Learn 6 Baby ASL Signs for the Holidays
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The winter holiday season brings out the joy and magic of childhood. Whether you celebrate the religious meanings, or celebrate them as nonsecular holidays, there is no doubt that the hustle and bustle of shopping, family, events, and excitement is something we have in common. Learning sign language for this time of year can help your child communicate their interests and excitement, while also preparing them for events and new experiences.
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Use sign language for your child’s interests
Does your little one point out holiday decorations in people’s yards, at the store, or on tv?
Guess what! Within their pointing lies:
💥Communication
💥Motivation
💥Interest
💥Engagement
💥Curiosity
💥Excitement
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🎄Next time you see your baby or toddler do this, take note about what they are drawn to the most.
Is it reindeer? Menorahs or candles?
Things that light up or sing?
All of it?
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🕎While they are pointing at those decorations, use the sign for it! There is a high chance this sign will be learned quickly.
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❄️THEN: include those in your books, toys, activities, and experiences too!
Need some ideas on that front? Keep reading…
Want to use sign language with your little one?
Sign Through the Seasons: Winter is an all-inclusive activity workshop that equips you to implement meaningful activities, targeted signed vocabulary, and intentional learning for your baby, toddler, or preschooler during the fall months! Learn more about this seasonal e-course here.
Get Started Now with 10 functional ASL signs to start using with your baby or toddler right away. Learn 3 tips to ensure you are using signs correctly and with realistic expectations. Whether you have already started signing, or just warming up to the idea, this free guide will take you one step closer to your goal!
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
ASL signs for Christmas
CHRISTMAS: there are a few variations for this sign. plenty of opportunities to use this sign preparing for the holiday.
SANTA: I highly recommend to use this sign to prepare you child for a visit with Saint Nick.
REINDEER: lots of opportunity to use this sign as they are spotted in decorations, books, clothing, and even a car with antlers!
Sign Language for Hanukkah
HANUKKAH: this is also the sign for MENORAH. plenty of opportunities to use this sign preparing for and throughout celebrations of the holiday.
CANDLE: connect this sign’s meaning to the meaning of the holiday, decorations, and tradition of lighting a candle each evening.
EIGHT: connect this sign to the number of nights, candles on the menorah, and counting anything and everything!
Baby & toddler holiday book recommendations
Reading books about the holidays your family celebrates teaches your child your family’s values and its importance. Incorporate the signs you know as you read together.
Baby’s First Hanukkah is great for babies and young toddlers because of the real images and simple language on each page. Many important elements of the holiday are included: menorah, latkes, meaning of the oil, dreidel, and time with family.
The Itsy Bitsy Reindeer is a cute spin on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” that weaves some Christmas holiday traditions into a story that toddlers will love!
Happy Hanukkah, Curious George will be a hit with the toddlers! There are different activity and recipe ideas throughout the pages, which is great to extend the book to have more meaning with your child.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas is a hit with all ages! This loved book series of trucks and animals has a holiday spin as Blue delivers Christmas trees to all of his friends.
Four holiday activity ideas for babies and toddlers
I have compiled some ideas for your littles that I hope you love!
Salt dough ornaments are so versatile! There are quite a few recipes out there, but the basis is flour, salt, and water that you use cookie cutters, bake, and then decorate after they've cooled! Perfect ornaments to put on your small tree in the playroom, at baby / toddler level on your big tree, and to give as gifts to grandparents.
This sensory bin is perfect for Hanukkah! You can use any type of filler: blue paper shred, blue rice or pasta, dyed chick peas, or even water beads (these are a choking hazard, so supervise VERY carefully).
This compilation of reindeer ideas from My Bored Toddler is very thorough. Find one, a few, or as many as you'd like!
Cookie cutters are so versatile, and doing stamped painting is fun for young toddlers and older preschoolers. This Hanukkah Stamping Painting is a cute idea to hang on the fridge, string multiple together to make a garland decoration, or even write a message on the back to go along with gifts to family or neighbors.
