Our 'memory' is typically preserved in photos and perhaps our first holiday outfit that was wrapped in tissue and saved in an old trunk. With a bit of imagination parents can plan ahead to create memories for their baby that will last a lifetime. These ideas in turn will be passed down to future generations.

Where to begin? Here are some ideas to help your creative imagination take flight.

1. Find a unique baby Christmas scrapbook or keepsake box to save mementos from your baby's first Christmas. Include scraps from wrapping paper, bows, gift cards, a photo with Santa and any other special items. Don't forget to have your camera ready on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to capture the fun and excitement. Photos are the best memories.

2. Write a description of the celebration in your child's baby book to share in the years to come. Be sure to include the family members who shared this special time in your baby's life.

3. Keep a journal and write down your own perceptions of the entire holiday and special things that you want to remember. Have other family members and friends add their comments. What a wonderful treasure to pass down to your child.

4. Buy or make a special ornament to commemorate your baby's first Christmas. If you are a 'crafty' person, a handmade ornament will express your true love and will hold more meaning as your child grows. But don't stop with the first Christmas. Make or buy a special ornament every year of your child's life.

5. Place a lighted tree in your child's room every Christmas so they can decorate it with their very own personal ornaments. Imagine the wonderful memories when they decorate their tree with these treasures. When they have their first home, what a wonderful start they'll have for decorating their own tree each year.

6. Take lots of pictures of your baby as they discover the sights and sounds of Christmas. Still photos as well as videos provide a lasting record of your baby's first Christmas.

7. Start a new family tradition that includes your infant. For instance, you might sing a special Christmas carol to the baby the you will continue to sing each year. If there are siblings, make sure they are included by asking them to think of a new family tradition that would have meaning for them. Coloring paper snowflakes to tape to a window is always fun.

8. Create opportunities for other children to help their new brother or sister during the Christmas celebration, such as opening the infant's gifts or reading a Christmas story.

9. If your other children are old enough, let them help decorate Christmas cookies and make a special one for their new little brother or sister.

10. Include a picture of your new baby in your Christmas cards to introduce friends to your newest family member.

11. One precautionary idea to consider is how to baby proof your Christmas tree and decorations. Infants - especially if they're crawling or starting to pull up on things - can easily pull the tree over onto themselves. This can cause serious injury to your baby. Buy an expandable playpen that will completely encircle the tree with enough space to keep curious hands from reaching the ornaments and packages.

Remember to continue old traditions along with the new to give yourself and your family a sense of continuity during the stress of the holidays. It's important to understand that all the fuss that comes with the holiday season can be overwhelming to a new baby as well as to the rest of the family. Try to stay on as regular a schedule as possible, but be sure to allow plenty of down time and fun activities for everyone.

When the holiday is over and the decorations are stored for another year, take time to reflect on this special time enjoyed by your family and their newest little member. Rock your baby and sing a special Christmas song one more time. Put the photos in an album, read through your journal and start putting together the scrapbook or memory keepsake box. As the years go by, you'll be thankful that you spent a little extra time to make Baby's First Christmas one to remember for a lifetime.