I absolutely love Christmas – and let’s be honest, I’ll probably be the last one to sleep and the first one awake in our house! While one night of limited sleep is manageable, the festive period can throw even the best sleepers off track.
With our newest arrival, we’re keeping Christmas low-key at home this year. But for many families, this season involves travel, disrupted routines, and extra excitement, all of which can wreak havoc on your child’s sleep (and their mood).
Here are my top Christmas sleep tips for children to help your little ones stay well-rested during the festive season.
1. Keep Christmas Eve calm and predictable
Christmas Eve is bursting with excitement, but try to keep bedtime as close to normal as possible. Make sure your little one gets plenty of fresh air and exercise during the day, and stick to a calm, familiar bedtime routine.
Let them know in advance when bedtime is coming, and remind them that Santa can only arrive once they’re asleep – a great motivator for little minds! Be careful though: overexcitement can easily turn into overtiredness, and both can look the same – bouncing off the walls or tearful and emotional. Try to get them to bed before they hit that overtired zone.
2. Don’t overschedule your days
It’s tempting to pack your calendar full of visits, activities, and festive events. But the constant stimulation – presents, guests, sweet treats, screen time – can be overwhelming for little ones.
Make sure your little one gets some quiet time every day, and protect nap windows wherever possible. Even 15-30 minutes of downtime can prevent overstimulation and reduce the risk of a bedtime meltdown.
3. Be cautious with car naps and late nights
A nap in the car or a slightly delayed bedtime now and again won’t ruin everything. But several days in a row of naps on the go and late bedtimes can build up sleep debt quickly.
By the second or third night, an overtired little one may find it much harder to settle, or sleep at all. Try to preserve your normal routine where you can, and at the very least, stick to key parts of your bedtime routine (like a bath, book, and cuddle) to help signal it’s time for sleep.
4. Staying away? Stick to the rules
When you’re sleeping at a grandparent’s house or away from home, it’s completely normal for little ones to test sleep boundaries. They’re wondering, do the rules still apply here?
They do, and it’s important to show consistency. If your little one resists bedtime or cries, respond like you would at home. Pop in every few minutes to reassure them, but try not to cave. Most little ones adjust to new surroundings within a night or two when parents stay firm.
5. Don’t forget the comforts of home
If you’re travelling, pack your little one’s favourite blanket, cuddly toy, or sleep aid – anything that smells and feels like home. With so much going on and new toys everywhere, a bit of familiarity can make a huge difference at bedtime.
6. Soak up the magic – and rest when you can
Yes, things might not go perfectly. Yes, there may be some sugar-fuelled chaos. But remember, this only happens once a year. Embrace the magic, try not to stress over the small stuff, and do what you can to keep everyone rested.
The better your little one sleeps, the more you’ll all enjoy the memories you’re making. And if your little one does become a little overtired, try to reset the routine gently once the excitement has passed.
Need a sleep reset in the New Year?
If things unravel a bit over Christmas, or if your little one is struggling with sleep all year round, I’m here to help. Whether it’s bedtime battles, frequent wake-ups, or early rising, we can work together to get your family the sleep you need. Book in a free, no obligation call to find out more.
