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Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Samantha Flores
The Christmas season can be a joyous time with all the twinkling lights, magic in the air, and holiday cheer. However, if you’ve recently had a baby, this holiday season can look different for you. This year is known as your postpartum Christmas.
Every year, you’re faced with the hustle and bustle of buying gifts for everyone on your list, going to each holiday party, and cooking or baking. This season only comes once a year and you don’t want to miss out.
As a mom of three, I’ve experienced my fair share of postpartum Christmases. What I can say for a fact is that each postpartum Christmas brings its own magic, oftentimes more than you expect. Don’t let society’s depiction of Christmas ruin this special holiday for you.
Related: Postpartum Depression During the Holidays: It’ll Be Okay, Mama!
What is a Postpartum Christmas?
A postpartum Christmas refers to the Christmas that takes place during the first year after birth. Essentially, it is the baby’s First Christmas. Some moms may have a newborn during this time while others may have an 11-month-old.
Regardless of your baby’s age right now, this postpartum Christmas is a special one. It is the only one of its kind before the next Christmas that will be full of Santa, holiday playdates, and endless wrapping of toys.
What to Expect During a Postpartum Christmas
No matter how many babies you have, a postpartum Christmas is special. Discover what you can expect this year.
Nothing Goes as Planned
First of all, nothing goes as planned during a postpartum Christmas. You likely have all of these fun holiday activities planned in your head on how to make the most of Baby’s first Christmas. But the truth is, Baby has other plans.
As much as we want to control each part of the holiday season, your baby is going to dictate your schedule. This could be due to nap changes, meeting developmental milestones, teething, or any number of things.
Don’t take it personally! You’re not failing. It’s just different this year.
Related: How to Thrive During the Holidays as a New Mom
Rest Becomes the Priority
Rest takes priority over nearly anything else during the postpartum Christmas. You are still healing and adjusting to this new life, regardless of how many months postpartum you are currently.
Your body was pregnant for roughly 10 months (40 weeks). You have to give it time to rest and replenish the nutrients that have been depleted. Rest is your friend.
Expectations Change
What you thought you wanted may change. Suddenly, baking all of those cookies doesn’t seem like something that will bring you holiday cheer this year. Instead, snuggling your baby or going on a playdate seems like fun.
As you change and relearn who you are during your postpartum experience, your expectations will change as well. This doesn’t mean that it will stay this way forever. Next year might be different! Take the time to enjoy the season you are in now because it will change as your baby gets older.
Survival is the Goal
During the first year postpartum, survival is the goal. That’s why your postpartum Christmas will likely be just about survival as well. Taking care of yourself during this season will be the best gift you can give yourself and your family this Christmas. Don’t worry, next year will be brighter, especially with a toddler running around!
During survival, remember to stay hydrated, eat well, and rest often. You can make it a special time by incorporating some holiday favorite treats and drinks! In addition, let others host if you are feeling like having some company during the holidays.
Related: 14 Christmas Gift Ideas for Moms: How to Shop for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Time Slows Down
A postpartum Christmas truly slows down time. When everyone else is rushing around trying to shop and cram in all of the festivities, you are focusing on healing with a baby that needs comfort. Just because time slows down doesn’t mean it’s not a special time. Soak in the snuggles, wrap yourself in grace and love, and let yourself enjoy whatever comes your way.
Your Postpartum Christmas is Special
I will be the first to admit that I love Christmas and I felt like it was being taken away from me after my first baby was born. However, I have learned to embrace this season with my second and third baby. A postpartum Christmas is memorable and magical in its own way.
If you are struggling this holiday season, know that you are not alone. There are resources you can use such as talking to a therapist, using a journal to write about your experiences, and utilizing people in your community for support. As isolating as postpartum might feel, you would be surprised to learn just how many people want to help you. Lean into that! And have yourself a Merry Christmas!
Related: The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Depression Guide
