KALEIDOSCOPE

The holiday season tends to get many children overly stimulated which, in turn, makes many parents frustrated. This becomes obvious when bedtime rolls around. With young children, it is important to keep the bedtime routine to help them unwind and feel ready for bed.

During the holidays in my house, we followed the same routine even if we had been out later than normal. We did, however, add a few specials into the routine. During bath time, we played or sang Christmas songs and carols, especially the slower ones. Then, after dressing in the wooly, footy sleeper pajamas, a glass of milk was poured and we proceeded to the couch for story time. Story time during the holidays consisted of one or two special holiday or Christmas books. These were special books I took out the Friday after Thanksgiving and put away around New Year’s Eve. Since they were only read for four to six weeks a year, my boys snuggled in to listen: “The Shoemaker and the Elves,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” and of course “The Night Before Christmas.”

Then it was time to brush the teeth, get a last drink of water, say the prayers, and snuggle into bed. Sometimes, if it wasn’t too late, I put Christmas music on softly.

Even the most hectic day seemed to melt down as we settled into the bedtime routine.