While babies aren’t going to remember their first Christmas (or their second, for that matter), parents always strive to make it special. And with the ease of taking photos and videos nowadays, your little one can relive every last moment later in their lives – for better or worse.

Esther and Thad Anderson will have plenty of videos to show their little one when she’s older – and there’s no doubt they’ll all look back and laugh.

But in the meantime, the parents behind the video blog Story of This Life are showing just what it’s like to have a baby crawling around during the holidays. And they don’t sugar coat it.

The Andersons are committed to showing “life’s imperfect moments through an authentic lens,” letting other parents know that their less-than-picture-perfect moments are just par for the course. It’s a refreshing change from all the stylized and idealistic Instagram perfection on display from other parents, especially around the holidays.

In fact, one of their videos was so relateable that it quickly went viral and parents around the world nodded wearily at the reality of “Christmas with a Baby.”

It was posted in 2014, so no doubt their little girl has seen it by now – as have over 5.9 million other people on YouTube alone.

And what does Christmas with a baby look like, you ask? Well, for the uninitiated, it looks like a lot of clean-up (although to be fair, that’s every other day with a baby as well).

First, you have the inevitable ornament handling and potential redecoration of the tree (and floor). Anything that is within reach is fair game for a little one.

And don’t expect your baby to just drop the ornament – nearly everything looks edible as far as they’re. So maybe it’s best to keep those glitter ornaments out of reach unless you want those brand new teeth to be shiny in a bad way.

Candy canes too are bound to end up in little mouths. There’s nothing like a baby on an accidental sugar high to make Christmas more festive!

Oh, and if you managed to turn your back for two seconds and your baby is nowhere in sight, check under the tree. For some reason that looks like a great place to explore. (You might even find a pet or two under there as well!)

As for that beautiful tree you spent time choosing? Make sure you water it, because the minute those branches dry out any shaking of the tree your baby engages in (which will be plenty) will bring down a hailstorm of needles.

Those are really a blast to clean up (and step on!).

In fact, maybe you just want to skip the tree altogether and decorate your baby instead.

It’s part time saver and part festive restraint to keep your progeny in place while you finish up your online holiday shopping.

Of course, you want to share the majesty of your baby’s first Christmas with your friends and family. That’s why it’s a great idea to send a photo montage of just how much your baby is enjoying the holidays.

The Anderson’s Christmas card pulls no punches.

And for those who celebrate Christ as the “reason for the season,” it’s always a good idea to get the kids started early with a nice nativity scene.

Did you miss the part in the Bible when Godzilla came and tried to wipe out the manger?

And if you think you can somehow booby trap a Christmas tree by placing presents around it, you’ve clearly forgotten the strength of a baby on a mission.

To be fair, all that glitter and shiny ribbon is an invitation for destruction.

While you might love the thought of your baby basking in the glow of tree lights and beautifully wrapped gifts, Christmas morning might look more like you slept through a hurricane.

The good news is, there was no disastrous weather event. The only act of nature that can destroy your hard work is the one you created yourself.

Sound or look all too familiar?

Be sure to scroll down to see more of the Anderson family’s “Christmas with a Baby” viral video/PSA.

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Source: Story of This Life via YouTube