The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and cherished family traditions. However, for parents, it can also be a period of disrupted routines and, all too often, a struggle to preserve children’s precious sleep patterns.
I personally know because my children were notorious for not napping on Christmas Day. I would be busy getting the house prepared for company and I would watch the baby monitor as my children played happily in their cribs. While I was thrilled that they were quietly entertaining themselves and not screaming, I knew what was in store for me later as they became overtired and overstimulated tiny little humans amongst the holiday festivities.
As we head towards the holidays, let’s explore practical strategies to ensure you and your little ones enjoy them without turning into the Grinch this season.
Maintain Consistent Bedtime Routines
Amidst the excitement of holiday celebrations, strive to maintain consistent bedtime routines. Familiar activities, such as reading a favorite bedtime story or engaging in calming pre-sleep rituals, can signal to your child that it’s time to enter into sleep mode, even during this exciting season.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Whether you’re at home or away, prioritize creating a sleep-friendly environment for your child. If you plan to be away from home, consider bringing familiar bedding, favorite sleep toys, and any other comforting items that contribute to a sense of security. Bring along a noise machine or download a white noise app as well while traveling to block out any possible outside noise or noise from shared sleeping quarters. Dim the lights to mimic the usual sleep atmosphere. Consider bringing dark trash bags or other items to block out window light especially if you are traveling across time zones. (Just be sure to make sure they are out of reach of your child as they can become a safety hazard.)
Plan Nap Times Appropriately
Account for nap times in your holiday plans. While it might be tempting to skip or delay naps during busy days, sticking to your child’s regular nap schedule can prevent overtiredness and make evenings more manageable. This will allow for the holiday season to be better enjoyed by all, especially your child.
Communicate Expectations
If holiday gatherings involve late nights or unusual sleep arrangements, communicate your child’s sleep needs to family and friends. Discussing expectations beforehand can help ensure everyone is on the same page and supportive of preserving your child’s sleep routine. Explain to them the reasoning behind so they better understand. Nobody likes dealing with a grumpy overtired child.
Manage Sugar and Stimulants
The holidays often bring an abundance of sugary treats and festive drinks. While indulging is part of the fun, be mindful of the timing. Limit sugary snacks close to bedtime, and opt for calming beverages, such as warm milk, to avoid excess stimulation before sleep.
Schedule Downtime
Balance the excitement of holiday activities with periods of downtime. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon at home or a leisurely walk outdoors, these moments can help prevent overstimulation and contribute to better sleep.
Prepare for Travel
If your holiday plans involve travel, plan ahead for a smooth sleep transition. Bring along familiar sleep items, maintain bedtime rituals, and consider adjusting to the new time zone gradually to minimize disruptions. If you are traveling to a time zone that is ahead of your current time zone, gradually adjust your child’s bedtime fifteen minutes earlier each night for the week before if possible. If you are traveling to a time zone that is behind your current time zone, gradually adjust your child’s bedtime fifteen minutes later each night for the week before if possible. If you can, try to stay on a schedule between the two time zones when traveling so it makes for an easier transition both ways.
Be Flexible, but Mindful
Flexibility is key during the holidays, but balance it with mindfulness. While some deviations from the routine are inevitable, making a conscious effort to prioritize sleep will contribute to a more enjoyable holiday season for both you and your child.
By incorporating the above strategies into your holiday plans, you can create a harmonious balance between holiday cheer and the essential need for a silent night. Here’s to a season filled with magical moments and peaceful, sugar plum slumbers for you and your little ones! Remember children grow quickly. This stage is temporary. Before you know it this will be a thing of the past! Happy Holidays!