Christmas is a time of year that highlights the deep emotional and cultural connections we have with food. For many, the festive season is filled with the joy of sharing meals, the excitement of family recipes, and the comfort of long-held traditions. But as a dietitian, I see the other side too, the complexities and challenges that can turn this season of celebration into a source of stress, sadness, and even shame. Food, at Christmas, is never just food. It is memory, identity, tradition, and sometimes, a battleground.
The Role of Food in Celebration and Tradition
For those who celebrate, Christmas meals are often a rich tapestry of family traditions and preferences. Whether it’s mince pies, a perfectly roasted turkey, nut roast, or a table piled high with desserts, food is a centrepiece for connection. These meals are a way of saying, “I care about you,” a tangible act of love passed down through generations.
However, food is not only a vehicle for joy but also nostalgia. The smell of spiced mulled wine or the first bite of Christmas pudding can transport us back to childhood gatherings, to moments with loved ones who may no longer be here. These memories make food at Christmas a powerful symbol of continuity and belonging.
Food and the Shadow Side of the Season
But Christmas isn’t joyful for everyone. For some, it’s a time that magnifies feelings of loss, grief, or inadequacy. Sitting down at a festive table with an empty seat that used to belong to a loved one can make every bite taste bittersweet. For others, financial challenges mean they can’t afford the foods they wish they could provide for their families, leading to feelings of shame or failure.
Even the abundance of food itself can be overwhelming. For those struggling with their relationship with food, Christmas can feel like a minefield. People navigating obesity, disordered eating, or chronic health conditions may find the focus on indulgence and excess triggering, compounding feelings of guilt or exclusion.
Supporting a Balanced Approach
As a dietitian, I encourage people to approach food at Christmas with self-compassion. Here are a few ways to navigate the season’s complexities:
Honour Traditions While Listening to Your Needs: Enjoy the foods that bring joy and connection, but remember that it’s okay to say no or make adjustments if something doesn’t align with your health or emotional well-being.
Recognise Emotional Eating Without Judgement: If food feels like a source of comfort, try to explore the emotions behind it. What is your body or mind asking for? Compassionate curiosity can be more helpful than guilt.
Adapt to Your Circumstances: If finances are tight, it’s okay to simplify. A meal doesn’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Reframe the focus on connection rather than the specifics of the menu.
Create New Memories: For those navigating grief, it can help to introduce new traditions that honour the past while allowing for healing and growth.
Food as a Connection, Not a Burden
Ultimately, food at Christmas is a reflection of our humanity. It carries joy and pain, celebration and struggle, all on one plate. The goal isn’t to make every meal perfect but to approach it with awareness and kindness, towards ourselves and others.
To those finding joy in the season, savour it. To those finding it difficult, know you are not alone. As a dietitian, I believe food should never be a source of shame or division but a way to connect, nourish, and celebrate, no matter the form it takes.
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