Nap Protests From Holiday Excitement

Why December brings more tired tears, and what you can do about it.

The holidays bring magic, memories, and… missed naps.

If your little one has suddenly decided naps are optional, you’re not alone. During the holiday season, even the best sleepers can struggle to settle. There’s just so much going on—decorations, visitors, special events, and more stimulation than their little bodies are used to handling. Children tend to struggle with nap time around the holidays both at home, and at daycare. Let’s look at why nap protests happen this time of year, and what you can do to help your child rest and reset.

Why the Holidays Cause Nap Protests

1. Excitement Overload - The lights, music, and extra activities can make it hard for kids to “turn off” their brains and bodies. Their nervous systems stay revved up, even when they’re exhausted.

2. Changes in Routine - Late nights, skipped naps, or a different caregiver can throw off their internal rhythm. Children thrive on predictability—so even small changes can feel huge.

3. Overtired bodies = restless sleep - When kids miss sleep, their stress hormones (like cortisol) rise, making it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep later.

How to Calm the Chaos

You can’t eliminate all the excitement, but you can help your child’s body and mind reset. Here's what you need to do to help keep your child napping:

Protect quiet time—Even if They Don’t Nap - Make “rest time” non-negotiable. Dim lights, soft music, or independent play in a calm space can help their body slow down.

Keep Nap Routines the Same - Follow the same cues: stories, snuggles, lights out. Familiar steps signal that it’s time to wind down—even when everything else feels different.

Add a Mini Calm-Down Window Before Nap - Plan 10–15 minutes of quiet play, deep breaths, or soft singing before laying them down. This helps shift from stimulation to rest.

4. Don’t Stress Over Perfection - One rough nap doesn’t mean you’ve lost your rhythm forever. The goal isn’t perfect naps, it’s consistent calm.

A Word of Encouragement

If naps are a struggle right now, take a deep breath—you’re doing everything right. The holidays are full of joy and disruptions. Focus on connection, calm moments, and gentle transitions. Your little one’s routine will balance back out once the excitement fades. Every skipped nap is temporary. Every calm moment you create matters. Give yourself grace—and maybe sneak in your own nap too.