Christmas mealtime survival guide for parents: Spoons Down, Smiles Up
Let's face it, the calm state of mind has officially left the building as it is three days before Christmas.
Meals frequently become just another item to cross off the list between last-minute shopping, our jobs, school plays and the hundredth time we have to explain to our toddler why gummi bears or chocolate Nikolaus for breakfast isn't an option.
And for some reason, the holidays elevate the intensity of everything.
So let me add one more item to your list: mindful eating
(bear with me!)
I am not talking about sitting in silence and doing a 20-minute meditation before heading to the dinner table.
There are a few simple ideas to help make Christmas meals more peaceful and intimate when practiced intentionally over the holidays - give it a try, you have nothing to loose!
Moments of Mindfulness in the middle of the Christmas crazyness
Try the below five, stress-relief ways to incorporate more mindfulness into your upcoming Christmas meals:
1. Take a breath before the meal
Before you start eating, take one slow breath together. Yes, even if someone is already unhappy about the peas. A simple moment like saying, “We are here, we are together, let’s eat,” and pausing for a second helps everyone arrive at the table.
Neuroscience tip: That tiny pause tells the body it’s safe to slow down. When we are calmer, digestion works better and mealtimes feel more relaxed for everyone.
2. Remember: Meals contain more than just food
There's more to dinner than what's on the plate. We talk, laugh, listen and bond there as well. Allow the children to speak, even if it's about Pokémon, Paw Patrol or Gaby Dollhouse. We establish connections through these small moments.
3. Let go of the clean plate pressure
There’s already enough going on without turning every meal into a performance review. Instead of focusing on how much your child eats, try tuning into how they eat.
- Are they exploring?
- Being curious?
- Maybe pushing a carrot around like it’s a spaceship?
That’s okay.
It’s all part of learning to eat and listen to their own body. And just in case a well-meaning family member offers their opinion - just smile, nod and pass the potatoes.
4. Turn on the senses
Make food a mini adventure.
Ask your child what their mashed potato smells like or which vegetable makes the loudest noise when crunching on it. Not only does it slow everyone down a bit, but it also adds a sense of fun - especially helpful for picky eaters. Food is more interesting when we play with our senses.
5. Let mealtime be what it is
The day may have been long and busy. That’s okay. Mealtime doesn’t need to fix anything. No candles, no pressure, no perfect mood required. Just put the screens aside, take a breath and be here together for a few minutes.
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy
Mindful eating isn’t another thing to get right. It’s a little reminder that you deserve to pause, breathe and enjoy - even if there is juice on the floor and someone’s wearing the wrong socks.
This Christmas, let the table be a place where:
- connection matters more than manners
- you can laugh mid-bite
- you let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect
From our family to yours, wishing you a calm, joyful and delightfully imperfect Christmas.
