Christmas Nighttime Routines for the Whole Family

Christmas is a time filled with traditions, and one of the most cherished parts of the holiday season is creating special moments as a family. As each day draws to a close and everyone prepares for a restful night’s sleep, it’s the perfect opportunity to establish a Christmas nighttime routine that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the season. So snuggle up with us as we explore various ideas for a Christmas nighttime routine for the whole family, from festive pyjamas and bedtime stories to holiday snacks, DIY crafts and more! Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Christmas traditions and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Pyjama prep and festive attire

To kickstart the Christmas nighttime routine, gather the family and have everyone change into their cosy, festive pyjamas. Matching sets or themed attire adds an extra touch of holiday spirit – you can easily find festive PJs in a wide range of sizes, so all the family (including pets in some cases!) can match. This simple act sets the tone for a cosy and unified family atmosphere – nighttime Christmas celebrations are just as important as what you get up to during the day. Many parents like to gift new pyjamas as Christmas gifts, as a fun way to get the presents started a little bit early and have everyone ready for an early night before the big man comes… there’s no reason you can’t continue this tradition as an adult too!

Cosying up with bedtime stories

Gather in a comfortable space once everyone is in their Christmas attire and indulge in some bedtime stories – under your bamboo duvet, in your reading nook, or even curled up in front of the tree or fire. The soft glow of twinkling lights and the warmth of snuggled blankets will create an enchanting setting for family storytelling, and this can be a brilliant tradition to repeat year after year. Choose classic Christmas tales or holiday-themed books that capture the season’s magic. If you have any family favourites, include them and new additions. Here are some great festive bedtime stories:

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
I Love You More Than Christmas by Ellie Hattie
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Squirrel’s Snowman by Julia Donaldson

Reading is a great addition to any bedtime routine for kids, and pairing a Christmas story with your Christmas pyjama traditions is a lovely festive idea.

Holiday snack and treat time

After stories, or even during reading time, treat the family to a delightful holiday snack. Prepare a variety of Christmas treats, such as hot cocoa with marshmallows, gingerbread cookies, or candy canes. Not only will this satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, but it also adds to the festive ambience of the evening – sharing snacks is a fun way to embrace the holiday season.

DIY Christmas crafts or activities

If you’re looking for other ways to stay busy with some festive fun during the school holidays, get creative as a family by engaging in DIY Christmas crafts or activities. Set up a crafting station with supplies for everyone to create their own ornaments, holiday cards, or festive decorations. Alternatively, play a Christmas-themed board game or complete a holiday puzzle together. These activities promote bonding, creativity, and the joy of working together as a family. Plus, you’ll be left with some super cute homemade goodies you can keep for years to come, or gift to grandparents and other family members. Crafting is a great one if you’re looking for family sleepover ideas, especially if you have cousins and other relatives staying over.

Carol singing or musical moments

Take advantage of the Christmas spirit by engaging in carol-singing or musical moments at bedtime! Sing some Christmas songs and tap out a beat on makeshift instruments – it doesn’t have to sound any good; it’s the experience that counts. This joyful expression of music brings the family closer together and uplifts the spirits, creating memories that will be cherished for years. From traditional Christmas carols to new festive pop songs, get the whole family singing along before bed, and you can guarantee everyone will be drifting off with a smile on their face…

Reflection and gratitude

Encourage reflection and gratitude as part of the Christmas nighttime routine. Take a few moments to share what each family member is grateful for during the holiday season. This practice fosters a healthy mindset of being content with what you have, and it can help reduce anxiety or unhappiness as you realise you have a lot to be thankful for. Younger children might need some prompting with this, but it is an excellent way to end the day.

Setting up for Santa’s arrival

When it comes to Christmas Eve, this is the most important night to have a solid bedtime routine! Get the little ones involved in the preparation, and if you have older kids, make sure they are ready to help keep the magic alive. Have the children write a note to Santa, and be sure to leave out some cookies and milk – and a carrot for good old Rudolph. These iconic Christmas Eve activities will add to the joy of family time during the holidays.

Lights out with a Christmas ambience

It’s time to get cosy this Christmas – dim the lights, turn on those twinkling fairy lights, and light some festive candles. Especially those scented ones you think are too special to light; this is such a special time of year, and they’ll only gather dust if you don’t light them… This will make the ambience perfect and help you relax during what can be quite a stressful period. Your holiday bedtime rituals are super important.

Christmas nighttime routines for the whole family

Get everybody involved in a festive bedtime routine! From Christmas crafts to bedtime stories and new snuggly pyjamas, this is the time to be cosy and create family Christmas traditions for years. Spread joy and happiness, and get a good night’s sleep so you stay on the ‘good list’! Creating Christmas memories is what it’s all about.