Christmas Eve is a magical time for kids, but the excitement can often lead to overstimulation. Here are 12 practical and engaging ways to help calm your child while keeping the holiday spirit alive and how to get kids to sleep on christmas eve.
1. Teach relaxing meditation
Introduce your child to a guided meditation to ease their excitement and help them unwind. An excellent option is the Storybook App’s “Clement of the Snows” guided breathing exercise.
This technique uses a delightful story about Clement, a cheerful character who patiently waits for Christmas, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the moment.
The app combines storytelling and breathing techniques to create a calming experience perfect for children. This family-friendly activity helps soothe anxiety about presents and brings everyone together for a meaningful pause.
2. Give them a christmas eve box
Prepare a special Christmas Eve box filled with quiet, calming items. Include cozy pajamas, a holiday storybook, a small craft kit, or a stuffed animal. The box can also hold a festive treat like hot cocoa mix or a bedtime snack.
Opening the box creates a sense of anticipation for the evening’s quieter activities, helping your child transition from the day’s energy to a peaceful bedtime routine.
3. Reduce sugar intake
Excitement and sugary treats often go hand-in-hand with children back into the routine after the holidays, but too much sugar can increase hyperactivity. Offer healthy snacks like fruit slices, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers instead of candy and cookies in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Encourage hydration with water or warm milk instead of sugary drinks. Creating a festive but balanced snack routine helps manage their energy levels while keeping the fun alive.
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4. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
Even with the holiday excitement, it’s crucial to stick to your child’s regular bedtime routine. Begin winding down an hour before bed by dimming lights and engaging in calm activities, like reading or gentle stretching.
For tips on keeping consistent sleep patterns during the holidays, explore How to keep kids on a sleep schedule during the holidays to ensure restful nights and happy mornings.
5. Give them a bath
A warm bath before bed is a tried-and-true way to relax an overstimulated child. Add lavender-scented bubbles or bath salts to create a spa-like experience. Use this time to play soft Christmas music or tell a calming holiday story.
Let your child pick out cozy pajamas after the bath to enhance the sense of comfort. A relaxed body and some Christmas with ADHD kids tips often lead to a calmer mind, helping them settle in for the night for when your little one is struggling.
6. Teach deep breathing skills
Deep breathing is an excellent way to help kids manage their excitement. Practice easy techniques, like inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, and exhaling for four counts.
You can make it festive by asking them to imagine blowing on a cup of hot cocoa or inflating a pretend balloon. These playful visuals keep the practice engaging and holiday-themed.
7. Puzzles or quiet games
Set up a quiet activity station with puzzles, coloring books, or simple board games. These activities shift their focus and keep their hands busy without overstimulating them.
Choose holiday-themed options, like a Christmas tree puzzle or a coloring sheet featuring Santa and his sleigh, to maintain the festive vibe.
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8. Writing Christmas gratitude
Encourage your child to write or draw about what they’re thankful for during the holiday season. Provide prompts like “What’s the best thing about Christmas?” or “Who made you smile this year?” or new year resolution ideas for kids.
This activity helps channel their energy into positive reflection, fostering a sense of calm and gratitude. Display their creations as part of your holiday decor to celebrate their thoughts.
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9. Relaxing Christmas playlist
Create a calming holiday playlist with gentle Christmas songs or instrumental carols. Background music like “Silent Night” or acoustic versions of classics can create a peaceful atmosphere.
Play the playlist during dinner or while winding down for bed to subtly lower their energy levels and set the tone for a quiet evening.
10. Santa’s countdown routine
Involve your child in a fun but structured “countdown to Santa” routine. Let them help prepare for Santa’s arrival by setting out cookies, pouring milk, or placing carrots for the reindeer.
Once everything is ready, encourage them to head to bed so Santa can make his visit. This tradition adds excitement while providing a clear signal that it’s time to settle down.
11. Reading letters to Santa
Take a moment to read through the letter your child wrote to Santa earlier in the season. Reflect on their wishes and remind them how exciting it will be to see what Santa brings in the morning.
This quiet bonding time can help shift their focus from the anticipation of gifts to the joy of family traditions.
12. Teach mindfulness skill
Introduce your child to simple mindfulness techniques to help them stay present. Practice a “holiday senses” exercise: ask them to identify things they can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch related to Christmas.
For example, they might see twinkling lights, hear soft carols, smell pine or cinnamon, taste a warm drink, and touch their favorite blanket. This grounding activity helps calm their busy minds.
Why do children get overexcited on Christmas Eve?
Children often feel overexcited on Christmas Eve due to the anticipation of gifts, the festive environment, and disruptions to their usual routine.
The heightened energy around family gatherings, decorations, and sugary treats can amplify their excitement, making it harder to wind down.
Should I limit screen time on Christmas Eve?
Limiting screen time is a good idea on Christmas Eve, especially close to bedtime. Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with sleep, and overstimulating content may make it harder for kids to settle. Instead, opt for quiet, non-digital activities like puzzles, stories, or crafts.
How can I encourage mindfulness in children during the holidays?
You can encourage mindfulness by incorporating calming activities into your holiday traditions. Guided breathing exercises, gratitude journaling, and sensory-based games help children stay present and manage their emotions.
Apps like the Storybook App provide excellent tools, such as “Clement of the Snows,” to teach mindfulness in a fun and meaningful way.
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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