10 Things To Do When You Can't Sleep on Christmas Eve

If you're anything like me, you probably have a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve.  After quite a few sleepless Christmas Eves, I've come up with some tips to make my night awake go faster, and actually be something I look forward to.  Honestly, I don't think it would be Christmas without staying awake some of the night. :)

1. Listen to an audiobook.

The past few Christmases, my mom, sister, and I have gone to our grandparents' house (lovingly named Grammy and Grampy's house) on Christmas Eve to stay a few nights.  They only live 12 minutes away from us, but who cares?  I love sleeping over at Grammy and Grampy's house!  Since they only have one guest room, I can't really do anything that requires a light.  Here's where audiobooks come in handy.  (Not to mention your eyes can rest while you listen.)  A couple of years ago, I listened to Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen (narrated by J. Grace Pennington).  It's free online and you can listen to it here.

2. Listen to Adventures in Odyssey.

A few years ago, I listened to a single two-part episode 7 times.  Don't judge.  Anyway, AIO still offers a free episode every day.  That should take up 25 minutes of your night.

3. Read a book.

Still have some reading to finish up before your TBR pile grows from the copious amounts your "reluctantly" accept on Christmas day?  Christmas eve is the perfect time to get that done.

4. Write a Christmas short story (or novel if you're a writing wizard).

I really want someone to write a retelling of A Christmas Carol where Scrooge is a writer who kills way too many characters and generally loves breaking readers' hearts.  Then the Ghosts of Characters Past, Present, and Future swoop in to save the day.

5. Watch a Christmas movie.

I'm one of those people who will binge watch Hallmark Christmas movies.  They're so cheesy and literally all the same, but they're good?

6. Eat allllll the Christmas cookies.

Midnight snacks are great, especially when they involve sugar.

7. Listen to music.

Preferably Christmas music.  My go to Christmas music is by Mannheim Steamroller.

8. Watch the Great Christmas Light Fight.

This show is awesome  (and some full episodes are on the ABC website).  Who doesn't love amazing Christmas light displays?!

Katie Grace and I two years ago at Christmas
light thing at Disney World.Yes, it was cold.
Yes, I was crazy enough to not wear a jacket.
I think I was way too excited to meet Katie
(my first Internet friend) for the first time.  Ahh,
such great memories with my "twin sister".

9. Read a serial story on a blog.

My favorite is Flickering Lights by Rosalie Valentine.  Also, I am working on a special Christmas story that will be posted here at midnight tomorrow night!

10. Watch Vlogs

Some of my favorite book/writing bloggers have some great blogs.  Check out: Katie Grace, Hosanna Emily, Savannah Grace, Hope Pennington (she actually has a whole Youtube channel filled with nerdy Christian goodness), and JostieFlicks (clean comedy videos made by a Christian homeschool family).

Can you sleep on Christmas Eve?  What do you do to keep yourself occupied?