Adopt a slightly earlier sleep routine in advance of the big night. In the few days leading up to Christmas, try and get them to bed a bit earlier. By the time Christmas Eve comes, you should be able to get them up to bed at the new time without too much complaining!

Make sure they get some outdoor exercise such as a winter walk. The fresh air will help to tire them out before bedtime. If the weather isn’t in your favour, then set up an indoor disco. At least an hour of jigging and dancing in the afternoon will have them worn out.

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Too much sugar can make kids hyperactive, especially towards the end of the day. Keep treats for the morning and minimise them in the afternoon.

Watching a festive movie together on Christmas Eve is a lovely family tradition and can help tire out little eyes. Avoid any movies that are likely to hype them up though, and pick a nice relaxing movie instead, like The Snowman, for everyone to watch together.

Make sure to switch off all devices, such as tablets and computers early, well before bedtime, to allow little brains to calm down and relax.

Get everyone’s teeth brushed and ready for sleep as early as you can. The bedtime routine on Christmas Eve will take much longer than usual with all the excitement and horseplay. Plus, you need time to hang up stockings, get out the milk and cookies for Santa, and the reindeer food sprinkled outside.

Baths can be a great way to encourage relaxation in kids, so pop them all in before bedtime. Next step is jammies and then downstairs for a final snack. You can’t forget to set out Santa and Rudolph’s treats before bedtime too.

Drinking a glass of warm milk before bed will help you to sleep better, it’s not just an old wives’ tale. Milk is rich in tryptophan, which helps in the production of the sleep inducing brain chemicals, serotonin and melatonin. For those who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, almond or soya milk will also work to relax your little one before they hit the pillow.

Pick a classic Christmas story to read to your child once they are tucked up. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas or The Gift of the Magi are two favourites in our house.

If your child wakes during the night, which is inevitable, keep the disruption short, walk them to the toilet and back to bed, tell them to remember that Santa can’t come if they are awake.