Picture this: It’s the week before Christmas. The tree is twinkling, the kids are buzzing with excitement, and you’ve just wrapped up a family movie night that ran well past bedtime. Your preschooler, now overtired but wired, is racing around the living room in a sugar-fuelled frenzy. Bedtime feels like a battle you’re destined to lose.

Sound familiar?

The holidays are magical, but they can also throw bedtime routines into chaos. There’s the excitement of it all, of course, but then there are late-night family gatherings, a few nights at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and an evening spent driving around to check out the Christmas lights. It’s no wonder bedtime routines start to unravel.

With so much going on, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday whirlwind and let bedtime slide or skip a nap now and then. We’ve all been there. But we also know how quickly it can lead to overtired kids, frazzled parents, and a holiday season that feels more stressful than magical.

The good news is that with a little planning and a few simple strategies, you can help your preschooler get the rest they need to enjoy the holidays while keeping the season joyful for everyone.

Why Sleep Matters—Even During the Holidays

Preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day, according to Australian Government guidelines. This amount of rest is vital for your child’s health, happiness, and behaviour, but it’s also essential for your own well-being and the harmony of your family.

The holidays are a time when routines tend to fall apart. Late nights, travel, and changes in sleeping environments can make it harder for preschoolers to settle down.

Unfortunately, the effects of disrupted sleep can quickly add up, leading to:

• Behavioural issues: Difficulty managing emotions or sharing and more frequent tantrums
• Physical exhaustion: Lower energy levels, making holiday activities harder to enjoy
• Emotional struggles: Increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings

While disruptions may be unavoidable, a mindful approach can help you strike a balance between holiday fun and ensuring your preschooler gets the rest they need.

Simple Sleep Solutions for the Holiday Season

Here are some strategies to help keep sleep on track, even when routines get a little irregular:

1. Stick to a Semi-Consistent Sleep Schedule

While it’s tempting to let routines go completely out the window, try to maintain a general rhythm. Keep bedtimes and wake-up times as consistent as possible, allowing for some flexibility on special occasions. If your child stays up late one night, let them catch up with a nap or an earlier bedtime the next day.

2. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

Even when the holidays shake up your schedule, familiar bedtime activities can help your child wind down. A warm bath, a favourite story, or quiet cuddling can signal that it’s time for sleep, even if you’re camping in a tent or staying at Grandma’s house.

 3. Adapt the Environment

If you’re away from home, try to make the sleeping area as cozy and familiar as possible. A cool, dark, and quiet space works best. Bring along comfort items like your child’s favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow to help them feel secure and relaxed.

4. Limit Evening Stimuli

The holidays are filled with excitement, but preschoolers can quickly become overstimulated by sugary treats, screen time, or too much activity. To help them wind down, avoid screens and stimulating activities in the hour before bed.

5. Be Flexible but Attentive

Pay attention to signs that your child might be overtired, such as irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty focusing. If you notice these signs, adjust your plans to allow for recovery sleep. This might mean skipping an outing or planning a quiet day at home to help everyone recharge.

How Animal Fun Supports Sleep During the Holidays

The Animal Fun program is designed to build motor skills, support emotional regulation, and improve social skills through play. These activities can seamlessly fit into holiday schedules, helping children manage excitement and wind down when it’s time to rest.

Here’s how Animal Fun can play a part in your holiday sleep strategy:

A Calming Evening Activity
Try incorporating Animal Fun’s gentle stretches and movements into your bedtime routine. Activities like 'Slow Deep Breathing' – take a deep breath in, hold the breath for a couple of seconds, exhale slowly through the mouth – repeat three times or use the 'Muscles Relaxation Meditation' to help children to calm down and relax tension from their bodies.

Burn Off Energy During the Day
Use high-energy Animal Fun games like 'Horses Galloping', 'Bears Walking', 'Crocodile Crawling' or 'Dolphins Rolling' to help your child release pent-up energy earlier in the day. This makes it easier for them to settle when bedtime comes around.

Create Familiarity Away from Home
If you’re traveling or staying with family, bring along Animal Fun activities as part of your routine. Familiar movements can provide a sense of security and normalcy, even in an unfamiliar sleeping environment.

Embracing Balance Over Perfection

Of course, it’s not always possible to maintain routines perfectly during the holidays, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to stick rigidly to schedules but to create enough structure to keep everyone feeling their best. When your preschooler is well-rested, they’ll be better able to enjoy the excitement, and you’ll feel more equipped to soak up the magic of the season too.

And remember, the holidays can be just as demanding for you as they are for your children. Make sure you’re prioritising your own rest and relaxation—listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to slow down when needed. A well-rested parent is better able to enjoy the season and all the joy it brings.

By taking a mindful, balanced approach, you can enjoy all the joy and chaos the holidays bring while ensuring your family stays happy and rested. After all, a little planning goes a long way in keeping the season merry and bright for everyone.

Ready to make this holiday season smoother and more joyful for your family? Discover how the Animal Fun program can support your child’s development, help manage holiday excitement, and create calmer, happier bedtimes.

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