Baby's first Christmas: card and photo ideas

A first Christmas is a good reason for a keepsake. Plan it early, because babies are not always in the mood on the day. Here are simple ideas, from the photo to the finished card.

Photo setups that stay simple

• The blanket shot: baby on a plain blanket by a window, with a few lights in the background.
• The tree: sit near the tree and let the lights blur behind. Turn off the room lights and use only the tree for a warm glow.
• The outfit: a simple red or green romper, a knitted hat or a small pair of socks.
• The family: one photo with hands only, holding baby's hand, needs no perfect smile.

Take photos a few days before Christmas, once baby is fed and rested. Keep each session short.

What to write

• "Our first Christmas" with the year and baby's age in months.
• A short wish: "Warm wishes from our little family."
• Weight and length, as a snapshot of how small baby still is.
• One line about this year: the best gift, the first time baby saw the lights.

Make it

Use the baby stats card maker for a keepsake with the name, date and numbers, or the milestone card maker for a single card with a photo. Download a PDF and print it, or save a PNG and send it to family on your phone.

Timing

• Take the photo in early December.
• Print at home, or order from a print shop a week before, and allow time for posting.
• Use heavier paper if you plan to send cards by post. See our printing tips.