Baby’s First Christmas: Seeing the Magic Anew ✨

The joy of the Christmas season is often rekindled with the arrival of a first child, as parents experience the magic of the holidays anew through their baby’s eyes. Several new parents in Ireland are preparing for their first Christmas with their newborns, embracing both established traditions and creating new ones.

Baby’s First Christmas: A Time for New Traditions

Ariana Dunne and her husband Graham O’Reilly are eagerly anticipating the festive season with their daughter, Raya, born in October. Dunne expressed her excitement, noting it’s only their second Christmas as a couple and they are looking forward to having Santa Claus visit their home, alongside their dog Molly.

Dunne plans to upgrade their Christmas tree this year, purchasing a 7ft tree and adding personalized decorations for Raya. The couple also anticipates celebrating with Graham’s two daughters from a previous relationship, creating a blended family Christmas experience.

“We feel very very lucky as she is a great baby, sleeps a lot and is very calm,” Dunne said. She also looks forward to revisiting childhood traditions, like kissing Santa Claus, and embracing the role of “Mrs. Claus” herself.

While Raya is still young, Santa is expected to bring sensory gifts, books, and small outfits. Dunne also mentioned her father’s tradition of a “choo choo train” on Christmas morning, which she hopes to continue with her own family.

The family will also remember Dunne’s father, whose memory is honored through Raya’s middle name, Robin, as robins are prevalent during the Christmas season.

Festive Family Fun for New Parents

Sinéad Moore and her partner Rajive Ellawala are also preparing for their first Christmas with their son, Joshua, born in July. Moore, a sales manager for Trigon Hotels in Cork, has already purchased a tiny Christmas jumper and personalized items for Joshua.

Moore plans to keep gifts simple, focusing on interactive toys and acknowledging that Joshua may be more interested in the wrapping paper. She intends to fully embrace the celebration, despite potential sleep deprivation, and capture the moment with family photos, including matching Christmas pajamas.

Moore cherishes family traditions from her childhood, such as placing the star on the tree on Christmas Eve, receiving special pajamas, visiting the crib on Christmas morning, and spending the day with grandparents. She hopes to pass these traditions on to Joshua while also creating new ones, like a family photo by the tree each Christmas Eve.

Moore also fondly remembers watching the Late Late Toy Show, which held special significance last year as she discovered she was pregnant during the broadcast. She is excited to experience Christmas through Joshua’s eyes and witness his reactions to the lights, decorations, and gifts.