How to Fall Asleep the Night Before Christmas
The night before Christmas is arguably the most magical night of the year. There's plenty of spiked egg nog to drink 'round a blazing fire. Classic holiday tunes are on blast everywhere. And your entire home probably smells of fresh pine needles and warm chocolate chip cookies (for Santa, of course). With all that excitement in the air, it can be nearly impossible to fall asleep.
This Christmas Eve, if you do find yourself snug as a bug in a rug in your holiday pajamas trying desperately to drift off to sleep, follow these tips to get some much-needed shuteye before the man in the big, red suit shimmies down the chimney.
Exercise
You may be full of ham and Grandma's famous fudge, but it's still important to exercise on Christmas Eve. Try starting your day by finding a holiday fun run or taking a few laps around your neighborhood before dinner to see the lights.
Track Santa
Use Google's Santa Tracker to keep tabs on Saint Nick and his reindeer as they travel all around the globe. It'll be a fun distraction and a fun reminder that Santa won't come if you're awake.
Take a Warm Bath
Whether you opt to add bubbles or not, soaking in a tub will definitely help put your mind at ease as visions of sugar plums dance through your head. The warmth of a bath naturally induces sleep and will have you counting sheep in no time.
Put on Your Holiday Pajamas
It's important to stick to rituals, even on Christmas Eve. And we can't think of a better way to get ready for bed than to get decked out in your favorite PJs.
Sip a Hot Beverage
If you use caffeine-free hot chocolate, a cup of cocoa made with warm milk will make you sleepy. Warm milk contains tryptophan, an enzyme that naturally induces sleep.
Watch a Classic Movie
One of the joys of Christmas? Re-watching classics like It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street. And because you've likely seen it once or twice, chances are you'll be able to fall asleep faster.
Read a Christmas Story
Quietly reading a Christmas story by the tree or from the comfort of your own cozy bed is bound to cause warm, fuzzy feelings. Pro tip: classic books like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore can actually be downloaded for free on your Kindle, Nook or iPad.