The holidays are both a special and crazy time of year. Between gift shopping, gatherings, celebrations with friends and all of the effort that goes into making a Christmas memorable occasion for all involved, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed and miss out on the fun. That’s why it’s important to be prepared, so that your plans go off without a hitch.

Make a list, then check it twice

Start early on your Christmas shopping. Get as many presents out of the way by the first week of December. Also, try to stock up on canned/packaged foods and toiletry basics such as toilet paper, skincare wipes, nappies. These items can all be bought ahead of time so you don’t have to fight the crowds with a huge shop the night before.

The gift of giving

As little ones don’t need much aside from clothing and toiletry essentials, it’s nice to get creative with their presents. Come up with some simple ideas you can make yourself, such as photo frames or a sign for their bedroom door. Collectable items that you can add to such as charm bracelets or vintage toy cars are gifts they can cherish for years to come.

Holiday Season Baby Essentials:

• JOHNSON’S® baby Skincare Wipes

• JOHNSON’S® baby Shampoo

• JOHNSON’S® baby Cornstarch Powder

• JOHNSON’S® baby BedTime BaTH®

• JOHNSON’S® baby SOOTHiNG NaTURaLS® Nourishing Lotion

Holly’s hints

Tell us about your babies’ first Christmas?

We all get together with the grandparents for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and the kids get exceptionally spoilt. Because there aren’t too many grandkids on either side, they get lots of attention and lots of presents. We found that the babies get more of

a thrill out of the wrapping paper than the presents so you really don’t need to go over the top. Babies don’t need much, just lots of love and attention!

Do you have any tips for new mums celebrating the holidays with their first baby?

It’s such a busy time of year, so make sure you don’t over commit when you have little ones. It’s easy to say you’ll be at all the parties, but when you’re sleep deprived the exhaustion doesn’t take long to catch up. Plan lots of time at home with your new baby and enjoy the time with them.

For more tips on bonding with your baby visit www.babycenter.com.au/bonding

To contact Tresillian or organisations in other states who offer similar services to new parents, here are the numbers to call:

NEW SOUTH WALES
Tresillian Family Care Centres

Parents Help Line: (02) 9787 0855 or 1800 637 357

QUEENSLAND
Ellen Barron Family Centre

Phone:(07) 3139 6500

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Torrens House

Parents Help Line:1300 364 100

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Ngala Family Resource Centre

Parents Help Line: 1800 111 546 or (08) 9368 9368

VICTORIA
The Queen Elizabeth Centre
Reception: (03) 9549 2777

O'Connell Family Centre

Reception: (03) 8416 7600

Tweddle Child & Family Health Service

Reception: (03) 9689 1577

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