Managing Kids’ Sleep During Holiday Season Chaos

Between late-night parties, travel plans, excited wake-ups and sugar-fuelled evenings, Christmas can turn even the best sleepers into wide-eyed night owls.

Routines slip, overstimulation kicks in, and suddenly bedtime feels like a festive battle nobody signed up for. The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can protect your child’s sleep and your sanity during the busiest season of the year.

1. Keep a Core Routine, Even If the Clock Shifts

Bedtime might be later than usual, but try to keep the sequence the same:

• bath

• pyjamas

• story

• cuddle

• lights outThis familiar pattern signals “sleep” even when the day has been chaotic.

2. Protect the 24 Hours Before Big Events

Parties, travel and big family gatherings can wreck sleep after the fact, so use the day before to recharge.Offer quiet time, avoid back-to-back activities, and keep bedtime earlier to build a buffer.

3. Watch the Nap Window

For little ones, naps become even more important during the holidays.Try to protect at least one solid nap each day — even if that means a car nap or a contact nap. A rested child copes far better with festive overstimulation.

4. Manage Sugar and Excitement Late in the Day

The magic of Christmas often comes with late treats, chocolate advent calendars, and never-ending snacks.But sugar + excitement + late evenings = wired kids.Keep sweet treats earlier in the day, and switch to calming activities after dinner.

5. Create a Portable Sleep Kit

Especially for travel or staying with family. Include:

• favourite blanket

• white noise machine or app

• bedtime book

• blackout curtain or portable shade

• comfort toyFamiliar items instantly settle kids in unfamiliar spaces.

6. Build in a Wind-Down Window

After events or busy days, kids need decompression time.Try:

• a warm bath

• dim lights

• soft music

• simple play

• a quiet storyThis helps lower their overstimulated little bodies back into equilibrium.

7. Keep Bedrooms Calm, Even if the House Isn’t

The whole house may look like a Christmas film set, but keep kids’ sleep spaces neutral, cosy and calm.Dim lights, clear floors, soft bedding - think “sanctuary,” not Santa’s workshop.

8. Don’t Stress the Odd Late Night

One late night won’t ruin your child’s sleep long-term, it’s the stacked late nights that cause chaos. Enjoy the magic where it matters and reset the next day with an early bedtime.

9. Prioritise Morning Light

If your child is waking at strange times or struggling to settle at night, morning sunlight can reset their body clock.Just 10 minutes outdoors helps regulate sleep hormones.

10. Reassure Yourself (And Them) That This Is Temporary

Holiday sleep chaos is a season not a failure.Kids bounce back quickly, and routines can be restored in a few days once the festivities wind down.

Christmas doesn’t have to be the enemy of sleep. With a mix of structure, flexibility and calm rituals, you can help your child stay well-rested and emotionally balanced - while still enjoying the magic of the season.