The magic of Christmas through a baby's eyes is a joy that never fades. It's a feeling that brings parents back to their own childhood, filled with anticipation and wonder.
As we grow older, the excitement might shift from gifts to the responsibilities of adulthood, but with the arrival of little ones, the festive spirit is reignited.
The First Christmas: A Special Time for New Parents
For Ariana Dunne and Graham O'Reilly, this Christmas is extra special. With their beautiful baby Raya, born in October, they're preparing for a festive season like no other.
"This Christmas is going to be very memorable," Ariana shares. "We're excited to have Santa in the house, and our dog Molly, who loves presents as much as anyone, will add to the excitement."
Ariana recalls her first Christmas tree, a small 4-footer, and how this year, they're upgrading to a grand 7-footer, ready to decorate and personalize with Raya's name.
"Graham has two daughters, so we're looking forward to involving them and creating an alternative Christmas tradition for our blended family. Our relationship is so amicable; Graham's ex-wife even cooked us a delicious spaghetti dinner when we brought Raya home from the hospital."
As a new mother, Ariana is eager to introduce Raya to the traditions she cherished as a child. "I'm looking forward to kissing Santa Claus for real this year, just like the song!"
For Raya, who is still a few months old, Santa will bring sensory gifts, books, and perhaps some adorable outfits. "We won't be spending a fortune on presents this year, but she has big cousins who will make it fun. My nephews, who are nearby, are already talking about Christmas and will teach Raya all about Santa."
Ariana, being one of eight siblings, has fond memories of their Christmas traditions. "My father used to lead a 'choo choo train' on Christmas morning, with mom and all the kids singing 'Jingle Bells' as we went around the house. We'd finally reach the room where Santa had left presents on individual chairs. It's a tradition my siblings have continued, and I can't wait to do it with Raya."
This Christmas, Ariana and her family will also remember those who are no longer with them. "Raya's middle name, Robin, is a tribute to my father who passed away. Robins are a reminder of our loved ones, and we see them outside our house. Raya is our little Christmas robin."
Sinéad Moore and her partner, Rajive Ellawala, are also eagerly awaiting their baby Joshua's first Christmas. Born in July, Joshua will be the star of the show, and his parents are thrilled.
"I've always loved Christmas, so I've planned plenty for our first family Christmas," Sinéad, a sales manager for Trigon Hotels in Cork, shares. "I've ordered a tiny Christmas jumper and bought special festive items like a customized bauble, stocking, and a personalized storybook for his first Christmas."
For gifts, they're keeping it simple with teddies and interactive toys to aid Joshua's development. "We're going all out, even if we're a bit sleep-deprived. It's our first Christmas as a family of three, so we want to celebrate properly. I plan to take lots of photos and spend the day with family, enjoying the chaos."
Sinéad, 33, believes family traditions are important and is excited to create new ones for Joshua. "I loved our traditions growing up, like placing the star on the tree on Christmas Eve, getting special PJs, visiting the crib, and spending the day at our grandparents' house. I want to pass these on to Joshua and start our own, like a family photo by the tree every Christmas Eve."
"I'm excited to experience Christmas through Joshua's eyes, even if he doesn't understand it yet. I can't wait to see his reactions to the lights, decorations, and gifts. It's the start of a new chapter for us as a family, and it's going to be different, but in the best way possible."
And this is the part most people miss... the joy of Christmas through a baby's eyes is a reminder of the magic and wonder that exists in the world. It's a time to create new traditions, remember the old, and celebrate the love and joy that brings us together.
