The 14 Struggles (and 1 Big Perk!) of Having a Holiday Baby

Updated on 12/19/2017 at 1:35 PM

It sounds so cozy to have a newborn around the holidays. Family is there to welcome your bundle and help out around the house. You'll have endless hours to sit by the fire and watch your favorite holiday movies while cuddling your days- or weeks-old little one. Baby gets to be bundled up in the most adorable sweater onesies and knit hats. And don't forget the ridiculously cute tiny baby with Santa photo op. It's all so nostalgic and sweet. It is. But in reality, it also presents a lot of problems.

You Have to Interact With People

Not everyone (read: almost no one) feels like a million bucks after they have a baby. But try telling Grandma that you won't be at Christmas dinner because you just don't feel like carrying on an actual conversation.

It's Hard to Get as Excited For the Holidays

You're so busy being excited (or anxious) for the arrival of your little one that you'll probably forget all about the anticipation you usually have for Christmas Day.

You Can't Drink as Much as You Probably Want To

Nothing like a strong cocktail to help ease the madness that comes with a house full of family — except if you're breastfeeding (or still pregnant).

Planning Is Impossible

You have no idea if you'll be celebrating the holidays in the hospital, at a relative's house with a newborn in your arms, or still pregnant.

You Have to Get Creative With Your Gift Giving

If you didn't get your shopping done before baby's arrival, you better hope everything you need is available on Amazon.

There Are So Many Events

All you want to do is snuggle in bed with your fresh new baby and instead you've got an ugly sweater party, a holiday lunch, and family dinner at your aunt's house on the calendar.

You Will Feel All. The. Feelings

This is true no matter what time of year you have a baby, but add the nostalgic sentiments of the holiday season and you're really in for it.

No One Will Remember Your Baby's Birthday

They know it's around the holidays, but was it the day before Thanksgiving? Or right after Christmas? Or was it actually Christmas Eve?

It Takes an Hour to Get Your Baby Ready to Go Outside

It's cold. It might even be snowing. Better put on ALL. THE. LAYERS.

Everyone Will Touch Your Baby

You're in close quarters with family, and family is apparently exempt from the cold and flu season warning.

You'll Still Have All Your Baby Weight

No, you probably won't fit into your festive holiday sweater, and yes, you do still have to be in the family photos.

RSVPing to All Those Holiday Parties Is a Nightmare

There's no way to know if you'll be attending your friend's annual white elephant exchange at nine months pregnant or missing it for the birth of your child.

Everyone Is Too Busy to Help You

Sure, there are plenty of people around. But instead of helping you with your newborn they're busy prepping Thanksgiving dinner, shopping for gifts, and spending time with their own families.

Your Holiday-Cheer-Spreading Standards Go Out the Window

If you usually bake a special treat to give to all of your neighbors, you might have to accept that this year's will be store-bought (or not happen at all).

But — You Also Get a Free Pass!

Forgot to wrap that one gift? Don't send your holiday cards out until Valentine's Day? Have nothing to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner? No one will think twice because you've got the best excuse in the book — a brand-new baby!