December Global Holidays: Celebrate with Baby

December is unquestionably the most festive month of the year. This month is marked by all manner of events and festivities around the world, including religious, cultural, family and even work-related events.

Big celebrations with a baby, especially a newborn, can be difficult for even the most seasoned of parents.

No matter how you commemorate this month, finding ways to be festive and practical at the same time will help your family enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

1. Holidays

2. Is Today a Holiday

3. Christmas Background

4. Family Holiday

5. Baby Formula

The key to holidays with a little one in tow is to start every celebration with simplicity in mind.

Elevated expectations and layers of planning can lead to undo stress, for both you and your baby.

These expectations can come from you – thinking you have to do or be everywhere - or from external sources such as well-meaning family members that are extremely excited to spend the holidays with the new little person in your life.

Most families, even if you do not have a tangible to-do list for holiday celebrations, have a mental wish list of exciting seasonal events that they feel are important.

The overwhelming feeling of hitting every checkmark while juggling your babies' needs can make the holidays seem more like a chore.

Instead, start by picking one or two of the most meaningful activities that are baby friendly and work at making these special. If your family finds time for more and your little one is content, consider these a holiday bonus.

Babies have no idea if today, tomorrow or any day is a present giving day. This is good news for budgets and expectations. It is actually so much better for little ones if you limit the amount you buy.

A baby’s attention span is pretty limited. You can expect your little one may be more excited about unwrapping than the actual gift.

Even as babies turn into toddlers and preschoolers, they still will only be able to happily tolerate unwrapping of toys in one sitting for a truly brief period. They just want to play!

If you are attending events where well-meaning extended family are anticipating the big gift opening, a gentle reminder can be helpful.

During this time, it is also good to remember that little ones can easily get overwhelmed. It will be helpful to take a short snuggle break away from the unwrapping and merriment in a quiet corner or even in the car.

Having a baby during December means preparation in advance of big days. This is especially true for flying or long car rides with your baby.

Believe it or not, traveling during the holiday season, even with a baby at your side, does not have to be stressful. With a little planning, the whole family can keep their holiday spirit.

A great rule for traveling with a baby is that there are no fixed rules to follow. Each baby is unique and so are their schedules, needs, and melt down points.

Do your best to plan accordingly and expect bumps along the way. It is all right to over pack and most importantly if your baby is not ready to travel it is okay to say not this year.

Nothing says holiday like family celebrations! New parents everywhere are preparing to introduce their little one to extended families and friends.

This is the perfect time to set boundaries and expectations. The best way to do this is letting your hosts know ahead of time so there is no stress or worry during the party.

Babies under the age of one month and all the way up to a year have an underdeveloped immune system. An excellent time to practice boundaries is when protecting your new little one from the germs of well-meaning family and friends.

We all know it is hard to resist though chubby cheeks and sweet baby smells, so it makes sense that everyone wants to kiss, hold, and touch them.

Take the time ahead of big gatherings to decide how to protect your baby the best from potential illness and unseen dangers.

If you are not comfortable with passing your baby around, say no and enlist your partner to be your baby's “bodyguard.”

New parents and caregivers can expect to feel some new feelings at some point during the holiday celebration.

Having a baby is a momentous change and at some point, you may miss a family get-together, an annual adult only party, or maybe you have just had to take some time away with your fussy baby.

This can lead to feelings of isolation, sadness, or disappointment; this is completely normal. As your family grows, so will your traditions. Times that feel empty will be filled with new and wonderful experiences.

Take time to enjoy the small moments.

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of celebrating. It is important to ensure that you have enough immune building and healthy nutrition on hand for your baby.

When your baby has the very best ingredients and the familiar tastes of European baby formula, in new places far from home, they will still feel comfortable.

From our families to yours, My Organic Company wishes you the happiest time the season has to offer. May your holiday be filled with laughter, love, and joy!