December brings sunshine, family time, road trips, late nights, and of course—food everywhere you look. It’s a month filled with laughter, celebration, and plenty of reasons to indulge. But while it’s tempting to throw healthy habits out the window until January, your festive season doesn’t have to end in exhaustion, guilt, or bloating.
With a few mindful tweaks, you can still enjoy your favourite meals, celebrate with loved ones, and keep your body feeling great. Here are 12 helpful, practical tips to guide you through the holidays:
1. Choose Your Parties Wisely
December can sometimes feel like a marathon of invitations—work functions, family braais, friends’ gatherings, and school events. Instead of trying to be everywhere at once, choose the events that matter most.
By giving yourself permission to skip a few, you’ll protect your energy, stay in good spirits, and actually enjoy the events you attend instead of dragging your feet from one venue to the next.
2. Commit to a Fitness Goal for the New Year
There’s no better motivation than a deadline. Register for an early 2026 fitness event—a charity walk, fun run, cycling challenge, or even a local boot camp.
Knowing you have something coming up will keep you active through the festive season when routine tends to slip.
3. Trade Drinks for Kilometres
Here’s a fun (and effective) trick:
For every drink you have, walk or run one kilometre the next day.
It keeps your consumption in check, and adds a little movement to your week. Many people who try this quickly realise that a 5 km “drink bill” is not worth it!
4. Slow Down When You Eat
Eating with big groups often leads to overeating without noticing. The laughter, conversation, and endless platters make it easy to fill your plate over and over.
A simple solution?
Start eating last, and finish first.
Eating slowly also gives your body time to recognise when it’s full.
5. Take Time to Reflect
Before the year ends, pause and look back at what you’ve achieved—big or small.
Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your growth, and think about your goals for the new year. This boosts emotional wellbeing and helps reduce stress-driven eating.
6. Turn the Dance Floor Into Your Gym
There’s no rule that says parties must revolve around food and drinks. Dancing is not only fun—it’s great exercise.
One energetic hour of dancing can burn around 1200 kJ. So put on your favourite shoes and let the music count toward your daily movement.
7. Focus on Maintaining Your Weight
Trying to lose weight during December is unrealistic and stressful. Instead, aim to maintain your weight.
Enjoy the meals you love, but aim for balance: small portions, healthier choices here and there, and a little movement every day. It’s about enjoying yourself without feeling guilty.
8. Support the Slow Food Movement
This festive season, choose fresh, local, whole foods.
Visit farmers’ markets, support small businesses, and choose ingredients that haven’t travelled thousands of kilometres to reach your plate.
Cooking with whole foods—and knowing where your food comes from—makes meals healthier and more meaningful.
9. Make Your Gatherings Active
Not all festive get-togethers need to take place around a buffet table.
Plan a tennis day, swimming outing, braai-and-hike, park picnic, or even a family lawn bowling challenge.
Ask each person to bring a healthy dish to share. You’ll make memories AND get your steps in.
10. Use Smaller Plates
A surprisingly simple health hack:
The smaller the plate, the smaller the portion.
Research shows that plate size influences how much we serve ourselves. If you’re at a buffet, choose a small plate and use smaller serving spoons—it can reduce your intake without you even noticing.
11. Wear Clothes That Fit Well
Loose clothes make it easy to eat more than you planned. Wearing something fitted helps you feel when you’re full—and provides a natural reminder to stop before you overindulge.
Plus, waist size is a key indicator of health, so keeping an eye on it is always wise.
12. Prioritise Your Sleep
Late nights and early mornings can quickly throw your body out of rhythm.
Sleep gives your body time to repair, recover, and reset. Not getting enough is linked to mood swings, weight gain, diabetes, heart issues, and a higher risk of accidents.
Aim for 7–8 hours every night—even during the holiday madness.
Enjoy the Festive Season—Without Overdoing It
You don’t have to miss out on the fun to stay healthy. With a bit of balance and awareness, you can have a joyful, memorable December while still looking after your wellbeing.
If you need professional health advice or feel concerned about your wellness this festive season, reach out to a doctor or healthcare provider.