PARENTS up and down the country know how hard it is to get excited children to sleep on Christmas Eve.
But luckily the experts are on hand to help make it seamless – and give you time to sit back, relax and even enjoy a glass of fizz in peace before the chaos of Christmas Day.
So what should be on your checklist as you get yourself prepared?
Child sleep expert Joanna Rammell recently revealed her go-to hacks for all the parents out there – starting with a genius Santa’s special sleep potion.
She revealed to greeting card company thortful that there is a clever concoction that you can give your kids just before bedtime to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
The secret? Ingredients that are rich in tryptophan – such as milk and bananas.
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Joanna explained: “They make serotonin and then melatonin – a hormone that helps children's bodies know when it's time to sleep.”
She continued: “Create a special ‘sleep potion’ together with lots of tryptophan rich foods.
“Tell your kids it’s a secret recipe shared only with excited children who need help falling asleep so Santa can deliver the presents.
“Milk, oats, peanut butter and banana are all high in tryptophan, and blended together will make a delicious sleepy potion.”
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However, that’s not the only tip up Joanna’s sleeve to help you on your way to a magical night.
The sleep pro also revealed that you can also make sure they get lots of tryptophan by introducing a new tradition – a Christmas Eve picky tea that kids will love.
She explained: “Another perfect opportunity to get some tryptophan rich foods into your children and boost their melatonin levels is dinner time.
“Cheese, tuna, turkey, tofu, yoghurt, eggs and bread are all great sources of tryptophan and make a delicious picky tea.”
Her third top tip is to turn to a friend for a helping hand – in this instance, none other than Father Christmas.
Joanna continued: “Write a special letter from Santa and his elves reminding children of the importance of an early bedtime to make sure they get their presents.
“Reading this earlier in the evening can motivate them to get to bed on time.”
Joanna also added that parents should ensure that their bedtime is a fun activity and something to look forward to.
This can be done through one of two ways.
Tell your kids it’s a secret recipe shared only with excited children who need help falling asleep so Santa can deliver the presents
Firstly, she suggested: “Spend the day making Christmas eve bedtime positive, rather than a punishment.
“Countdown the hours throughout the day until everyone gets to go to sleep so Santa can deliver the presents.
“Have a little family dance on the hour, celebrating one hour closer to bedtime and Santa’s arrival.”
Her other hack is what she describes as the “Santa’s Little Helper” reward.
Joanna said: “Try a special reward system just for Christmas eve where kids earn "Santa's Little Helper" points or stickers for getting ready for bed quickly and getting into bed on time.
“These points could be exchanged for a small reward or privilege on Christmas day.”
And, if all else fails, you can also create a fun sleep chart that will guarantee your kids go bounding into bed.
Joanna concluded: “Decorate your chart with glitter, stickers, pom poms, or anything to make it personal and Christmassy for your little ones.
“Set out their bedtime steps on the chart to encourage cooperation and reduce power struggles.
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“If they get to add a festive sticker each time they complete a step of the bedtime routine, it’s fun, not a chore.”
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