All I Want for Christmas is a Good Night’s Sleep 🎄💤

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…

Words that give a magical tingle to any parent imagining the excitement of Christmas morning — when children eagerly wait to see stockings at the end of the bed. Yet for many parents, those words couldn’t be further from the truth, and there’s been plenty of stirring going on!

A recent poll on parenting website Netmums revealed that less than half of parents (45.8%) say their child regularly sleeps through the night, with more than 11% getting up three or more times. Not exactly a recipe for a well-rested parent on the most hectic day of the year!

We all know the scene: the turkey needs basting, the potatoes must be perfectly crispy, the glasses must stay full, and don’t even get me started on keeping guests out of the kitchen. Add an overtired toddler into the mix, and suddenly the magic of Christmas can start to fade…

Why Sleep Matters

Broken sleep isn’t just exhausting — it has real effects. Night wakings can lead to:

• Daytime tiredness and irritability

• Reduced attention and mental flexibility

• Mood swings (for both children and parents!)

  
  

If your child isn’t sleeping well, you might find yourself juggling a Christmas dinner while running on fumes — and let’s be honest, even Santa would struggle with that.

Top Tips for Sleep Over Christmas

Whether you’re staying at home or travelling, keeping sleep on track can make a huge difference. Here are my top tips:

1. Don’t overschedule

Late nights make sleep harder for an overtired child. Stick to routines and bedtimes as much as possible, even if there’s festive excitement in the air.

2. Bring familiar comforts

If you’re staying away from home, pack your child’s sleeping toy or blanket, and even some unwashed sheets from home. Familiar smells can help them feel secure and settle more easily.

3. Avoid bed-sharing

Even a few nights of sharing a bed can make it harder for your child to sleep independently when you return home.

4. Create a private sleep space

If a separate room isn’t available, try to build a little private area for them to fall asleep. A visual or physical partition can make all the difference.

5. Be consistent

Children will test boundaries during the festive season — late nights, sweet treats, and excitement can all disrupt sleep. Stick to your normal routines as much as possible, and be consistent with expectations.

Need a Little Extra Help?

If the thought of implementing a sleep plan feels daunting, or you’re not sure your child can be helped, I offer a free call to discuss your child’s sleep needs — and any other family needs too.

While I don’t have any magical dust from Santa himself, the good news is that every child is capable of sleeping soundly for 10–12 hours a night. They just need gentle guidance and consistent routines to learn how. And working with me can feel like some magical dust has been sprinkled, as I'm often referred to as a 'sleep fairy'. See my testimonials here.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas — eat, drink, and (hopefully!) sleep lots! And if not, we can sort the sleep out together afterwards. 🎄💤Packages