In her snug little house, eight sleepy nights before Christmas Day, Hannah was meant to be dreaming. Her bed was soft, her teddy bear, Barnaby, was cuddled tight, and the moon peeked gently through her window. But Hannah, who loved to explore every nook and cranny and ask a hundred questions, simply couldn't close her eyes. Her brain was buzzing like a happy little bee!

“Barnaby,” she whispered, her voice barely a puff, “why does my tummy feel like it’s doing little flip-flops? Is it because Christmas is coming?” She wiggled her toes under her warm doona, her heart doing a happy little tap-dance. Every whisper of wind sounded like sleigh bells, and every shadow looked like a present just waiting to be unwrapped. Sleep felt a million miles away!

Hannah carefully peeked out from under her doona, her adventurous spirit kicking in. She decided she needed to explore *why* she couldn't sleep. “Maybe,” she thought, her eyes wide, “there’s a secret to falling asleep when you’re super excited!” She slipped out of bed, her bare feet padding softly on the rug. First, she explored her bookshelf, looking at all the pictures. Still wide awake. Then, she tiptoed to the window, gazing at the quiet, dark garden. Still no sleep!

“Hmm,” she pondered, putting a finger to her chin. “I've explored my room, I've explored the night outside... but my brain is still doing the Christmas wiggle!” She felt a tiny wobble of frustration. Her usual exploring wasn't helping this time. She climbed back into bed, sighing softly, feeling even more awake than before. The 'Christmas wiggle' was getting stronger!

Then, a tiny question popped into Hannah’s head: “What if I explore *inside* my head?” She snuggled down, closed her eyes, and began to think about all the lovely, quiet things about Christmas: the smell of Mum's baking, a warm hug from her dad, the soft sparkle of the fairy lights on the tree. Not the loud, bouncy excitement, but the calm, lovely parts. She imagined herself helping decorate the gingerbread, her hands carefully placing colourful sprinkles. The 'Christmas wiggle' slowly, gently softened into a gentle sway.