The Best Part of Having a Thanksgiving Baby

Calling all fellow Thanksgiving baby parents!

You might be nervous about having a baby so close (or even on!) Turkey Day. Sharing a holiday was my biggest concern when I found out my due date was November 21st, but my thoughts have changed!

Now, I’ve got a little secret I’ve been itching to spill: having a Thanksgiving baby is like getting an extra scoop of joy on your pumpkin pie. Seriously, life with a November-born munchkin is a special kind of amazing, and today, I’m letting you in on why.

First off, let’s talk vibes. Fall has this cozy, fuzzy feeling, right? Well, add a tiny human to the mix, and boom! You’ve got yourself a living, breathing ball of cuteness. The crisp air, the warm hues, and the fact that our little one entered the scene during this season just amplifies the warm and fuzzies.

Find out why having a Thanksgiving baby is the best in this comprehensive post.

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My Thanksgiving Baby

Okay, so Baby M isn’t technically a Thanksgiving Baby, she’s just a few days shy of Turkey Day. I was really anxious about having her on Thanksgiving. Here were my concerns:

• my kid having to share a birthday with a (major) holiday
• not being able to have outdoor birthday parties
• my child not being able to celebrate their birthday during school, or kids not being able to make it to their birthday party
• germ season, hooray!

A lot of my worries stemmed from concern that my kid wouldn’t feel special. Which is something as parents, we have control over and are able to influence. Keep reading to see why my concerns were assauged.

Double the Joy

…and double the set of hands to help!

Ah, buckle up, because we’re diving into the golden perks of having a Thanksgiving baby, and guess what? It’s not just about the extra serving of pumpkin pie. Nope, it’s about something even sweeter: having your tiny turkey during a time when help is as plentiful as mashed potatoes on the dinner table.

More Family, More Hands-on Deck

Picture this: your living room filled with the delightful chaos of family chatter, laughter, and probably a few baby coos. Having a Thanksgiving baby means the house is buzzing with relatives eager to lend a helping hand. Need an extra set of eyes for baby duty? You got it. Forgot where you left the pacifier? Someone probably spotted it on the couch. In addition, there’s plenty of food and leftovers, giving you extra time off from cooking.

Days Off, Extra Cuddles

One of the unsung perks? The timing. Thanksgiving week is like the Super Bowl of time off. Grandma and Grandpa might be enjoying a break, and your siblings are probably looking for any excuse to spend time with the little one. So, while you sneak in a quick nap or enjoy a hot cup of coffee (yes, hot coffee!), there’s a battalion of family members ready to scoop up your November nugget for some quality cuddle time.

Partner-in-Crime, Now with Extra Time

Let’s not forget about your partner. Thanksgiving often means time off of work, and that translates to more shared baby duties. From diaper changes to late-night soothing sessions, having your partner around during the Thanksgiving break is like having a superhero sidekick. Plus, there’s the added bonus of experiencing those precious early parenting moments together. My husband was able to take double the time off because my baby was born near Thanksgiving and that week wasn’t a big one for him to miss at work!

Take the First Year Off

Take the first year off from hosting, traveling, whatever it is that usually causes stress! We visited each set of grandparents for maybe half an hour, collected a boatload of food, and went home. It was too much to master breastfeeding, diaper changes, and exhaustion away from our couch.

Hostess without the Mostess

Look, we all love being the hostess with the mostest, but this year, let someone else wear that apron. Pass on hosting duties to a willing relative or friend. Trust me, they’ll be thrilled to take the reins, and you’ll be free to focus on the tiny fingers and toes that demand your attention.

Forget Travel Stress

Thinking of hitting the road to join the family gathering in another city? Well, this year, consider swapping the highway for a cozy day at home. Traveling with a baby can be a bit like preparing a Thanksgiving meal—stressful and full of unexpected surprises. Give yourself the gift of a stress-free day and enjoy the comfort of your own nest.

No Need to Go Over the Top

Sure, Pinterest-worthy Thanksgiving setups are tempting, but let’s be real: your November baby won’t remember the elaborate table settings or the perfectly carved turkey. They’ll remember the warmth of your embrace, the lullabies you hum, and the simple joys of being close to Mom and Dad. So, ease up on the over-the-top plans this year, and relish in the simplicity of the moment.

Cherish Intimate Moments

Taking the first year off doesn’t mean skipping Thanksgiving altogether. Instead, use this time to create intimate moments with your immediate family. Enjoy a quiet dinner at home, share stories, and relish in the newfound joys of parenthood. These moments are the ones you’ll treasure for a lifetime. We watched Back to the Future (our first family movie night, I guess) and ate a feast. Someone dropped off a fruit tart. It was simple, but just what our tired souls needed.

Fun To Do in November with a Newborn

1. Autumn Strolls in the Park

• Bundle up your little one, grab a cozy blanket, and take a leisurely stroll in the park. The crunching leaves, the fresh air, and your baby’s adorable face—talk about a perfect fall day! I think I owe my easy postpartum recovery to taking short walks around the neighborhood every day.

2. Cuddles by the Fireplace

• If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, now’s the time to put it to good use. Picture this: you, your baby, a warm blanket, and the crackling sounds of a fire. It’s like a scene from a parenting dream, right?

3. DIY Baby’s First Thanksgiving Craft

• Get a little crafty with a DIY project to commemorate your baby’s first Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a handprint turkey or a fall-themed onesie, it’s a wonderful way to capture this special milestone.

4. Storytime by the Window

• Set up a cozy reading nook by a window and introduce your little one to the world of baby books. The soft glow of natural light, the sound of your voice, and a captivating story—absolute baby bliss.

5. Pumpkin-Spiced Playdates

• Invite fellow parents with newborns for a pumpkin-spiced playdate. It’s not just for the babies; it’s an excellent excuse for you to savor some fall treats and swap parenting stories.

6. Capture Those Cute Moments

• Invest in a baby photoshoot, capturing your little pumpkin in all their November glory. Whether it’s a professional shoot or a DIY session at home, these photos will be treasured keepsakes.

7. Sensory Exploration with Fall Textures

• Let your baby explore different fall textures with a sensory play session. From soft blankets to silky leaves, it’s a delightful way for them to discover the world around them.

8. Cozy Movie Night In

• Transform your living room into a mini theater, complete with soft blankets and your favorite baby-friendly movies. It’s the perfect excuse for some family bonding time.

Remember, November isn’t just about Thanksgiving—it’s about embracing the simple joys of fall and creating heartwarming memories with your newest family member. Happy November adventures with your little one!

Gifts for November Babies

Coming Soon!

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Is your birthday around a holiday?

How do you make it special?

Let me know below!

O.