Just like every year, the holiday season follows the same pattern: parties, staying up late, the usual routine, falling asleep in the car on the way home, a wake-up time that barely changes even though bedtime was later, sleep debt, and so on. It’s a cycle that repeats itself for several days.
In the blink of an eye, the parties are over, but reality sets in. The reality of getting back to normal after the holidays. YUCK. When you have kids, you really hate that reality. First, because it can take weeks before the bedtime routine is back on track. Second, the sleep debt you or your child has accumulated is really hard to pay off when the “sleep, work, subway, sleep” routine starts up again so soon, and third, the spoiled child who got almost everything they wanted during the holidays (either because we pick our battles instead of having an existential crisis or because they were surrounded by doting aunts) really struggles with the reality of “no” after spending some time on a cloud of joy.
That reality exists, and we have to face it. The advice I can give for an easier return to normal after the holidays is this: if you’re sensible and listen to your inner voice, don’t throw your routine out the window for family parties… stick to your child’s bedtime routine—there’s no need to stay up until 2 a.m. 10 p.m. is plenty; just get there earlier, that’s all. At worst, do what I do—invite people over to your house. That way, your kids have their own beds and are in their own space when it’s time for their routine. It helps keep things from falling apart… even if you know your 4-year-old is going to stay up, eyes glued to the door, just to make sure she sees everyone leave.
Another tip: you don’t need 10 parties in 15 days. Three or four big ones at most are enough for our kids. Wearing them out just to see people we only see once a year is pointless. Throw a pool party in the summer to see them—it’ll give your kids a break during the holidays.
One last tip: brunch is the best for our little ones. Suggest this idea to your families, for the sake of your kids’ routine. You’ll regret it less the day before you go back to work.
Anyway, let’s face it: getting back into the routine after the holidays is always a bit of a drag. Still, the good memories we’ve made and the wonderful moments of love spent with family were definitely worth shaking up our routine a little. We’ll sleep when we’re dead!