No Time to Spare? Keeping Christmas Healthy & Planning for the Holidays on a Tight Schedule

December never arrives quietly – or calmly.  Christmas seems to always arrive in shock when you’re a busy person and before you can count to 3 you’re knee-deep in tinsel, dodging shopping centre crowds, and trying to work out how many roast potatoes is “too many”. The silly season is a fun time, but it can also be full-on, especially if you're short on time and trying to stay on top of your health.

If you're feeling the crunch—both in time and waistband—these are Healthy Hampers’ easy, down-to-earth tips for keeping Christmas healthy while juggling a hectic schedule.

Don’t Ditch Healthy Habits—Just Tweak Them

When things get busy, it’s easy to let exercise, sleep, and balanced meals fall by the wayside. The trick is not to aim for perfection but to keep things ticking over. Haven’t got time for your usual gym session? A 15-minute walk around the block after dinner is still a win. Skipped meal prep this week? Grab some pre-cut veggies and a roast chook from Woolies.

Christmas doesn’t have to mean “all or nothing”—think of it more as “do what you can”.

Plan (Roughly) Ahead

No one’s expecting you to have a military-style schedule, but a bit of loose planning goes a long way during the festive season. Got a few Christmas events lined up? Jot them down in your calendar. Try to keep your days balanced—if you’ve got a big dinner planned one night, aim for lighter meals and a walk earlier in the day.

You can also plan your food shop to save time and avoid impulse buys. Write a list before heading to the supermarket, especially for that big Christmas Day haul. Bonus points if you plan your leftovers—hello, Boxing Day frittata.

Make Healthier Swaps (That Still Taste Good)

Look, you’re not being asked to replace pavlova with a kale salad. But there are some easy ways to sneak in healthier options without sacrificing flavour.

• Go for lean proteins like turkey breast, grilled fish, or plant-based options.
• Use Greek yoghurt instead of cream in dips and desserts.
• Add colour to your plate with roasted veggies, fresh salads, and fruit platters.
• Drink plenty of water between glasses of bubbly. Your future self will thank you.

It’s all about balance—enjoy the treats, but don’t forget the good stuff too.

Keep Moving (Even If It’s Just a Little Bit)

The holidays can mean long lunches, backyard cricket, and lounging in front of the telly. Nothing wrong with a bit of relaxing, but your body still loves to move.

Find fun, low-pressure ways to get active—think beach walks, a swim at the local pool, or dancing in the kitchen while you cook. Got the family around? Organise a casual game of footy at the park or a neighbourhood walk after Christmas lunch. Movement doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference.

Watch the Booze (Without Being a Party Pooper)

Alcohol tends to flow freely at this time of year, but it can sneakily mess with your sleep, mood, and energy. If you’re trying to stay balanced, try alternating alcoholic drinks with sparkling water, or making fun mocktails with soda water, lime, and fresh mint.

Pace yourself, eat before you drink, and listen to your body. If you’re driving or just not keen on drinking, don’t be afraid to say no—there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without a hangover.

Be Kind to Yourself

This time of year can come with a lot of pressure—to show up, to spend big, to be cheerful, and to look a certain way. But the truth is, nobody ever has a perfect Christmas. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or just a bit flat, you’re not alone.

Give yourself permission to set boundaries. Say no to things that drain you – like party invites from acquaintances you haven’t talked to in years. Take time out for yourself, even if it's just 10 minutes with a cuppa and a podcast. And remember – your health includes your mental health.

Streamline Gift Shopping

If you’re tight on time (who isn’t?), simplify your gift-giving. Try online shopping with click-and-collect, buy in bulk (hello, candles and socks), or go for experiences like movie vouchers or a local massage. You could even start a family Secret Santa to cut down on shopping and costs.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—homemade treats, a handwritten note, or a photo book can be just as meaningful as a store-bought present. Or you can settle for our favourite option that doesn’t compromise on the glamour, the fun, or the health aspect – gift each family a healthy Christmas hamper.

Prep What You Can, When You Can

Got 15 minutes? Use it! Chop some veg, marinate your meat, or bake something now and freeze it for later. Small bursts of prep during the week can save you hours closer to Christmas Day.

If you’re hosting, don’t be afraid to delegate. Most guests (specially family) are happy to bring a salad or dessert, potluck style. It’s about coming together—not you turning into a one-person catering service.

Sleep Is Still Important

Between late nights, early mornings, and everything in between, sleep often takes a hit over the holidays. But it’s key for your immune system, energy, and general sanity. Try to keep some sort of sleep routine, even if you’re up a bit later than usual.

Wind down with a book, switch off screens before bed, and sneak in a nap if you need it. A well-rested you is a much more festive you.

Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

At the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about six different types of canapés or perfectly wrapped presents. It’s about connection—maybe that’s with family, friends, or even your closest circle.

So laugh a little louder, hug a little tighter, and don’t sweat the small stuff. If the turkey’s dry, the filling tastes off or you forgot the bonbons—who cares? You showed up, and that’s what counts.

Keeping Christmas healthy and managing a tight schedule is totally doable—it just takes a bit of flexibility, some smart shortcuts, and a healthy dose of perspective about what matters most. Take care of yourself, don’t overcomplicate things, and remember what this time of year is really all about.