5 Christmas Bedtime Tips for Kids: How to Keep Sleep on Track Without Dampening the Magic

The build-up to Christmas is magical. But let’s be honest, it can also be a lot. For children, the excitement is dialled right up. Routines fray. Sugar and over-stimulation take their toll. It’s no surprise that sleep is often the first casualty. Here's our top 5 Christmas bedtime tips for kids.

And it’s not just children. One consumer survey found that 80% of Brits struggle to get enough shut-eye over the holidays (Barker & Stonehouse, 2024).

The good news? With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can help your child wind down more easily, even when the festive spirit is in full swing.

Here's Gemma's Top Christmas Bedtime Tips for Kids

1. Stick to a Flexible Routine

Festivities don’t have to mean abandoning structure altogether. Children thrive on rhythm and predictability, even a loosely held one.

A 2023 study found that toddlers with a consistent bedtime routine (five or more nights a week) showed better emotional development and fewer behavioural difficulties over time (Lam et al., 2023).

Keeping familiar bedtime cues like bath time, stories or a special song can help your child’s body and mind recognise what’s coming, even if bedtime is slightly later (or more chaotic) than usual.

We have a great bath time gift box! Our little soak and soothe set encourages happy bath times from the beginning.

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2. Burn Off Energy with Heavy Work

At Mind+Moon we’re big fans of fresh air and movement, but try to also include some heavy work in the mix. These are activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting or squeezing. They offer deep sensory input and support your child’s proprioceptive system, which helps the body feel grounded and calm.

Think carrying logs for the fire, making a snowman, or even a festive game of tug-of-war with a blanket indoors. These kinds of movements can be especially regulating before bed.

3. Talk About Their Day

For toddlers and young children, bedtime can be a golden window for connection. It’s also a chance to process the highs and lows of a busy day.

Rather than a broad “How was your day?”, try prompts that link feelings to experiences:

• What made you smile today?

• Was anything tricky or surprising?

• What’s one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow?

These questions can help settle an overstimulated mind. You may want to also use a Worry Monster to encourage your child to offload their worries before bed.

4. Create a Calm Sleep Space

Festive lights are lovely, just not in the bedroom. Aim for a sleep space that feels like an exhale: dim lighting, soft textures and minimal visual clutter.

At Mind+Moon, we’ve designed a collection of wall art and gentle décor that supports exactly this kind of environment – calming to look at, and rooted in sleep science.

Visit our mindful prints, let us know which one you prefer!

5. Extend the Wind-Down with Screen-Free Activities

On extra exciting days, it often takes longer to unwind – and that’s okay. Building in a longer, low-stimulation bedtime routine (around 30 to 40 minutes) can make all the difference.

A 2024 UK randomised trial found that removing screens in the hour before bed improved toddlers’ sleep efficiency and reduced night wakings (Pickard et al., 2024).

Not sure where to start? Our Mind+Moon gift boxes include screen-free sleep tools like yoga cards, breathing prompts and activity books – all designed to soothe and connect, not overstimulate.

Final Thoughts

Children are wonderfully adaptable. A few off-kilter bedtimes won’t undo your hard work. But giving them predictable cues, emotional connection and a calming sleep environment can help everyone stay grounded during the Christmas chaos.