Holidays with young children can be a wild ride. On the one hand, there’s the excitement of time off, family gatherings, and all the festive magic. On the other hand, the exhaustion from sleep deprivation can leave you running on fumes, threatening to steal the joy from these moments.
The Case Against Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation hits everyone differently.
I recently chatted with a first-time mom of a 12-month-old who wasn’t sleeping through the night. She shared how much she was enjoying this stage of her baby’s life, even though she was tired and desperately hoping for better sleep soon.
If that resonates with you, that’s wonderful! But if you’re on the other end of the spectrum—feeling like exhaustion is robbing you of joy—I hear you too.
When my kids were little, lack of sleep had a ripple effect on every part of my life. It drained my energy, dampened my mood, and made it hard to be fully present. For me, prioritizing sleep wasn’t just about survival; it was about thriving as a parent.
Whether your kids are champion sleepers or you’re still in the trenches of sleepless nights, the holidays add extra layers of chaos. But there are ways to navigate the season without sacrificing everyone’s sleep—and sanity.
5 Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Young Children
1. Accept Reality as It Is
Holidays with kids are magical, but they’re also intense. Early wake-ups, diapers, tantrums, and bedtime battles don’t pause for Christmas or Hanukkah. It’s okay to feel nostalgic for the carefree holidays of your pre-kid life, but embracing this stage can help you find joy in the chaos.
The days of more independence, fewer tantrums, and sleeping in will come—but not this year. This season is about creating memories, even if they come with exhaustion. Sticking to age-appropriate schedules, including early bedtimes, will help everyone feel more refreshed.
2. Be Flexible—Within Reason
Travel and social commitments can throw off even the best routines, and that’s okay. Consistency is important, but it’s also okay to adapt temporarily.
If bedtime shifts a bit or naps happen on the go, you can return to your regular routine once things settle down. Expect a little adjustment period when you get back home and stay patient as your child re-acclimates.
3. Don’t Fear Judgment
Parents are magnets for unsolicited advice, especially during the holidays:
- “Why are you leaving so early? Let them stay up!”
- “They’ll sleep if they’re tired—stop stressing.”
- “Why are you using that white noise machine?”
Here’s the truth: You can’t control others’ opinions, but you can control your response. Align with your partner on your approach to sleep during family gatherings or trips. Stick to your plan confidently, knowing you’re doing what’s best for your child and your family.
For every judgmental comment, there are countless parents rooting for you because they know exactly how hard you’re working to prioritize your child’s well-being.
4. Have a Plan
Holidays can feel less overwhelming if you go in with a game plan. Think about the key details:
- Travel logistics: If you’re driving, try to align your baby’s nap with travel time so they can sleep in the car.
- Sleep arrangements: Where will your baby or toddler sleep? Will you bring a travel crib or co-sleep temporarily? Having this figured out in advance saves stress.
- Morning parenting shifts: If early mornings are non-negotiable, talk with your partner about trading off who gets to sleep in.
- Family conversations: If you’ll be staying with relatives, like your mom or mother-in-law, have a gentle conversation about your plans. For example, explain your baby’s sleep schedule and why it matters, so they’re on board with your efforts to keep things on track.
Having a clear plan doesn’t mean everything will go perfectly, but it helps you stay grounded when the inevitable chaos arises.
5. Ease Back into Routine After the Holidays
Once the festivities are over, prioritize returning to your regular routine. For example:
- Re-establish sleeping arrangements: If your baby slept in your bed while traveling, transition them back to their crib as soon as you’re home. Stick to your pre-holiday sleep habits to help them adjust quickly.
- Limit screen time before bed: If toddlers had extra screen time during the holidays, ease back into a no-TV-before-bed policy to support healthy sleep.
- Stick to wind-down routines: Whether it’s a bedtime story, lullabies, or a warm bath, consistent wind-down rituals help your child feel secure and ready to sleep.
It might take a few days, but with patience and consistency, your child (and you!) will be back to better sleep in no time.
Check out our lovely collection of new lovies! A great Holiday gift and new friend companion for your little one trips and sleep.
