A warm bath and a present to unwrap can help children relax on Christmas Eve (Image: Getty)
Sleep expert Cat Wiltshire has highlighted seven tips which can help settle excited children the night before Christmas and one of them
Christmas Eve can be unbearably exciting for children, and some adults, and if children stay up late it can hamper parents and grandparents preparations for the big day, she adds.
She said: “Late nights can make it hard for parents to set up all the Christmas magic ready for the morning as some sharp ears may be awake listening.”
Wiltshire, has given Online-Bedrooms.co.uk readers her seven tips.
“Kids can often get really hyper the night before Christmas and a lot of them are determined to try and see Santa. “This can make it really hard for parents to get their kids to fall asleep so they can prepare all of the Christmas magic.
“Parents should try creating a relaxing evening routine so children naturally drift off but can still enjoy the celebrations in a calm way with a Christmas film and some warm hot chocolate.
“This would go hand in hand with an activity filled day – walks in the fresh air can help to tire out excitable children so when bedtime comes around they’re ready for sleep.”
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Seven sleep-friendly Christmas Eve tips
1. Christmas Eve boxes
Over the years it has become a trend to gift Christmas Eve boxes, this is a good way to help ease your child’s excitement for gift opening, leaving them satisfied before bedtime. Consider filling it with cosy pyjamas, fluffy socks, hot chocolates and candy canes which can be enjoyed that same evening.
2. Have an active day
It is a good idea to keep Christmas Eve day filled with activities so when it is time for kids to go to bed they’re tired out from a hectic day. Go for a long walk in the fresh air or spend time playing some family games to keep the festive spirit up.
3. Warm and cosy evening
Create a relaxing evening routine to help your kids unwind and feel tired. Snuggle up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate, a Christmas film and some warm fluffy blankets.
4. Bedtime bath
A warm bath has been scientifically proven to help get the mind and body ready for sleep, making you feel relaxed and comfortable. Consider treating the kids with a festive themed bath bomb as an early Christmas treat.
5. Games night
Playing games in the evening is another way to keep your kids entertained and tire them out. Stay away from anything technology based and opt for games such as charades, board games and puzzles.
6. Keep sugar to a minimum
It is hard to avoid sugary snacks around Christmas time, but try to aim to keep all sugar intake to earlier in the day so your kids don’t have a burst of energy later in the evening when they’re due to go to bed.
7. Promise them a magical Christmas morning
Talking about the Christmas morning plans with children is a great way to make them excited to go to sleep. The magic of knowing that in the morning they might catch a glimpse of Santa’s footsteps and will finally be able to open their presents can prompt kids to go to bed.
Do you have any tried and trusted tips for getting children to go to bed on Christmas Eve let us know at [email protected]