Why Sleep and Routine Still Matter During the Holidays
This time of year, our calendars seem to fill up in the blink of an eye! There are so many fun things to look forward to - catching up with people we may only see once a year, holiday parties, shows, concerts, family get-togethers, and maybe even a little traveling. And that’s on top of all the shopping, decorating, cooking, and baking we’re trying to squeeze in!
It’s a wonderful time of year, but let’s be honest - it can also be a LOT for families! Before we know it, bedtime gets pushed back, meals happen at odd times, and our usual routines go right out the window. For kids, all that excitement and change can sometimes leave them feeling a little out of sorts.
Now, I’m certainly not suggesting we skip all the holiday fun and stick to a strict schedule! Part of the magic of the holidays is doing things a little differently. But in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, it’s worth remembering that our kids still need some familiar routines and a sense of stability, too. Sometimes, those little everyday things are exactly what help them enjoy all the holiday excitement without getting completely overwhelmed.
Sleep is not a luxury
One thing that is easy to forget this time of year is that for children’s growing bodies, sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Holidays are exciting, but children still need adequate sleep to support their mood, attention, learning, emotional regulation, and physical health. A few late nights may be unavoidable, but too many can leave children feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or exhausted. As parents, we need to be aware when this happens and help our children navigate this change in routine.
Why We Establish Routines
We establish routines with our children to help them feel secure. Having family routines lets children know what to expect. Even when the day includes travel, visitors, or celebrations, familiar bedtime rituals - such as putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a story, or having a cuddle - can help children settle and feel safe.
Overstimulation can look like Misbehavior
Sometimes the busy schedule and change in routine can make children overstimulated. And sometimes overstimulation can look like misbehavior. Busy schedules, noisy gatherings, unfamiliar environments, and disrupted sleep can make it harder for children to manage their emotions. Meltdowns, irritability, silliness, or increased clinginess may be signs that a child is tired or overwhelmed and not simply being difficult. Remember to have extra patience for your child, and that the goal of the family holiday is to make memories you will all cherish, including your overstimulated child.
Planning for Downtime
Even simple things such as regular meals, some downtime, familiar expectations, and consistent sleep schedules help anchor children's days. These small, ordinary moments can be especially reassuring when everything else feels different. One late night for a special celebration usually isn't a reason to worry. What matters more is the overall pattern. Whenever possible, keep bedtimes and wake-up times reasonably consistent, and return to familiar routines after an unusually busy day. When thinking about your holiday planning, be sure to leave days for downtime and recovery. It will help you to enjoy the holidays even more!
It’s alright to leave an Event Early
It can be tempting to keep children up because everyone else is still celebrating. But sometimes the most caring choice is to leave an event early, create a quiet space, or stick with bedtime. Children are not little very long. There will be many years ahead when they are old enough to stay up late. But younger children benefit when adults recognize their limits and help them meet their needs.
Holiday memories are wonderful. So is a well-rested child. Children don't need a perfectly managed holiday to thrive. They need caregivers who are responsive to their needs, recognize when they are getting overwhelmed, and help them find their way back to a sense of balance. Keep the traditions that bring joy, protect the routines that bring stability, and give everyone permission to slow down. That is the best way to make great holiday memories for everyone!!
