Too Excited to Sleep? Calming Holiday Jitters for Toddlers

The stockings are hung. The tree is lit. And your toddler? They are bouncing off the walls.

It's December 23rd in San Jose, and the anticipation is palpable. While we adults might feel stressed, toddlers feel pure, unadulterated energy. They know something big is coming, and their little bodies just can't contain it.

But a hyperactive toddler usually leads to a sleepless night, which leads to a cranky Christmas morning. Nobody wants that.

Here are three ways to help your little one wind down when the holiday jitters hit.

1. Burn the Energy Early (Heavy Work)

Don't keep them cooped up inside looking at the presents. Their nervous system needs to discharge that excitement. Take them to a playground in Campbell or Sunnyvale and encourage "Heavy Work."

• Climbing up the slide.
• Pushing a heavy wagon.
• Carrying grocery bags (the light ones!). Heavy work provides "proprioceptive input," which is incredibly grounding and calming for the brain.

2. The "Warm Down" Routine

Tonight is not the night to skip the bath. In fact, make it longer. Warm water is a natural muscle relaxant. Add a drop of lavender oil if you have it. After the bath, try a little "pizza massage." Pretend their back is the dough, knead it (gently), add the sauce (rubbing), and the cheese (light tickles). Physical touch releases oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," which combats cortisol (the stress hormone).

3. Walk Through the Plan

Sometimes, excitement is actually anxiety in disguise. "What is happening? Is Santa scary? Will I get the toy?" Remove the mystery. Sit down and explain exactly what tomorrow will look like. "First, we will wake up. Then we will eat pancakes. Then we will open presents." Knowing the schedule gives them a sense of safety, allowing their brain to relax enough to sleep.

A Silent Night (Hopefully)

If they still wake up at 5 AM? Well, that's just part of the magic. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and enjoy the wonder in their eyes.

From all of us at Sunny Child Care, we wish you a peaceful and restful night before the festivities begin.

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