As a child, I used to long for Christmas to arrive – that feeling of togetherness, attending Christmas functions at both school and church but especially decorating my parent’s house with cutout clippings from old newspapers and magazines.  Such was life, simple, yet enjoyable.  Now, as an adult, it seems like I have switched decorating to spring cleaning as Christmas day draws near.  

All of a sudden you have so many things to do – change curtains, redecorate the shelves, paint the house, and rediscover household items that have long been forgotten. It’s like everything needs your urgent attention, even those major chores that were already done earlier in the year. If you are not careful, you are drawn to think that Christmas means turning the house upside down.

However, let us not get into those habits (guilty anyone?), but rather vow to leave the house alone (if it is clean, it is clean), and instead, enjoy the season by spending time with friends and loved ones. But most importantly, take some time for yourself, reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, get some rest, and read a favourite book, while still keeping it healthy. We do not want to ruin almost a year of hard work, as it relates to our health and well-being for just a couple of days in a month. Let’s discuss!

The Discussion

Christmas is an annual celebration which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed primarily on the 25^th day of December in most parts of the world. In that, some countries such as Armenia and Lebanon celebrate the day on January 6^th while the Orthodox churches such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine etc, celebrate Christmas on January 7^th.  

Other countries that celebrate the day on January 7^th include Egypt, Ethiopia, and Eritrea while others do not recognize Christmas as a major holiday. These countries include Afghanistan, China, Israel, Mongolia, Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among others. Nonetheless, more than two (2) billion people around the world celebrate and recognize the day by observing it with traditions as well as practices that are both religious and secular (history.com).

While the reason for the season has been hotly contested by some over the decades, one consensus seems to hold true for many, that it is a time to celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus Christ, and life and enjoy special moments with loved ones.  For me, it is all of the above and more as Christmas is truly the season to be jolly and eat good food at every house you visit.  Further, Christmas just feels different to me than any other day or time of the year and often brings an air of most solemn and sacred reverence (I simply just love it!).

However, for some people, it can be a lonely and sad time due to certain circumstances of life.  Nevertheless, I would hope that this article will encourage you to celebrate the day in the best way that you can.  As such, we are going to share five (5) tidbits that we believe you can adopt, to not only enjoy the season but also to keep it a healthy one.  

Five (5) Tidbits to Make This Christmas Fun and Healthy

• If possible, do not celebrate it alone.
• Eat the cake – But don’t overdo it.
• Keep dinner time healthily…Still.
• Get your workout on.
• Rest up – Get your Zzzz’s

If possible, don’t celebrate it alone

The yuletide season is usually one of the‘ happiest’ times of the year. However, this is not the case where some persons are concerned – young and older persons alike.  Several factors can contribute to loneliness – loss of a loved one, difficult life events, illness etc. Research has shown that while loneliness is experienced by many during the year, the impending Christmas season usually aggravates this seemingly creeping phenomenon.

In fact, in a research conducted by Age UK in 2018, it was found that half a million older people across the UK experienced being lonely during the Christmas season. What was most alarming was that, of that number, more than 79% have not sought any help while 52% had become accustomed to being lonely, so much so, that it had become a part of their ‘normal lives.’ (Age UK, 2018).

Surprisingly, it may be quick to assume that only older persons experience feeling lonely during the holidays, however, that inference would not be correct.  Reports have shown that millennials are twice as likely to feel lonely during the festive seasons as well (metro.co.uk).  Nonetheless, while we are not able to alter some of life’s events, try not to celebrate this Christmas alone.  Instead, meet or call up friends and other family members, even if you do not feel like it. Remember, feelings are fickle! As such, they change ever so often. So, do not depend so much on how you are feeling, especially, when it comes to moments like this. It might just be what your spirit demands.

You can also find solace in going to church or just having a special devotion on your own at home. Giving thanks for being alive and focusing on the positive things that happened throughout the year. This can have a profound effect on your mood and even your outlook on life.

Volunteering can also bring an air of togetherness and a feeling of self-worth as well as it can invoke a spirit of gratitude as you help others who are less fortunate.

Eat the cake – Don’t overdo it!

Christmas is one of those times of the year when everyone seems to be abundant in the giving of cakes and large portions of food.  If you visit five (5), friends or family, you are likely to receive a piece of cake and in most cases, a hefty plate of food.  In Jamaica, you will hear family and friends indicating that they will be ‘taking a wash out’ meaning performing some cleansing ritual to stimulate the appetite during their seemingly eating adventure.  However, don’t overdo it!

While you do not want to be a party pooper by passing on all the food going around the room, just be mindful of the food you consume.  So, why not just take that piece of cake, eat it then or take it home for another day and let that be your portion for the season?  Also, you can ask for smaller portions, if you just lack that level of self-discipline to manage a regular slice.  Importantly, if you eat a slice of cake earlier, do not justify the holiday season by having another two (2) or three (3) additional slices (test your willpower) and maintain the healthy habit you have cultivated throughout the year.

Keep dinner time healthy… Still

It may not be wise to completely halt your Christmas food selection and traditions ‘cold turkey’. However, it would not hurt to have healthy alternatives to some of your favourite foods and encourage friends and loved ones to try them as well. Therefore, instead of having all meat products, why not try a few vegetarian substitutes?  This will give others the option to still enjoy known delicacies but also provide the opportunity to enjoy a healthier version of a custom dish. Who could tell, these healthy alternatives may become a part of your Christmas tradition in years to come.  Remember, gradual is the key!

Get your workout on!

No excuses allowed! The Christmas season does not indicate ‘no workout.’  While it may be challenging to do so due to additional obligations, travels and having a house packed with visiting family and friends, still try to maintain your fitness journey as best as you can.  So, why not go for a walk, and if you have a treadmill, why not do a 20 – 25 minutes routine such as walking or running on the incline? This would surely suffice panting in a common space; say the living room while Uncle Tom and Aunt Jean reminiscence on childhood.

Additionally, this may be one of those times when a YouTube exercise video will come in super handy, choose a workout, complete it and continue with your day.

Rest Up – Get your Zzzz’s

I know it is often tempting to ‘work around the clock during the holidays as we sometimes find everything to do (even those things that were already done (guilty again anyone?).  However, Christmas should also be a time to catch up on some sleep and some decent alone time.

Research has shown that sleep deprivation can affect cognitive performance (Alhola, 2007).  When the body is deprived of sleep, you are not able to perform optimally. Plus, your other bodily organs suffer. Remember, when the Christmas season is over, you may not be able to reclaim such moments for sleep.  This is particularly important for persons whose jobs are demanding or those who hardly take days off.  So, if the Christmas season happens to be one of those times when you are not trying to beat the traffic to be at a work desk or fulfil other obligations, make the best of it, and let your body really enjoy it.  This will help your body to perform optimally in the ensuing days and even months.

Illustrative Summary

Here is a summary of the Five (5) tidbits to maintaining a healthy well-being during the CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Let’s Sum It Up!

Christmas is one of those times of the year that just echoes the sentiments of joy and togetherness as well as one that fosters the breaking of habits and justifying unhealthy actions. But, not this year (right?), we are going to practice making healthier food choices and maintain the health and wellness habits we have cultivated throughout the year. 

As such, let us endeavour to eat the cake, but not overdo it, keep dinner time healthy, and maintain our fitness routine by remaining physically active, even if that’s just for a 25-30-minute workout – work with the environment that you have.   Get needed rest. One of the sweetest sleep could very well be when friends and family are around sharing in the festive season.  Finally, do not celebrate it alone even if that is your normal routine.  So, are we all in?  Wonderful!

Here are some other recipe posts you can catch up on while you sip that next small cup of eggnog. You can also reminisce on this other special occasion – Mother’s Day in this post.

• Rice and Peas – A typical Jamaican Sunday Dinner Menu
• Oven-baked chickpeas – A healthy snack.
• In honour of Moms Everywhere on this Mother’s Day!
• Let the Christmas catch you in a Good Mood – Three (3) foods that may help with Depression, Stress and Overall Mood during the Holiday Season!