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Everyone has something to be thankful for this year. With your little bundle of joy, you obviously have one more thing to be thankful for than everyone else. It goes without saying that you've accomplished a lot this year, and you should be absolutely proud of yourself.
2020 hasn't been an easy year. So much has happened that it's a big deal to have made it this far. Your little turkey might not know it yet, but they have just made it through one of the toughest years in recent memory.
Therefore, this Thanksgiving is a pretty big deal. You want to celebrate it in a way that shows that. Here are a few tips to help you do that.
1. Do not forget that you are your baby's mother
Because of COVID restrictions, a lot of people may not spend thanksgiving with family this year. However, if you are going to be with your family on Thanksgiving, do not forget that you are your baby's mother.
What does this mean? Well, a couple of things. First, you know your baby best. Secondly, you are the only person who can make the final decision concerning your baby's well-being.
Thanksgiving with family, especially when you have a baby, is one of those times where you get lots of unsolicited advice from relatives and friends. Everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn't do when it comes to raising our baby.
When this happens, politely remind them that you've made it this far on your own and you are doing just fine. If you are visiting your partner's family, work with your partner to set up boundaries and to find the best way to communicate those boundaries to relatives and friends who do not know how to mind their own business. If you play your cards right, you'll walk away unscathed and without offending a single person!
2. Stick to their routine
If your baby is used to a certain routine, the holidays are no excuse to abandon them. Skipping a nap or two might seem like a smart idea on paper (they'll sleep more at night, won't they?) but it really isn't. It'll just make them fussy and a pain to be around for everyone. That's the last thing you want.
Whether you'll be spending thanksgiving elsewhere or in your own home, remember not to ignore your little one's routine because babies thrive on routine.
3. Visiting friends or family for Thanksgiving? Overpack
Packing more than you need is the only way to beat the unpredictability that comes with travelling with a baby.
Many parents have opted not to travel this year because there's a pandemic going around, but if you are, consider overpacking. Extra diapers, bottles, wipes, bibs, and burp cloths are a must. Also, don't forget to bring extra blankets and onesies.
Anything can happen when you are travelling with your baby. The weather can be rather unpredictable sometimes, so you might run into delays that will end up using a lot of the resources you travelled with. It's better to have too much and not need it than to have too little and run low.
4. Get that perfect thanksgiving outfit for them
It's almost a tradition these days that kids get new outfits on Thanksgiving day. Every parent wants their child to look extra cute on the big day, so don't be left behind!
Thanksgiving-themed animal onesies are a great starting point. You can also get funny t-shirts and matching top and bottom pieces in fall colors.
Try to keep the outfits unisex if you intend to get more use out of them after your little one outgrows them.
5. You probably won't have a perfect Thanksgiving
I know this sounds a bit harsh, but it's true. There's no such thing as a "perfect" thanksgiving. I've found that it's better to accept this simple fact of life to avoid disappointments when things don't work out.
Something always goes wrong on Thanksgiving or on the days leading up to it. Usually, it is things that are out of your control, like not getting the turkey on time or dinner being late for one reason or another. Your little one might pick that day to not go down for a nap so you can enjoy some peace and quiet, or your weird uncle might do something unexpected at the table.
Instead of getting stressed over things that did not work out, focus on the quality time you are enjoying with your little one. It's only going to be your baby's first thanksgiving once. Take it all in and live in the moment because it's the little things that will count in the end.
Final Thoughts
As the year comes to an end, you have so much to be thankful for. You have had quite the journey this year, taking care of a baby in the middle of a pandemic. The fact that you are here celebrating Thanksgiving with your little one means that you have done a truly amazing job and you should be proud of yourself.
First thanksgivings are exciting, fun, and sometimes, stressful. However, there are lots of opportunities for creating lifelong memories here. Do not waste this chance!
If you are going to be celebrating away from your home, make sure you take lots of pics before you leave. It's highly likely they'll be happiest in that familiar space, so capture those adorable smiles before you leave and everything changes!
With these tips, your baby's first thanksgiving should be a lot of fun. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun with your little one. Happy Thanksgiving!
