If you’re like every parent on the planet earth, you’re probably overworked, overextended and overtired on a regular basis. Throw in the extra demands of the holiday season, and you’ve got a tried and true recipe for sleep deprivation if ever one existed. If your one holiday wish is a few minutes of peace and shut-eye, we've got you covered. Here are some sneaky tips for napping that don't require a Christmas miracle.
1. Pick a line, any line. How about the super long one at the supermarket? Or the post office? Zone out with open eyes or hide behind shades, and snooze it or lose it, at least until someone nudges you to move up.
2. Is the baby napping? You should be too. Forget those chores and remember that couch.
3. You know that work or PTA meeting that you go to, but don’t necessarily have to participate in, and you’re kicking yourself for wasting a precious hour of your time? Utilize those moments wisely. Nap with your eyes open. The ‘ol open eye zone out will send you back to your desk refreshed.
4. Is there a library near you? Leave work and find yourself a comfy spot on your lunch break, pick the tallest book on the shelf, hide behind it and get your snooze on. Just don't forget to set your alarm!
5. Barnes & Noble close by? Even better! Sit down on the carpeted floor in a deserted corner, with a book up to your nose as a spouse or friend plays with the kids in the kiddie corner, and then go ahead read the fine print on the inside of your eyelids.
6. Any bus or train can be ridden straight to sleep town while your kids are in daycare or with the sitter. Here’s where your shades come in handy again; just be sure to put away your phone, keep a tight grip on your purse and pray you don’t miss your stop!
7. On the phone with a chatty Cathy again? Take advantage of the non-stop bantering to get a few zzz’s in! When you wake up just throw in a ‘uh, huh’ or a ‘really?’ and she’ll never notice you were counting sheep instead of counting the minutes until the end of the phone call. ;)
8. If, on the rare occasion you find yourself to be the passenger in a car and not the driver, take full advantage. That's prime sleepy time.
9. Amidst the nonstop go! go! go! of being an adult during the holiday season, if you find yourself uninterrupted in a manicure/pedicure or massage chair, without the bother of stealth, pretense or preparation, please—just go to sleep.
For more holiday fun, check out our guide to Christmas for kids, our favorite gifts for children and these great Christmas movies for kids!