Christmas can be a very stressful time of year. For many the Christmas holiday time is busy with social interactions with family and friends, some travelling from interstate or even from overseas. Christmas is all about family, friends, sharing and acts of kindness. There could well be expectations, or at least perceived expectations, to create a ‘perfect Christmas’ with presents and perhaps the most important meal of the year.
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead, set a budget and stick to the plan. Christmas has a different meaning for everyone and to have the Christmas that you and your family want, it is important to not take on the whole burden of Christmas on as a host. Delegate decorating and cooking to visitors too. There is nothing better than a homemade festivity dish or gift.
Gluten and Dairy Free Christmas
It is becoming more and more common for people to have allergies and sensitivities to ingredients such as gluten, lactose, nuts, eggs, shellfish and so on. So if you are hosting a Christmas vigil supper or Christmas Day lunch, be sure to ask your guests if they have any allergies. There are plenty of delicious allergy free recipes online and our website .
Avoid Excessive Concumption of Alcohol
Alcohol is dehydrating especially in a hot Australian Summer so it is important to pace yourself over the days of the Christmas festivities. You can have fun drinking low alcoholic drinks or alcohol free drinks. which will allow you to make the most of time with your friends and family.
Stay Hydrated
It’s interesting to note that every drink, except water, is dehydrating and some beverages are more dehydrating than others. For instance, one cup of coffee requires 33 cups of water to rehydrate the body. In our hot Summer, dehydration means a loss of electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium which can have a can cause fainting, low blood pressure or dizziness.
Foods Causing Stress
Foods containing a high level of sugar such as in refined foods, caffeine or even chocolate are stimulating which can make you hyperactive, anxious and stressed. Many people still observe a traditional Christmas as their ancestors did and the first of December marks the beginning of fasting in some religions. This works well from a nutritional point of view if you want to indulge yourself in rich foods during Christmas. Eating dense protein-rich foods, complex carbohydrates and avoiding empty calorie and processed foods will also ensure that you will not be concerned about weight gain over the festive season.
Do at Least One Act of Kindness a Day
You will be amazed at how great it feels to do or say something kind to a stranger. Make it a habit every day of the year.
Have Fun!
Remember it’s your Christmas too, so try to relax and have fun, laugh and be merry. If you do find others around you difficult, do not make an issue of it. If things don’t go to plan, don’t worry about it too much, instead laugh and forget about it.
Have a Merry, stress-free, Christmas celebration!
_______________________________________________________________________________
If you would like to know more how natural medicine can help you,
call us now on (02) 9541 2428 and receive a FREE 15 minute consultation
_______________________________________________________________________________
Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in Sydney. Danuta specialises in anti-aging, autoimmunity, thyroid conditions, digestive disorders and heavy metal chelation.
For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook and LinkedIn
