how to fall asleep on Christmas Eve
You may find it hard to get to sleep on Christmas Eve because excitement releases adrenaline, making it harder to wind down which can impact your sleep.
To get your child to sleep on Christmas Eve, you should create a relaxing Christmas bedtime routine by setting up a cosy, distraction-free sleep space, share a festive story, and play soothing holiday music for them. A weighted blanket can also help with any anxieties associated with the big day.
To get to sleep on Christmas Eve, prepare for the night before Christmas by completing your festive checklist early, get some gentle exercise during the day and avoid sugary snacks close to bedtime.
There’s something truly magical about Christmas Eve. The twinkling lights, the soft glow from the Christmas tree, and the joy of knowing Christmas morning is just hours away make it one of the most special nights of the year. But for some, the excitement (and perhaps a few last-minute tasks) can make it tough to settle down for a good night’s sleep.
If you or your little ones find it tricky to drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve, read on as we team up with our sleep expert, Kathryn Pinkham, to give our top tips on how to get to sleep on Christmas Eve.
why can’t I sleep on Christmas Eve?
When Christmas Eve arrives, so does an extra helping of excitement and sometimes even stress. For children, the anticipation of Santa’s arrival can be thrilling, and for adults, the countdown to family gatherings, gift-giving and festive meals is often on their minds. If you’re following our Christmas countdown in the lead-up to the holiday, you may feel the excitement build as each day draws closer.
And naturally, this heightened excitement releases adrenaline, which makes it harder to wind down, especially for the kiddies. Then last-minute shopping lists, travel plans and gift-wrapping can also add to the stress of the day for those older, making it hard to shut off at bedtime. But with a few thoughtful preparations, everyone in the house can focus on a restful night’s sleep.
a few words from our sleep expert
Before we jump into some effective ways to get some quality shut eye on Christmas Eve, our sleep expert, Kathryn Pinkham, offers her advice on the issue.
“The festive season is full of fun… but it can also disrupt your sleep.
Late nights, alcohol, long to-do lists, and sleeping in unfamiliar places all take their toll on our sleep routine, making good quality sleep harder to achieve. But there are a few things you can do to protect your rest.
First, normalise it. It’s completely normal to sleep less well when your routine changes — don’t be hard on yourself as this will add more pressure to your sleep
If you can’t sleep, then stop trying, just read a book or watch TV as battling to get to sleep never works and will leave you even more tired.
Limit alcohol where you can. Even if it helps you nod off, it makes sleep less restorative, leaving you more tired the next day.
Finally, manage your stress during the day. Christmas is a busy time so make a list, notice what you can control and make a plan. Tackle the controllable so your mind isn’t trying to get your attention at night.
For the rest of your worries, notice and accept them. Most of these are just “what ifs” that are out of your control so practice accepting you are worried but then letting them go.
In summary, focus on what you can control, give yourself permission to rest, and manage your stress.”
preparing yourself for a restful night before Christmas
With all the planning, preparation and expectations that come with Christmas, winding down for the night before can feel like a challenge. But a few thoughtful adjustments to your day’s routine can help set the stage for a calm, cosy evening, making it easier to rest well before the festivities begin.
complete your Christmas checklist early
One of the best ways to make sure you can rest easy on Christmas Eve is to have your festive checklist wrapped up well before bedtime. Aim to finish gift-wrapping, meal planning and other preparations earlier in the day. This leaves the evening open for relaxing rituals rather than worrying about last-minute details.
watch the sugar and caffeine
Christmas treats are hard to resist, but sugary snacks and caffeine can be real sleep-stealers. As tempting as that hot chocolate with whipped cream might be, consider swapping it for a warm, caffeine-free herbal tea or a cosy glass of milk. Little ones might enjoy a small, sleep-friendly snack like a few slices of banana or a piece of toast to avoid a sugar rush just before bed.
Other foods and drinks to avoid for better sleep on Christmas Eve are heavy, fatty or sugary snacks, spicy foods, alcohol, acidic foods and drinks and carbonated beverages.
Read our blog to learn more about how caffeine can affect sleep. Or read more about the effects of alcohol on sleep to understand how what we consume impacts how we sleep.
gentle exercise during the day
Getting outside for a brisk winter walk or having a quick family stroll to admire the neighbourhood Christmas lights can be a great way to use up any excess energy. Gentle movement during the day can also help the body settle down in the evening, making it easier to drift off when bedtime arrives.
keep distractions at bay
According to sleep experts, a sleep-friendly bedroom is key as a calm, distraction-free environment makes it easier to relax. A few small steps – like dimming the lights and putting any festive clutter aside – can make the room feel peaceful and restful. This means keeping the Christmas decorations, advent calendars and other reminders of the big day out of your child’s bedroom too.
create a festive bedtime routine
Adding some soothing rituals to both yours and your little one’s routines can help everyone feel ready for sleep too. Simple activities like reading, gentle breathing exercises or listening to a Christmas lullaby can bring a sense of calm to the evening. Try playing soft holiday music or humming a few carols to help everyone relax as they settle into bed.
Christmas-inspired scents like cinnamon, pine or lavender can bring a touch of calmness to the room. Try adding a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or lighting a sleep-friendly candle to create a comforting scent that helps everyone relax, even with the excitement of Christmas.
how to get your child to sleep on Christmas Eve
If your little one is struggling with how to get to sleep on Christmas Eve, it might be that they’re worried about Santa, so putting their minds at ease about this will help them relax and doze off no problem. While Santa is usually seen as a beloved character, children can become frightened at the thought of a man in a red suit popping down the chimney and into their home.
To counteract this, reassure your child that they’ll only be going into the living room by keeping all stockings and other treats in there as opposed to in their bedroom. If they’re worried about Santa making it on time or if he’ll be able to find your home, gently reassure them that Santa has everything under control. Explain that he’s on his way and that sleep ensures the magic happens quicker.
Need extra help easing their anxieties? We’ve listed some tips below that might do the trick.
give them a weighted blanket
A weighted blanket can be a calming addition to bedtime. These blankets provide gentle pressure that helps some children feel secure and cosy, making it easier for them to settle down and fall asleep.
choose a festive but relaxing story
For your children, ending the day with a Christmas story is a lovely way to set a calm mood. Snuggle up in festive pyjamas under the electric blanket and enjoy a family favourite like The Night Before Christmas, making bedtime feel extra special while gently encouraging a sense of calm.
try the bath-book-bed routine
The bath-book-bed routine will signal to your child that it’s time to get cosy and unwind. From having a chat about any anxieties to sticking to their regular bedtime, even on Christmas Eve, all these steps can encourage them to get some quality slumber. Check out our guide on how to master the bath-book-bed routine.
how do you adjust sleep schedules for Christmas morning early start?
If you or your children tend to be up bright and early on Christmas Eve, it’s important you still get enough sleep for feeling fresh and ready for the busy day ahead. We recommend slightly adjusting your bedtime by the amount of sleep you’ll be missing out on. However, if you’re already struggling to sleep, adjusting by half an hour to an hour will still benefit you the next day.
With a bit of planning and a few festive bedtime rituals, sleeping on Christmas Eve can be easier than you think. Creating a cosy, relaxed environment can help everyone in the family wind down, making it easier to get the rest you all need before Christmas morning. Here’s to a restful Christmas Eve – and a magical, joy-filled day ahead.
