Packages, Bows and Baby

Including Baby in the Holiday Festivities

By Gina Roberts-Grey

There is an unmistakable magic felt in the air during the holiday season. Carols being subtly piped through stores and the jingling sleigh bells heard in the distant night titillate the senses of children of all ages. Children love to share their holiday wish lists and impatiently watch the days fall off the calendar, anxiously awaiting the arrival of relatives and friends visiting for the holidays.

Although the wonder of the season is enjoyed by nearly every child, or child at heart, experiencing all the excitement the holiday season offers is not always easily accomplished for babies and toddlers. Not yet understanding the concept of Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa traditions, there are instances when it is tough to incorporate youngguests in the festivities.

Regardless of your child's age, the holidays present numerous opportunities for parents to include a child's enthusiasm and participation. It may be surprising to learn you can incorporate your baby or toddler's personality and energy into preparing presents, planning holiday menus and decorating your house. With an open mind and a creative spirit, you can make sure Baby is an active part of your family's preparation and celebration.

Many parents are tempted to tackle the task of decorating their house or putting up a Christmas tree in between naps or once a small child is safely tucked in bed. Fearing a tantrum, wanting to protect a child's safety and preserving the fragility of ornaments or decorative holiday items easily fuels the inclination to separate a child and holiday decorations. This year, trimming a tree or wrapping gifts with the help of a young child doesn't need to feel futile.

When his first son was born, Tim Derby, a father of two from Johnsburg, Ill., and his wife experimented with a fun option to make suretheir sonwas part of all their family's traditions. "We purchased an inexpensive table tree and let him put safe ornaments or his small toys on and around the tree," says Derby. "He sat next to us and imitated most of what we did all night."

Want to see more?

• Diwali: An Indian Festival of Lights
• Kwanzaa: A Magical and Meaningful Holiday
• Cultural Traditions: Celebrating Christmas Around the World
• Talk about it!