5 tips for a restful night’s sleep on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is one of the most magical nights of the year, but for parents, it can also be one of the most challenging. With Santa Claus well on his way, the excitement can be too much for little ones, and getting them to sleep can feel like an impossible task. In fact, 3 in 4 parents say that the festive season disrupts their children’s sleep schedule^[1].

But don’t worry! Our sleep experts have put together some top tips to help you manage the holiday hype and ensure a more peaceful Christmas Eve bedtime.

Plan ahead

Regardless of what you do, Christmas Eve is going to be an energetic night. But instead of dreading the inevitable bedtime battle, accept that your kids are going to be full of excitement. By embracing the reality and planning ahead, you can make the evening a little less stressful for everyone.

Start by creating a calm bedtime routine that you know works for your family. Knowing that your child might struggle to sleep can help you stay calm and focused, making the whole experience more manageable.

Get ready for bed earlier than usual

Many parents try to keep their children up later in the hopes that they’ll be so tired, they’ll fall asleep straight away. However, this strategy often backfires, leaving kids even more restless when it’s finally time for bed.

Instead, try getting them ready for bed earlier. Get them into their festive pyjamas and settled down for some quiet time before bedtime arrives. By creating a calm and cosy atmosphere early on, you’ll help set the tone for a restful night.

Choose a family favourite film

Settling down with a festive film on Christmas Eve is a tradition for many families, but it’s important to choose a movie that won’t rev up your kids’ excitement even more. While films like Home Alone or Gremlins might be fun, their fast-paced action or scarier moments can make winding down even harder.

Instead, choose a more calming film, like The Snowman or A Charlie Brown Christmas. These favourites offer just the right amount of holiday magic without overstimulating little ones.

Embrace the festive joy

Despite your best efforts, your child will give into the excitement and wake up in the early hours of Christmas morning. And it’s important to embrace that. Christmas is one of the highlights of the year for children, and their joy is a big part of the magic.

Rather than stressing over the missed sleep, remember that it’s just one night and there is plenty of time to catch up over the Christmas break.

And for the parents – watch your alcohol intake

It’s tempting to unwind with a drink (or two) on Christmas Eve, but be mindful of how much you’re indulging. While alcohol might make you feel relaxed, it can actually disrupt your sleep, leaving you less than fresh in the morning.

If you’ve got young children who will likely be up at the crack of dawn, try cutting back on the festive tipples. That way, you’ll wake up feeling fresh and ready to enjoy all the festive fun.

For more tips on how to get a restful night’s sleep, take a look at our other articles in The Sleep Journal.

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References

1. We Bet You Can't Guess The Average Time Kids Wake Up On Christmas Day