Guest Blog; Keeping Christmas Simple, Healthy & Full of Joy

We’re excited to introduce guest blogs here on the MSRRF website!

Every so often we’ll be sharing stories and experiences from the incredible people in our MS community — from service users and fundraisers to health professionals and partners.

Interested in submitting something? Email info@msrrf.org.uk 

Christmas seems to come around quicker every year, and having just moved house, I’m definitely feeling a little less organised than usual! But even amidst the boxes, I’m still buzzing with excitement. I’ve always loved Christmas - that magical feeling where the world seems to pause, we can take a breath, put our phones down (except for the camera, of course!), and enjoy beautiful food with the people we love.

The run-up can be stressful, but over the years I’ve found little ways to keep things simple and lovely on the day itself. So today, I’m sharing my go-to tips to help you feel prepared, calm, and able to truly enjoy Christmas.

My Christmas Prep Tips

1. Prep your potatoes & veg in advance

A few days before Christmas, I prepare:

• A large tray of carrots and parsnips

• A big pan of red cabbage (with apple)

• Another pan for the sprouts

I parboil the potatoes and root veg, then freeze them. On Christmas Day, they go straight onto roasting trays - so easy!

2. Make your homemade stuffing and freeze it

Do this in the weeks leading up to Christmas and tick it off your list early.

3. Write out your food timings

Plan when the turkey, potatoes, and vegetables need to go in. Having timings written down means one less thing to think about.

4. Plan all Christmas Day meals

A week before, I decide on breakfast, a lighter supper, and of course the main meal. Then I do one big food shop (or book a delivery) so everything is in.

5. Lay the table the night before

Or at least gather your napkins, glasses, candles, and decorations. It saves hunting around on the day.

6. Delegate!

My sons each take a job - one handles the starter, the other the dessert. We love sticky toffee pudding, so we prepare them in advance and freeze. Josh then makes the sauce the day before.

7. Keep healthy treats in the cupboards

So you can indulge, too! My favourite is the healthy tiffin on my Instagram - so quick to make and perfect for festive nibbling.

When it comes to making Christmas as healthy as possible, I actually love that a traditional Christmas dinner is essentially a nutrient-packed Sunday roast. I load up my plate with veggies and turkey, and we often have prawns or salmon with salad for our starter. Dessert is usually my healthier sticky toffee pudding.

My Extra Christmas Health Tips

These are especially important for those of us managing autoimmune conditions like MS - and really, they’re great reminders for everyone.

1. Pace yourself

Don’t push too hard. Prep ahead, delegate, and allow yourself a nap in the afternoon.

2. Leave around 4 hours between meals

So you feel pleasantly hungry and can truly enjoy your Christmas feast.

3. Load your plate with colourful veggies & protein

Pile up those greens, root veg, and turkey - then enjoy your crispy potatoes guilt-free.

4. Keep sweet treats to after meals

Or have a bite of protein first (a nut, a piece of cheese, a prawn) to help keep blood sugar balanced.

5. Hydrate between drinks

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, or choose non-alcoholic options like sparkling kombucha or sparkling water with berries in a champagne flute.

6. Choose lower-sugar alcohol options

Dry white wine or Prosecco is better than sugary mixers. Though I do love a splash of gin topped with Fever Tree ginger ale!

7. Prioritise sleep

In the week leading up to Christmas, try to get to bed at a reasonable hour. If you’re out late, allow yourself a nap the next day.

8. Move your body after eating

Pop on your favourite tunes and dance while washing up, or head out for a lovely winter walk.

9. Soak up the love

Time with family and friends is incredibly healing. Enjoy the laughter, games, dancing, or even a good old-fashioned sing-along. Music is such powerful therapy.

10. Remember — it’s just one day

We will all forget something. Take deep breaths, slow down, and enjoy the magic. If you need a few minutes alone to reset, that’s absolutely fine. Look after yourself as much as you look after everyone else.

Disclaimer: Guest blog posts reflect the personal views and lived experiences of the author. They do not necessarily represent the views of the MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF). Any information included should not be considered medical advice. Individuals are encouraged to speak with a qualified healthcare professional for guidance relating to their own health.