The holidays are often filled with family gatherings, traditions, and moments that stay with us for years. For expectant parents, this time of year can feel even more meaningful. Pregnancy adds a layer of joy and anticipation that can be celebrated in ways big and small. Whether you want to share the news, create keepsakes, or simply enjoy the season with your growing family, there are many ways to make the holidays special.
Announcements
The holiday setting is perfect for sharing pregnancy news. You can keep it simple with a Christmas card that includesfestive ultrasound photos, or surprise loved ones with a wrapped box containing baby booties or a onesie. Some couples also like to decorate their tree with an ornament that says “Baby arriving [year]” and let family members notice it on their own.
Photos are another way to announce the news. Stand in front of the tree with a ribbon tied around your bump or pose with a stocking labeled for the baby. If you have older children, let them hold a sign saying “Promoted to big brother” or “Big sister in training.”
Keepsakes
The holidays offer many chances to make items you’ll keep for years. A personalized ornament with the due date is a classic choice. Some parents create a memory box where they collect holiday cards, ultrasound pictures, or a small note about what the season felt like during pregnancy. Others start a tradition of hanging one new ornament each year for the child, beginning before birth.
Handmade keepsakes can also be special. Knitting or buying a baby stocking, blanket, or hat in holiday colors gives you something to pass down later. Even something as small as saving the gift wrap from your first baby-related holiday present can become part of a family memory collection.
Traditions
Pregnancy is a good time to think about thetraditions you want to create. For example, you could start baking cookies every December and continue the same activity once your baby is old enough to help. A holiday movie night, a visit to see Christmas lights, or reading the same festive story each year can all become traditions that begin now and last for decades.
You could also add a charitable tradition. Some families donate toys or volunteer at a holiday drive each year in honor of their child. Beginning during pregnancy makes the act even more meaningful, showing that the new arrival is part of the family story from the start.
Photos
Photos are one of the simplest ways to mark this stage. Many parents enjoy taking maternity pictures with holiday themes, such as posing by a decorated tree, holding baby shoes near a fireplace, or wrapping the belly with a bow. You can also go for more spontaneous photos like a snapshot of you sipping cocoa in pajamas, writing in a pregnancy journal, or decorating the tree.
Self-Care
Celebrating pregnancy is not only about outward displays. The holidays can be stressful, so taking time to rest is just as important. Treat yourself to cozy nights in, warm baths, or quiet walks to look at holiday lights. Ask friends and family to respect your limits if you feel tired or need to skip a gathering. Making self-care part of your holiday season is a way of honoring the pregnancy itself.
Baby Gear
The gift-giving season offers chances to prepare for the baby in ways that feel festive. Family members often want to help, so you could suggest useful presents like a baby carrier, stroller, or nursery items. To make it fun, wrap these gifts in holiday paper or place them under the tree next to regular family presents. When you open them, it becomes both a celebration of the season and of what is ahead.
The holidays already bring a sense of warmth and togetherness, and pregnancy makes that feeling even stronger. By announcing in creative ways, making keepsakes, starting traditions, or simply enjoying the season with some self-care, expectant parents can shape memories that last far beyond this year. These celebrations do not have to be elaborate or public. The most important thing is that they feel authentic and meaningful to you and your growing family.
Sponsored Content: This post was created in partnership with Baby Glimpse and originally appeared here.
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