5 Fun & Relaxing Christmas Bedtime Routines for Kids to Ensure Sweet Dreams!
Getting your little ones excited about bedtime is a holiday miracle in itself. But what happens when the excitement of Christmas time makes it difficult for them to wind down and get some rest? Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be just the thing you need to ensure they’re getting enough sleep during this festive season. Here are five fun and relaxing Christmas bedtime routines that your kids will love:
1. Hot Cocoa and Story Time
The holiday season is all about cozy nights in with loved ones, so why not make hot cocoa a part of your bedtime routine? You can even get creative by making it festive with marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate chips! While they enjoy their drink, take some time to read them a Christmas story or two. Not only will this help them relax and unwind, but it’s also a great way to create lasting holiday memories.
Choose stories that are relevant to your child’s age group, and make sure they’re not too scary or intense for them. Some popular options include ‘The Night Before Christmas’, ‘Polar Express’, or ‘Santa’s Workshop’. The key is to find stories that spark their imagination while still being soothing enough to help them drift off to sleep.
2. Bath Time and Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Bath time is an essential part of any bedtime routine, but why not make it even more special during the holiday season? You can add some festive touches like using red or green soap, having them wear a Santa hat in the bath, or singing Christmas carols together while they soak. This will help create a fun and relaxing atmosphere that your child will look forward to every night.
Some popular Christmas songs for kids include ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, or ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’. Make sure to pick ones that are catchy and easy to sing along to, so they can join in on the fun! After bath time, dry them off and get them ready for bed with their favorite PJs or Christmas-themed nightgowns.
3. Christmas Movie Night
What’s more relaxing than snuggling up on the couch for a holiday movie marathon? You can choose classic Christmas films like ‘Elf’, ‘Home Alone’, or ‘A Christmas Story’ that are sure to put your child in the holiday spirit. Make some hot chocolate, get cozy with blankets and pillows, and enjoy some quality time together before bed.
Some other options for kid-friendly Christmas movies include ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’, or ‘Arthur Christmas’. Pick ones that are fun, light-hearted, and easy to follow, so your child can fully immerse themselves in the story.
4. Reading and Writing Letters to Santa
Getting into the holiday spirit often involves writing letters to Santa Claus! Why not make this a part of your bedtime routine? You can get some festive stationery, have them write down their Christmas wishes, and even include some drawings or doodles. This will help them feel more connected to the magic of Christmas while also getting some creative juices flowing.
After they’ve written their letter, you can read it together as a family and make sure to add your own special touches. Don’t forget to address the envelope correctly and get it ready for mailing on time! This will be an activity they’ll cherish long after the holiday season is over.
5. Christmas Book Countdown
If you have multiple kids, you know how hard it can be to keep them entertained and engaged during bedtime routines. Why not create a fun countdown to Christmas with some festive books? You can read one new book each night leading up to December 25th, and make sure they’re ones that are exciting but not too overwhelming.
Some popular Christmas books for kids include ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, or ‘The Polar Express’. Make sure to pick ones with engaging stories, beautiful illustrations, and a good balance of excitement and relaxation. As you read each book together as a family, have them predict what will happen next or ask questions about their favorite characters.
Conclusion
Getting into the holiday spirit doesn’t mean sacrificing sleep and rest for your kids! With these five fun and relaxing Christmas bedtime routines, you can create lasting memories while also ensuring they get enough shut-eye. Remember to be consistent, flexible, and open to trying new activities that work best for your child’s age group and interests.
Most importantly, have fun with it and make it a special part of your holiday traditions! Whether you’re enjoying hot cocoa, singing Christmas carols, or reading festive stories together, the key is to find what works best for your family and stick to it.