritten note.
Holiday Photo Books: Create a mini album for the season to document all the festive moments.
Countdown Calendars: Take a daily Polaroid photo and fill an advent calendar with memories.

Finding Joy in Everyday Traditions

The truth is, traditions don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Whether it’s watching Home Alone for the hundredth time, baking cookies together, or simply driving around to see Christmas lights, these little moments become the fabric of our holiday memories.

Wrapping Up (Pun Intended)

As I work through my Christmas list and take in Jesse’s first holiday season, I’m reminded to let go of the pressure and soak up the joy. Whether it’s through cherished traditions or spontaneous moments, this season is about celebrating love, family, and the magic of togetherness.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? I’d love to hear how you make the holidays special in your home. Until next time—happy holidays, and may your December be merry and bright! 🎄✨

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