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When Santa is approaching, even thebest mattressmight not be enough to soothe your little ones to sleep.

Sticking to the same steps can help your children get into the right mindset for sleeping.

A kid sleeps on the sofa with a Christmas tree in the background

A glass of milk is good, but leave the cookies for Santa

But let’s be honest that’s easier said than done.

5 techniques to get kids to sleep on Christmas Eve

1.

Instead, simply try switching high-energy Christmas activities for something a little more soothing.

A young girl drinks from a mug while sitting by a Christmas tree

A glass of milk is good, but leave the cookies for Santa

And you dont have to stay in the house.

Engaging in physical activities like kids yoga or a short walk helps to channel their energy positively.

Negotiate this by starting bedtime with their favorite warm drink.

A mom and son brush their teeth before going to bed

Even if you don’t go to bed, engaging in the bedtime routine can build trust

Introduce deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques to guide them into a state of calm, Dr Patel suggests.

it’s possible for you to even try these activities on Christmas day itself.

A bit of deep breathing in the afternoon can help ease the festive hysteria into something more manageable.

Santa delivering gifts on Christmas night

Scaring kids to bed is not very festive – or effective

Dr Patel warns against forcing your kids into a routine they arent comfortable with.

For example, when the whole house has to wake up at 6am because the presents have arrived.

If its a little too late in the season for that, dont panic.

And one technique to avoid

1.