Getting children to sleep on Christmas Eve can feel like a monumental task. The excitement and anticipation often keep them wide-eyed and restless.
But with the right new years eve activities for kids at home, you can help your little ones wind down and get the rest they need for the big day ahead.
Here are some practical tips to ensure bedtime is smooth and stress-free.
1. Stick to regular routines
Even on Christmas Eve, maintaining your child’s regular bedtime routine is essential. Consistency helps signal to their bodies that it’s time to sleep.
Include familiar activities like brushing teeth, reading a book, and tucking them in at their usual time. While the day may feel extraordinary, sticking to their typical routine provides a comforting sense of normalcy.
For example, if your child usually takes a bath before bed, don’t skip it—even if the day feels extra special. Follow it with teeth brushing, a bedtime story, and tucking them in at the usual time. This familiarity helps signal their brain that it's time for sleep.
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2. Create a relaxing environment
Make the bedroom a cozy retreat. You might use soft Christmas-themed lights or a glowing nightlight shaped like a snowman. Add a special holiday blanket or pillow with their favorite characters to make the space festive but soothing.
Playing soft instrumental Christmas music or using a white noise machine with a "fireplace crackling" sound can also help.
For more ideas on calming excited children, check out Ideas to calm over excited children on Christmas Eve.
3. Use themed stories
Themed stories can add a touch of holiday magic to your child’s bedtime routine, making it easier for them to wind down on christmas eve. These stories not only captivate their imagination but also reinforce the importance of rest during this exciting time.
To help children relax and fall asleep, try “Ojitos en Pijama” (Little Eyes in Pajamas), a heartwarming story by Elena Pérez. This inspiring tale beautifully captures the magic of Christmas Eve while gently teaching the value of patience and rest in preparation for the big day.
Incorporate this enchanting story into your bedtime routine and create a moment of calm that your child will cherish.
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4. Avoid overstimulation
Plan your day so activities gradually wind down as bedtime approaches.
For example, if the evening includes a movie like Home Alone, finish it well before bedtime and transition to a quieter activity, such as assembling a simple holiday craft or drawing a winter scene.
This helps reduce the adrenaline and excitement that can make settling down difficult. Discover more about setting up a stress-free morning with christmas morning routines for kids.
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5. Set clear expectations
Before bedtime, sit down with your child and discuss what will happen next. For example, you might say, “After we leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, we’ll head to bed so he can deliver presents.” Providing clear instructions reassures them and reduces resistance.
Frame it positively by emphasizing that the sooner they sleep, the sooner morning will come. Find more ideas for holiday affirmations in new year's affirmations for kids.
7. Encourage relaxation
Teach relaxation techniques through play. For instance, tell your child to pretend they're a snowman melting in the sun: “Lie down, close your eyes, and imagine your arms and legs turning into warm puddles.” This playful approach helps them focus on relaxation while having fun.
Pair it with gentle back rubs or a weighted blanket for extra comfort. For quiet evening activities, check out tips for a stress-free christmas morning to keep the spirits up.
8. Limit screen time
Set a clear cut-off for electronics. For example, if bedtime is at 8 PM, turn off all screens by 7 PM. Replace screen time with screen-free alternatives like reading a holiday book together, doing a simple puzzle, or preparing Santa’s snack plate.
These activities promote bonding and calm without the stimulating effects of blue light. Read more about managing Christmas bedtime routines in How to Get Kids to Sleep on Christmas Eve.
8. Limit sugary foods
While enjoying treats is part of the Christmas fun, aim for balance. Instead of a sugary cookie overload, serve a fun but less sugary snack like apple slices with cinnamon or a small bowl of popcorn.
If you serve hot chocolate, consider a sugar-free or low-sugar option. Keep heavier treats like candy canes for earlier in the day.
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9. Don’t talk about Santa
Although Santa is a big part of Christmas Eve, discussing his arrival close to bedtime can backfire. Instead of hyping up his visit, focus on quieter holiday traditions.
For example, talk about a favorite Christmas memory or share what you’re most thankful for this year. This helps your child feel calm and connected.
10. Provide bedtime drinks
Offer your child a warm, soothing beverage before bed. For example, a small mug of warm milk with a sprinkle of nutmeg can have calming effects.
Chamomile tea is another great option for older children. Avoid caffeinated or heavily sugared drinks, like sodas or sweetened iced tea, that could keep them awake.
11. Embrace family traditions
End the evening with a cherished family tradition that signals it’s time to settle down. For example, gather everyone around to sing a soft carol like Silent Night by candlelight. Alternatively, let your child hang their stocking by the fireplace and say goodnight to the Christmas tree.
These rituals create a sense of closure and prepare their minds for sleep.
How can I use Christmas excitement to encourage sleep?
Channel their excitement into pre-bedtime activities that naturally lead to sleep.
For instance, let your child sprinkle “reindeer food” (oats and glitter) on the lawn or write a quick note to Santa thanking him for the gifts.
These activities help them feel involved in the magic of Christmas while creating a natural stopping point for the day. You could also playfully remind them, “Santa’s sleigh only lands when everyone is asleep!”
Are there specific scents that help children sleep better?
Use a child-safe diffuser with a holiday-themed essential oil blend like “calm pine and lavender” or lightly spray their pillow with a lavender and chamomile mist.
If your child likes hands-on activities, let them create a simple sachet of dried lavender to place under their pillow. These scents promote relaxation and can become a comforting part of their bedtime routine.
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Establish a bedtime relaxing activity that signals to your toddler that it's time to wind down.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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