My 3 top tips to ensure you enjoy Christmas and New Year too!
Image Credit: Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Christmas and New Year is a great time to get together with family or friends or if we are lucky enough this year both. But it can also be a stressful time of year especially if you are hosting but it really doesn’t have to be! Here are my tips for ensuring it is the most wonderful time of the year.
Plan, Plan, Plan.
As the holidays are getting closer hosting or not make sure you plan. Lists really can be your friend at this time of year it ensures you do not have to try and remember everything you have on which can be overwhelming and impossible. Great planning also means you factor in some really wholesome foods in-between those office parties and family get togethers.
Make sure your lists include a cut off time for buying things, that last box of chocolates or that silly stocking filler you had your eye on for Uncle Tom as a little extra probably won’t be missed and the only person that will know you never got round to it is you. I also like to add a budget to my list this way you can go out and purchase everything without any stress, having to tot everything up or going over budget and having a nasty shock come the end of December when the credit card bills come in which is not the best start to Christmas Day or the New Year.
Self-Care
Self-care, although it is a time of year we all want to be there for others and ensure they have the best time it is important we look after ourselves to ensure we not only have a good time but we are looking after our own health. Self-care could include anything from an extended beauty routine, meditation, a calm workout, walk in nature and of course your nutrition. Looking after your nutrition can help keep your energy levels high and allow you to enjoy all those festive gatherings and events you have in the diary. Why not try making these festive energy bites which you can pop in your bag for a quick boost when shopping or waiting for the party food to finally come out at your office party. I also adore this soup which I shared in my autumn recipes series this year so easy to make, warm and nutritious and help to keep your nutrient intake up at a time of year when it can be so easy just to reach for all the festive treats and forget completely about our nutritional needs leaving us feeling less than than our best come the New Year.
Let the freezer be your friend!
Yes, the festive season is a great time to get in the kitchen and try new recipes but I honestly feel this time of year can be so holistic, enjoying it is more beneficial for your health than deciding this is the time of year you have to make everything fresh and from scratch. If being in the kitchen is your thing or something you want to become your thing, prepare recipes ahead of time for the big day or the parties you are hosting. This way you get all the benefits and satisfaction of home cooking including telling Auntie Sue that that dish she is enjoying is homemade but you can enjoy the festivities and not spend the whole time in the kitchen, which no one should have to do. If someone else is hosting consider asking them if there is a dish you could prepare ahead of time and take round on the day it is such a lovely gesture and shows your appreciation for what they are doing.
But most importantly don’t ever feel like you have failed, even if the whole of your dinner or party food was ordered from M&S and you just need to pop it all in the oven. As the old saying going “it is the thought that counts” and trust me know one will care and will just appreciate the fact you are hosting. I also have a rule with clients which is, try and eat the well at least 80% of the time, and if Christmas and New Year really isn’t a time we can allow ourselves to just enjoy the season then I think we are doing something wrong!
Stay happy and healthy,