The holiday season takes on a whole new magic when there's a baby in the house. Even though your little one may not remember their first (or second!) Christmas, the love, warmth, and joyful rhythm of the season make a lasting impression. And when they grow older, seeing photos of those early traditions helps them feel deeply rooted in something special.
At The Cotton Lane, we believe it’s never too early to begin building family traditions. Whether it’s snuggling under the tree or flipping through their first Cuddle Book, these early moments become part of the fabric of your family's story.
“Babies begin forming emotional associations with routines and environments from birth,” says pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Amy Tanner. “Even if they don’t recall early events consciously, the feelings of safety, connection, and excitement stick with them—and become the foundation for tradition.”
Here are 20 simple, baby-friendly advent activities to make the season meaningful—without overwhelming your schedule.
20 Advent Activities to Do with Your Baby
1. Take a photo in front of the tree
Choose the same spot every year and watch your child grow in those photos. It becomes a treasured time-lapse of your family.
2. Read a holiday book together
Try “Dear Santa” or “That’s Not My Reindeer.” Make reading part of your wind-down routine under the twinkle lights.
3. Listen to soft Christmas music
Play gentle instrumental holiday songs during playtime.
4. Visit a Christmas light display
Bundle up for a stroller walk and take in the sparkle. The high contrast and movement are stimulating and calming for babies.
5. Make handprint or footprint art
Capture those tiny prints on an ornament or holiday card. Take a look at Cotton Lane Club for some holiday footprint templates.
6. Create a “first Christmas” ornament
Use a baby sock, a photo, or their hospital bracelet for a DIY keepsake that will hang on your tree for years. Subscribe to our newsletter for holiday ornament tutorials.
7. Wrap and open holiday books
Begin a holiday book tradition by wrapping a few seasonal board books and opening one each night. Start small and grow your collection year by year—it’s a cozy ritual your child will look forward to every December.
8. Let baby try a holiday food (safely)
A taste of mashed sweet potato or a hint of cinnamon in applesauce can be a gentle sensory experience.
9. Decorate a mini tree in the nursery
Use felt, wooden ornaments, or baby-safe lights to bring holiday cheer to their space.
10. Snap a photo with Santa (or a grandparent in costume!)
Capture the moment with a photo—it’s a special keepsake of their very first holiday season.
11. Sing one Christmas song each morning
Repetition is wonderful for baby’s development, and your voice is their favorite sound.
12. Lie under the tree and look up
This simple moment of wonder is calming, magical, and helps baby develop visual tracking.
13. Write a letter to your baby
Include what this season means to you and your hopes for their future holidays.
14. Hang a stocking just for them
Even if it only holds socks or a small rattle, it marks their place in the family.
15. Open a new sensory toy
Crinkle books, soft jingle bells, or textured ornaments can be a delightful surprise.
16. Watch a snow globe or twinkle light toy
Place it safely during tummy time for visual stimulation.
17. Print and hang holiday photos
Create a simple “memory garland” on twine with clothespins—baby will love seeing familiar faces. Cotton Lane Club has adorable garland templates.
18. Create a cozy cocoa moment
You sip the cocoa while baby plays with a plush cup or rattle. Little shared rituals like this matter.
19. Tell your baby their birth story
Cozy up and talk about the day they were born. It’s soothing, and you’ll find it becomes a beautiful December tradition.
20. Start a Cuddle Book tradition
Fill a Cuddle Book with favorite holiday photos—snuggles by the fire, grandparent visits, Christmas jammies. This becomes a storybook of their own memories they’ll revisit year after year.
“Photographs are incredibly powerful for children,” says child development expert Dr. Laura Markham. “When they see themselves included in family rituals—even from their earliest days—it reinforces belonging, identity, and emotional security.”
So yes, your baby may not remember their first Christmas—but they’ll see the photos. They’ll feel the love. And they’ll know they were part of something magical right from the beginning.
