"He sees you when you're sleeping; he knows when you're awake …"
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie 1934
Having trouble falling asleep on Christmas Eve evening? You are not alone, it is actually a night when it is difficult to fall asleep, for the excitement and expectation of the following day. Santa Claus is coming, and time never goes by fast enough in waiting. Here are some tips that can help you disregard the excitement so you can close your eyes and be rested for the big day.
Steps
Step 1. Convince yourself that it is an evening like any other
Do the same things you usually do, brush your teeth, read a book, say goodnight to pets, and so on.
One technique that works well is to play some quiet game with a friend or family member
Step 2. Relax
If you feel hyperactive and do nothing but jump, you need to be able to calm down; you are just fueling an excitement that will be difficult to "defuse".
Step 3. Try a warm bath
Relax and close your eyes. Spray imaginary targets with rubber toys, or do whatever helps you relax in the tub. Think that the sooner you fall asleep, the sooner Christmas will come!
Step 4. Settle into bed in a comfortable position
Try to avoid fidgeting and do something that can relax your mind and body.
Step 5. Count the sheep
Any pastime that calms you down or relaxes can help you not get too excited and get you in the mood to fall asleep.
Step 6. Don't go and look under the Christmas tree
If you do, besides ruining the surprise, you'll get even more agitated!
Step 7. Squat with your pet
If he's a dog or cat, and he's used to sleeping with you, try falling asleep with him. Usually the company promotes sleep.
Step 8. Try physical activity
While it might seem illogical, exercise can calm you down. A couple of hours before bed, do push-ups, push-ups, or other exercises, but try not to exceed half an hour of activity. In addition to getting tired, physical activity will keep your mind busy and you won't think about Christmas.
Step 9. Lie in bed and relax the various parts of the body with visualization and muscle relaxation exercises
Focusing on the body will still keep your mind busy and away from the thought of Christmas.
Step 10. Drink some warm milk
Milk contains calcium, magnesium and tryptophan, elements that promote sleep. Alternatively, you can try herbal tea.
The right time to drink milk or eat something is when you prepare the plate with the snack for Santa Claus
Step 11. Read a book
It can also be a Christmas story, but it doesn't really matter. You can try reading a school book, super boring, or about a topic that doesn't interest you at all. Reading a boring book helps you fall asleep, while reading a compelling book can help you not think about Christmas.
Step 12. Listen to Christmas music and think about the spirit of Christmas
Make a "sleep music" playlist. Music can help you sleep and distract you from the thought of gifts
Step 13. Decide what time to wake up
Make a deal with your other family members too, so that everyone will wake up at the same time and be ready to start the exciting day. If you wake up early, eat something, get washed, get dressed, and be well prepared for photos and footage of the day.
Take care of your appearance if there will be any video or photo footage of Christmas morning, so that you don't look sloppy
Step 14. If you can't fall asleep, avoid sitting at the computer, or doing other stimulating or interactive activities such as video games
If you watch TV, turn off other light sources and leave the room in the dark
Step 15. Light a lavender or jasmine scented candle, and place it safely even if you fall asleep
Step 16. Merry Christmas
Advice
- An hour before bedtime, go to your room and do some distracting activity, like watching TV or chatting with a few friends. Keep away from the Christmas tree even with the thought!
- Don't drink caffeinated or energizing drinks!
- Lie down in bed and think it's time to get up already. Ask yourself how tired you are, wouldn't you like to keep sleeping?
- The night before Christmas Eve, stay up late and get up early in the morning; on Christmas Eve you will be very tired.
-
If you're still having trouble falling asleep, watch a movie. These are some original Christmas movie titles:
A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, Elf, Home alone 1 2 and 3, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol, It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Follow Santa's path around the world, it's always a good way to have fun on Christmas Eve!
- Drink a glass of water slowly and clear your mind.
- Going over the times tables will surely keep your mind away from the thought of Christmas!
- Make plans for tomorrow as if it were a normal vacation day to spend with a few friends, they will be good for the next few days.
Warnings
- Don't open gifts. Hold back and wait to share this special moment with all your loved ones.
- Don't get out of bed and out of the room, walking around would only increase your curiosity.
- When in bed, get up ONLY to go to the bathroom, and return to bed as soon as possible, in the same position you were sleeping in before getting up.
- If you exercise, do not exceed 30 minutes, and do it at least an hour before bedtime. The endorphins that are created with physical activity can keep you awake, so it's best to wait before bedtime. In addition, physical activity can increase adrenaline and wake you completely.
