How to Sleep Better During the Christmas Holidays: Your Ultimate Guide [2025]

Creating Your Sleepy Christmas Soundtrack

Holiday Goodwill, Winter Beauty, and Quiet Dreams

First things first, let’s talk about what you’re listening to. Music can be a powerful tool for improving sleep, and the right tunes during the Christmas holidays are no exception. Research shows that adults who listen to 45 minutes of relaxing music before bed fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and report better sleep quality.

We’ve handpicked ten holiday songs designed to gently guide you into dreamland and help you create the perfect bedtime routine during the festive season. Each track has a slow tempo between 60-80 beats per minute (matching a resting heart rate) that supports relaxation. With soft vocals, gentle instrumentation, and melodies that help your mind and body wind down naturally, these calming tunes create an ideal atmosphere. Consider putting together your own playlist with these gentle holiday melodies to help you drift off to sleep.

Christmas Sleep Playlist

“The Christmas Song” by Matthew Ifield

• Tempo: 67 BPM
• Characteristics: With its soothing harmonies and mellow tones, this classic holiday tune has a warm, cozy vibe. Matthew Ifield’s smooth vocals paired with soft instrumentation create a soft, relaxing atmosphere.

A big shoutout to Matthew Ifield for his beautiful rendition of “The Christmas Song”. After listening to many versions by established artists, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our favorite came from a new artist we discovered while on the hunt for the perfect track for this holiday playlist!

“The First Noel” by Frank Sinatra

• Tempo: 73 BPM
• Characteristics: Sinatra’s velvety voice and the song’s slow, steady rhythm make this a calming addition to your playlist. The traditional carol’s familiar melody evokes nostalgic feelings, contributing to a peaceful holiday atmosphere.

“Silent Night” by Pentatonix

• Tempo: 78 BPM
• Characteristics: This a cappella version of the beloved carol offers a serene and introspective mood. The group’s harmonies create a soothing soundscape, ideal for quiet moments of reflection during the holiday season.

“O Holy Night” by Sarah McLachlan

• Tempo: 67 BPM
• Characteristics: McLachlan’s rendition of the classic Christmas carol is serene and contemplative, creating a peaceful ambiance perfect for winding down in the evening.

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Jewel

• Tempo: 60 BPM
• Characteristics: Jewel’s ethereal voice lends a gentle, uplifting quality to this traditional hymn. The moderate tempo and soft instrumentation provide a calming yet hopeful atmosphere.

“Let It Snow” by Diana Krall & The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

• Tempo: 75 BPM
• Characteristics: This jazzy version of the holiday classic strikes a balance between relaxation and cheerfulness. Krall’s smooth vocals and the swinging orchestration provide a sophisticated, uplifting atmosphere.

“Winter Wonderland” by Bing Crosby

• Tempo: 63 BPM
• Characteristics: Crosby’s iconic voice and the song’s moderate tempo create a cozy, nostalgic feeling. The gentle swing rhythm adds a touch of cheer while maintaining a relaxed mood.

“Sleigh Ride” by Ella Fitzgerald

• Tempo: 77 BPM
• Characteristics: Fitzgerald’s playful vocals, combined with the upbeat orchestration, create an uplifting atmosphere that captures the joy of the season while still being easy to enjoy in a cozy setting.

“Christmas Time Is Here” (Instrumental) by Vince Guaraldi Trio

• Tempo: 74 BPM
• Characteristics: This instrumental jazz piece from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” offers a mellow, contemplative mood. The slow tempo and soft piano create a peaceful ambiance perfect for quiet holiday moments.

“White Christmas” by Celtic Woman

• Tempo: 63 BPM
• Characteristics: This rendition of the classic Irving Berlin song features beautiful harmonies and a gentle Celtic influence. The slow tempo and ethereal vocals contribute to a dreamy, relaxing atmosphere.

Save This Playlist

We’ve added these 10 soothing songs plus 20 more to this playlist for restful nights during the holidays.

• Spotify
• YouTube

Sleep tip: Start playing your sleep playlist about 45 minutes before bedtime, keep the volume low, and use speakers rather than headphones for maximum comfort.

Holiday Bedroom Decor: Cozy Up and Sleep Better

Designing Your Christmas Sleep Sanctuary

The diffused glow from these sources deepens your room’s ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere for restful evenings and helps you sleep better during the Christmas holidays.

Festive Plants and Soothing Decorations

Bring the season’s beauty indoors with sleep-promoting natural elements. These carefully selected plants enhance your bedroom with holiday charm while contributing to better air quality and emotional wellbeing, both key factors in achieving restorative sleep during the busy Christmas season.

Christmas Cactus: Winter’s Blooming Gift

This delightful succulent blooms right around the holidays with graceful flowers in festive shades of red, pink, or white. It requires minimal care (perfect for busy December schedules) and improves indoor air quality while increasing humidity levels during dry winter months when indoor heating can leave the air uncomfortably dry.

Norfolk Island Pine: Your Miniature Christmas Tree

This living tree functions as both festive decor and natural air purifier. NASA research shows it can remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air, creating a healthier breathing environment while you sleep. You can even add a few small ornaments or a tiny star on top for subtle holiday cheer. Note: Keep out of reach of children and pets as it is toxic if ingested.

Holiday Scents: Essential Oils for Sweet Dreams

Ever noticed how certain smells can instantly transport you to a state of calm? This season calls for fragrances that envelop our homes with comfort, joy, and a sense of peaceful celebration. Think of pine and coniferous oils from your Christmas tree, the spicy scent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in warm drinks, the minty flavor of peppermint in your candy cane, and even frankincense and myrrh brought by the Wise Men in the traditional Christmas story.

When diffused in living spaces or crafted into homemade room sprays, these essential oils inspired by winter traditions and cozy gatherings infuse your home with a heartfelt embrace, turning every breath into a celebration of winter’s cozy magic while promoting the deep, restorative sleep you need during this festive season.

Essential Oils for Peaceful Holiday Nights

Consider these refreshing, woody, and spicy aromas to bring a sense of calm, grounding, and festive spirit to your winter spaces while supporting your circadian rhythm and sleep hygiene.

Clove

With its warm, spicy, and subtly sweet scent, clove serves as a powerful comforting oil that resonates with the celebratory energy of the holiday season. It delivers depth and richness to blends, balancing fresher or lighter notes when used sparingly. More than a fragrance, clove helps promote a sense of calm and trust during times of excitement and busyness, supporting mindfulness and tranquility that combat sleep anxiety. The main active compound in cloves, eugenol, has sedative properties that can help induce relaxation and promote sleep. Clove’s persistent aroma helps extend the longevity of blends, making it a valued addition to your holiday scent collection.

Clove water is a natural sedative that helps support cognitive function, a healthy heart, and healthy immune function. To make clove water, boil 4 to 5 cloves in one cup of water, lower the heat, and allow it to simmer for five minutes. Cover the water while it’s simmering to prevent the vapors from escaping. Allow the clove water to cool for one hour and consume it 30 minutes before bed.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil features a cool, refreshing, and uplifting aroma that brings not only aromatic brightness but also a hint of festive cheer reminiscent of candy canes and winter treats. Its invigorating yet calming properties beautifully complement woody and spicy oils. Peppermint has the unique ability to both energize and relax, helping decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. It can help clear mucus from sinuses and open up airways, potentially reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. A 2020 study found that peppermint essential oil improved reported sleep quality in people with cardiac issues compared to a control group. We love LiveGood Therapeutic Grade Premium Essential Oils.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil offers deep, rich, and tranquil notes that act as an anchoring base in complex blends. Its calming properties aid in releasing tension and fostering mindfulness, grounding the heart and mind amid winter’s reflective energy. This oil’s robust woody aroma embodies the contemplative spirit of the season while supporting sleep hygiene by quieting racing thoughts and promoting the deep relaxation necessary for quality sleep. A 2019 study found that compounds in frankincense have the ability to activate ion channels in the brain to help alleviate anxiety or depression. The primary active compounds include boswellic acids and terpenes, which reduce heart rate and high blood pressure when inhaled. We love LiveGood Therapeutic Grade Premium Essential Oils.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon essential oil offers a warm, sweet, and richly spiced scent that acts as a dynamic middle note in blends. Its comforting warmth awakens the senses while adding a cozy feeling that perfectly suits the celebratory and nurturing spirit of the Christmas season. Ceylon cinnamon’s uplifting scent encourages feelings of warmth, comfort, and positivity, balancing the fresher notes in a blend and evoking the warmth of holiday baking and festive gatherings. Ceylon cinnamon’s active ingredient, cinnamaldehyde, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lower inflammation levels are associated with better sleep quality, making it particularly effective for promoting restorative sleep during the emotionally charged holiday season.

Sleep tip: Start diffusing essential oils about 30 minutes before bedtime to create a relaxing sleep environment and signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Pine and Peppermint: Calm and Refreshing

• 20 drops Pine oil
• 15 drops Peppermint oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel

Frankincense and Ceylon Cinnamon: Cozy and Grounding

• 25 drops Frankincense oil
• 15 drops Ceylon Cinnamon oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel

Clove and Ceylon Cinnamon: Festive and Comforting

• 15 drops Clove oil
• 15 drops Ceylon Cinnamon oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel

Blending Tips

Adjust the number of drops to your preference, but keep the total around 30-45 drops per cup of water for a balanced fragrance.

• Pine oil provides a fresh, woody, and grounding base note with clean balsamic undertones. It stabilizes blends and rounds out spicier oils with its refreshing aroma.
• Clove oil is a strong, warm, and spicy middle note that can dominate blends if overused. It adds richness and depth but is best used sparingly to avoid overpowering lighter scents.
• Peppermint oil acts as a bright, cool, and invigorating top note. It evaporates relatively quickly, so often slightly higher amounts are used to maintain presence in blends.
• Frankincense oil contributes a deep, woody, and calming base note. It anchors blends with its grounding and balancing qualities, harmonizing well with both fresh and spicy oils.
• Ceylon Cinnamon oil offers a warm, sweet, and spicy middle note with comforting warmth. It blends well with woody and fresh oils but can be strong, so moderate use is ideal for balanced warmth.
• Witch hazel can assist in creating a more stable mixture by helping the essential oils disperse evenly throughout the water, and may help protect against environmental stressors.

Also consider scents from other themes like Valentine’s Day essential oils, Easter essential oils, and Thanksgiving essential oils.

Mix your holiday blend in a spray bottle, give it a good shake, and lightly mist your pillows and bedding before bedtime. Cozy warmth and seasonal serenity await, enveloping you in the comforting scents of Christmas as you drift into restful sleep.

Feast for Sleep: Holiday Foods That Promote Rest

We’ve covered the sounds, sights, and smells of the holidays, what’s next? Ah yes, one of the best parts, taste! Let’s take a closer look at three traditional Christmas foods that don’t just satisfy the appetite, but can also help promote a more restful night’s sleep. From the turkey centerpiece with tart cranberry sauce to crunchy nuts, let’s explore the sleep-supporting side of the season’s most beloved dishes, delicious choices ready to light up your plate and your dreams.

Turkey: The Holiday Sleep Champion

Turkey is a nutritional powerhouse for sleep, and there’s real science behind that post-dinner drowsiness. This festive centerpiece contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid critical for producing serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep-wake cycles and support your circadian rhythm. Research published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews confirms that tryptophan promotes good sleep and a positive mood.

Beyond tryptophan, turkey supplies an abundance of protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents energy crashes that might disrupt sleep during the night. The full and satisfied feeling turkey creates after a meal also contributes to overall relaxation, making this classic main dish even more perfect for winding down and supporting restorative sleep after a festive celebration.

Nuts: Crunch Your Way to Better Sleep

Nuts aren’t just delicious holiday snacks tucked into stockings and dessert platters, they’re also packed with nutrients that have been shown to improve sleep quality. These little wonders contain a powerful combination of sleep-supporting compounds that work together to help you drift off naturally.

1. Melatonin
   • Many nuts, like pistachios, walnuts, and almonds contain high levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles.
2. Magnesium
   • Nuts, particularly almonds, are good sources of magnesium, which has been shown to help improve insomnia, especially in older adults.
3. Tryptophan
   • Nuts such as black walnuts, cashew nuts, and pistachios contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin.
4. Selenium
   • Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, which has been linked to better sleep duration.
5. Other sleep-supporting nutrients
   • Nuts deliver vitamin B6 (which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin), potassium (supporting muscle relaxation), zinc (regulating sleep), and healthy fats (stabilizing blood sugar overnight).

Including a handful of mixed nuts as an evening snack or incorporating them into your holiday recipes can help calm the nervous system and encourage deeper, higher quality sleep.

Cranberries: Tart Berries for a Cozy Night’s Rest

Cranberries shine as both a festive favorite and a sleep supporter. These bright red berries are one of the richest natural sources of melatonin found in nature, making that cranberry sauce on your plate work double duty for holiday cheer and nighttime rest. They’re also loaded with antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, all of which help you relax and unwind after a busy day of celebration. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties that help manage stress levels and support a calm, healthy nervous system.

Whether enjoyed as traditional cranberry sauce, mixed into stuffing, or baked into holiday desserts, these tart little berries add warmth to any Christmas spread while nurturing both body and mind for the restorative rest you need to fully enjoy the season.

Sleep-Friendly Holiday Eating Tips

• Incorporate a variety of foods rich in nutrients to support sleep
• Balance holiday treats with protein-rich foods to stabilize blood sugar
• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars for evening meals
• Finish big meals 3 hours before bedtime
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Limit alcohol intake to avoid disruption of sleep-regulating neurotransmitters

Recipes: Sleep Better for Christmas Holidays

Discover two delightful recipes that not only capture the festive flavors of Christmas but also promote better sleep. First up is a delicious trail mix, packed with sleep-supporting ingredients, followed by a cozy cup of peppermint hot chocolate that will warm your heart and help you relax.

Trail Mix Recipe: A Winter Wonderland Medley

This crunchy, satisfying trail mix is a perfect holiday snack that takes just minutes to prepare.

• 2 cups almonds
• 1 cup walnuts (halved)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup sunflower seeds

Optional: add a pinch of ceylon cinnamon (for warmth), and/or sea salt (for a savory touch).

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe: Warm Up to Restful Nights

This cozy drink is perfect for unwinding after holiday festivities or creating a calming bedtime ritual throughout the Christmas season.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Heat almond milk
   • In a saucepan, warm the almond milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
2. Combine ingredients
   • Once the almond milk is warm, whisk in the almond butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
   • Add the cocoa powder and sea salt to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
3. Sweeten and flavor
   • Stir in the honey or maple syrup and peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavor.
4. Serve
   • Pour into mugs and enjoy! For an extra touch, you can top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed peppermint.

Mindfulness and Stress Management: The Gift of Calm

It’s no secret that the holiday season can be overwhelming. Between shopping for gifts, decorating the house, attending parties, and managing family dynamics, your mind can get busy. Stress works against good sleep, so it’s important to find ways to keep calm and centered. Let’s explore simple mindfulness practices and activities that help you sleep better during Christmas.

Breathe In the Holiday Spirit (and Out the Stress)

Start and end your day with a few minutes of mindful breathing. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen. Visualize a quiet, snow-covered forest path, breathing in the crisp winter air, and breathing out tension, worry, and holiday stress, watching it fly away like snow in the sunlight.

Active Listening: Enhance Holiday Connections

When you truly focus on what someone is saying, it not only helps you connect more deeply with your loved ones but also creates a calming atmosphere. It can make conversations feel more meaningful and less rushed. This mindful attention fosters trust and encourages openness, making everyone feel valued and understood.

Mindful Eating: Savor the Season

During holiday meals, practice mindful eating. Take time to really taste each bite, noticing the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. This supports healthy digestion by allowing your body to properly signal fullness, preventing the uncomfortable bloating and indigestion that can interfere with sleep quality hours later. Plus it makes those holiday treats even more enjoyable.

Gratitude: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Before bed, take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for about the holiday season. This positive focus can help calm your mind and shift your perspective from stress to appreciation. These could be simple pleasures like the scent of pine from your Christmas tree, a heartfelt phone call with a distant friend, or the beauty of holiday decorations twinkling in your neighborhood.

Body Scan: From Head to Mistletoe

Before sleep, lie comfortably in bed and slowly scan your body from head to toe, noticing any areas of tension. As you become aware of tight spots, consciously relax those muscles. By systematically releasing this tension, you prepare your body for deeper, more restorative sleep and reduce the physical manifestations of holiday stress.

Creating Your Holiday Bedtime Ritual

Mindfulness and stress management are ongoing practices. It’s normal for your mind to wander or for stress to arise. When this happens, gently acknowledge it without judgment and calmly bring your focus back to the present moment. Each time you do this, you strengthen your ability to stay centered; it’s all part of the journey toward greater calm and resilience.

Remember This Holiday Season…

Quality sleep isn’t just another item on your holiday to-do list; it’s the foundation that allows you to fully embrace and enjoy the magic of the season. By prioritizing sleep during the Christmas holidays, you give yourself and your loved ones the gift of your best, most present self. Think of good sleep as your secret ingredient for holiday joy that boosts your mood, enhances your energy, and helps you create the precious memories that make this time truly special.

As you begin incorporating strategies for better sleep during the holidays, be patient and gentle with yourself. Some nights will naturally be more challenging than others, which is completely normal during such a busy season.

Remember that one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself this holiday season is the gift of restful sleep. We wish you peaceful nights filled with calm, joy, and sweet dreams. May this season bring you rejuvenation and happiness, so you can cherish every special moment with those you love.

Christmas Holiday Sleep FAQ

Here are answers to the most common questions about how to sleep better during the Christmas holidays:

How can I stick to a sleep schedule with all the holiday parties and events?

Maintain your regular bedtime as much as possible, even if it means leaving events early. If you have a late night, avoid sleeping in the next day. Instead, try to get back on schedule with a short 20-30 minute afternoon nap if needed. Research shows our bodies can tolerate 1-2 hours of schedule change, but beyond that, it takes longer to bounce back.

Is it okay to have a nightcap to help me sleep during the holidays?

While alcohol might help you fall asleep initially, it actually disrupts deep sleep and causes you to wake up more often. According to a recent survey, 31.9% of adults report drinking more alcohol during the holiday season, which negatively impacts sleep quality. Try the Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe instead!

What should I do if holiday anxiety is keeping me awake at night?

Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation before bed. If anxious thoughts persist, write them down to get them out of your head. Scheduling worry time earlier in the day can also be helpful.

Can obsessing over my sleep tracker make my sleep worse?

Yes. Sleep experts have identified orthosomnia, an unhealthy obsession with optimizing sleep that can fuel anxiety and exacerbate insomnia. If you use a sleep tracker, view it as a general tool rather than a precise measure. Set realistic goals, focus on long-term patterns, and prioritize how you feel during the day over daily sleep scores. Consider taking regular breaks from tracking.

How can I create a sleep-friendly environment when staying with relatives?

Pack items that help you sleep: a favorite book, sleep mask, or your own pillow. Don’t hesitate to communicate your sleep needs to your hosts. Bring calming scents or small decor items to make your temporary sleeping space more restful. Create your comforting playlist with sleepy Christmas songs to mask unfamiliar sounds.

How long before bed should I stop eating holiday treats?

Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to allow for proper digestion. Recent research shows that eating or drinking anything within the hour before bed may lead to inefficient sleep and longer sleep times. If you need a snack closer to bedtime, opt for something light and sleep-promoting, like a small handful of almonds or a banana.

How do I help my child wind down when they’re overly excited about Christmas?

Dim the lights about an hour before bedtime and engage in calming activities like reading or gentle play. Avoid screens, as blue light interferes with melatonin production. Try to keep bedtime within 30-60 minutes of their regular schedule. An occasional late night on Christmas Eve won’t harm their overall sleep routine, but get back to their usual schedule as soon as possible.