Ah, the holidays—a season of family gatherings, festive traditions, and so much joy. It truly is my favorite time of the year! But let’s be honest: for many parents, it can also be a lot. Balancing the holiday fun while running on empty due to sleepless nights? That’s enough to make anyone feel like they need a permanent nap.
Let’s talk about how to keep your child’s sleep intact during the holidays—or, if sleep has been a struggle, how to start turning things around. Whether you need a full sleep intervention or just tips to stay consistent, I’ve got you covered.
If Your Child Isn’t a Great Sleeper: Let’s Fix That
If the thought of houseguests or holiday travel makes you want to crawl under a pile of blankets because sleep is already a battle at home, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this can be fixed.
If you’ve got 2–3 weeks on your calendar before the holiday whirlwind starts, now is the perfect time to dive into sleep training. Book a call with me, and we’ll work together to help your little one become a rockstar sleeper. Imagine putting your child down at bedtime and then actually being able to enjoy your evenings with family. It’s not just a dream—it’s your new reality waiting to happen.
But if your calendar looks more like a jigsaw puzzle than a clear path, that’s okay too. Let’s make 2025 your year to tackle sleep struggles, and next year’s holiday season will feel like a breeze.
If Your Child Is Already a Great Sleeper: Keep It That Way
Congratulations on raising a fantastic little sleeper! The key to maintaining those sleep skills during the holidays is staying consistent most of the time—about 80% is a good rule of thumb.
Feel free to flex your schedule a little to enjoy the festivities. Maybe it’s a nap on the go or a slightly later bedtime, but try not to stray too far for too long. Independent sleepers handle occasional changes like champs, whether they’re snoozing in a new environment or someone else is tucking them in.
Traveling for the Holidays? No Problem
Holiday travel doesn’t have to mean sleepless chaos. Here’s my go-to travel checklist to make sleep away from home a breeze:
SlumberPod: My absolute favorite for a dark, cozy sleep environment and a visual barrier. Bonus: use discount code ANDIMETZLER10.
Travel-Sized Sound Machine: Bring the soothing sounds of home wherever you go.
Travel Crib or Pack N’ Play: Familiarity is key!
Sleep Sacks: A portable cue for bedtime.
Lovies or Stuffies: Don’t leave home without the comfort items.
For travel days, don’t stress too much about naps. Let them happen when and where your child naturally falls asleep. Flexibility is your best friend here.
Meal Time & Sleep: Finding the Balance
Holiday meals can feel tricky when they overlap with your child’s nap schedule. Here’s how to navigate:
If the meal falls right at naptime, consider putting your little one down a bit early so they can join the festivities (briefly, at least).
If possible, bring your sleep setup with you. A well-rested baby = a happier mom who can enjoy a hot meal for once.
For toddlers over 2.5 years old, you might skip the nap altogether—just plan for an early bedtime (think 6:30 PM).
Trust me, no one enjoys a holiday meal with an overtired baby melting down. Least of all, you!
Handling Judgment from Family & Friends
Ah, the unsolicited advice. If you’ve ever had a relative question why your child isn’t staying up until midnight or rolling their eyes at your routines, you’re not alone.
Here’s the deal: most people don’t understand how much sleep kids actually need or why being overtired can lead to epic meltdowns. While you’re welcome to educate them (if you have the energy), remember this—it’s your child, and their sleep needs come first.
My tips for managing the judgment:
Honor your child’s sleep limits and bend the “rules” only as far as you feel comfortable.
Stay firm in your decisions. You know what’s best for your family.
Enlist a backup—a supportive partner, family member, or friend who “gets it” can help you feel more confident.
A Well-Rested Family = Happier Holidays
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the holidays with a well-rested child—even if you’re traveling or hosting family. And if sleep struggles are making this feel impossible, let’s change that. Book a call, and we’ll create a sleep plan that has everyone in your family thriving—this season and beyond.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and maybe even a few full nights of sleep. (Yes, they do exist!)