Ah, the holidays — a season of family gatherings, festive traditions, and so much joy. It truly is my favorite time of year! But let’s be honest: for many parents, it can also be a lot. Balancing late-night festivities, travel plans, and houseguests while running on fumes? That’s enough to make anyone feel like they need a permanent nap.
If your baby, toddler, or preschooler’s sleep feels shaky right now, don’t panic. With a little planning (and a few expert sleep tips), you can enjoy this magical time and keep your child well-rested — wherever the holidays take you.
💤 If Your Child Isn’t a Great Sleeper Yet — Let’s Fix That Before the Holidays
If the thought of hosting guests or traveling makes you want to hide under the covers because bedtime is already a battle, you’re not alone. The good news? It can be fixed — and sooner than you think.
If you’ve got 2–3 weeks before the holiday chaos begins, now is the perfect time to start a personalized sleep training plan. Book a free discovery call and let’s get your little one sleeping through the night before the festivities begin.
Imagine putting your child down at bedtime and then actually enjoying an evening with family — no pacing, no tears, no stress. That’s not just a dream; it’s the sleep reality waiting for you.
If this season already looks jam-packed, no problem. Let’s make 2025 the year your family sleeps again, so next year’s holidays feel like pure magic.
🌙 If Your Child Is Already a Great Sleeper — Keep It That Way
Congrats! You’ve worked hard to teach your child independent sleep skills, and that’s worth celebrating. The key to maintaining great sleep during the holidays? Consistency about 80% of the time.
It’s okay to be flexible — a later bedtime here or a nap in the car there won’t undo your progress. Just don’t let off-schedule days stretch into a week. Independent sleepers can handle temporary changes like pros, especially if they have their familiar routines and cues.
✈️ Traveling for the Holidays? Here’s How to Keep Sleep on Track
Travel doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. Here’s your holiday sleep travel checklist to help your baby or toddler rest well wherever you go:
SlumberPod: My #1 must-have for a dark, cozy sleep space (use discount code ANDIMETZLER10).
Portable Sound Machine: Recreate the soothing sounds of home anywhere.
Travel Crib or Pack ’n Play: Familiar sleep spaces = smoother transitions.
Sleep Sacks: A consistent sleep cue you can take anywhere.
Favorite Lovies or Stuffies: Comfort and familiarity go a long way.
On travel days, don’t stress about perfect naps — let them happen on the go. Your focus should be connection and flexibility; the schedule can resume once you arrive.
🍽️ Managing Mealtime and Nap Conflicts
Holiday meals and nap schedules rarely align perfectly. Here’s how to find balance:
If lunch or dinner falls right at nap time, move the nap slightly earlier so your child can join for part of the meal.
Bring your portable sleep setup if you’ll be out for several hours.
For kids 2½ and older, consider skipping the nap and moving bedtime earlier (6:30 PM works great).
Remember, a well-rested child means a happier parent — and you deserve to enjoy that hot holiday meal while it’s still warm!
🙄 Handling Family Judgment About Sleep Routines
Ah yes, the unsolicited holiday advice — “Can’t they stay up just this once?” or “We never did that with our kids!” Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: most people simply don’t understand how much sleep children need or why keeping routines matters. You’re not being “too rigid” — you’re protecting your child’s wellbeing.
Here’s how to handle it gracefully:
Stick to your boundaries and honor your child’s limits.
Remember: you know your child best.
Recruit an ally — your partner, a friend, or even Grandma — who supports your choices.
🎁 A Well-Rested Family = Happier Holidays
With a little structure (and a lot of grace for yourself), you can have both: joyful holiday memories and restful nights.
If sleep struggles are making that feel impossible, let’s change that together.
👉 Book your free discovery call and let’s create a custom sleep plan so your whole family can thrive this season — and all year long.
Here’s to a holiday filled with love, laughter, and yes… a few full nights of sleep.