Travel on Baby’s First Christmas
Today’s story comes from one of our newest members of the retail team. She shares the story of her daughter’s first Christmas, which wasn’t too long after she was born! 
Like a hazy vision of Christmas past is a memory of baby’s first Christmas with a newborn. As I tried to think back, I realize that my baby girl’s first Christmas is a juxtaposition of sleep deprivation and sacrificial generosity…diapers, diapers, diapers, burp cloths, lost pacifiers, and family.
My husband and I were still trying to learn the difference between the hungry cry and the sleepy cry. Is it gas or colic? How can something this small make so much laundry? (Ok so my husband probably wasn’t thinking about that.)
Just having a new baby in the house still felt like a strange new world and now… an overnight road trip! Can someone say “PANIC!!”
So over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we prepared to go…
“Why are we packing the entire house?!!”
Diapers? Check. Toys? Check. Pack N Play. Bassinet. In-bed co-Sleeper–because we still hadn’t figured out our sleeping arrangements). Swaddle blanket, car blanket, receiving blankets. Car Seat. Stroller. Bassinet. (Wait we already packed the Bassinet!) Gripe water. Humidifier.
There were about five bags for her and one for us. With all these changes, I feared that we would lose the true meaning of Christmas. Yet, as I look back I see that the ambiguity, fatigue and pure joy of having our baby with us actually distilled the holiday to it’s truest sense. I found myself empathizing with a new mother, away on a trip, holding in her arms a precious gift, full of joy and fear at the responsibility of raising her child, learning to trust God and His purpose. Yes, in this new mommy moment, I had found new appreciation for the humanity of the Christmas story. “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'” (Matthew 1:23) With my new baby on my mind, I did not have time to become caught up in the consumerism that generally pervades the season, and found a new appreciation for the holiness of the Christmas Story as well.
My extended family had begun a new tradition: each family member brings a valued possession to give away. During my baby’s first Christmas, people gave artwork, toys, dances, books, songs, lessons from the Bible. There was a random Gangam style flash mob (Yes: RANDOM!) and an impromptu talent show. My husband said is was a little like the little drummer boy song, “I have no gift to bring pa rum pa pum pum… I’ll {fill in the blank} for you pa rum pa pum pum”. It was like a movie… we laughed… we cried. The gifts were full of love and significance. My little daughter slept through most of this, but as we prepare for another Christmas gathering, I look forward to continuing the tradition and over the years explaining the significance. For our family, we give this way to honor and reflect on the Gift of God, Jesus. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16.)
If I were to give any advice to the new moms celebrating their babies first Christmas I would say this: Let the grandparents watch the baby so you can sleep , enjoy the precious Christmas gift you have received as you fall more and more in love with your new baby (It goes sooo fast! Savor. Every. Moment.), take lots of pictures – don’t worry about getting the perfect shot, and rest and receive the “Peace on earth and goodwill to humanity” that the Christmas season heralds.
Oh yeah and for all those nursing mommies out there, I leave you with the great words of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, “Embrace the suck!”.
Merry Christmas,
A mommy to a busy 1 year old.
P.S. As I typed this story, my little one walked over, sat on the keyboard, nursed, gave kisses, had a mini tantrum, and danced…I can’t wait to enjoy this Christmas with my new toddler!
Will this be your baby’s first holiday with extended family? How will you celebrate? How will you pack?!