Christmas is sneaking up faster than a kid on a cookie stash, and if Christmas food anxiety has you in a panic, it can feel more stressful than joyful. As most of us prep to spend time with our families, loved ones, and that one relative who makes everything about dieting, it’s easy for anxiety to creep in.
But here’s the thing: Christmas doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. Even if you’re battling Christmas food anxiety, you can create a holiday that feels relaxed, fun, and maybe even peaceful. It all comes down to a few smart strategies.
Here are my favorite Christmas survival tips for anyone healing their relationship with food and their body:
1. Manage your expectations
First things first: What are you expecting from this Christmas? Is it picture-perfect harmony, with everyone complimenting your five-course meal, while your kids behave like angels? Spoiler alert: It might not happen.
Take a good look at your expectations. Are they realistic? Or are you setting yourself up for stress and disappointment?
If you believe Christmas only counts if you restrict, eat one slice of pie, and have the “perfect” plate, it’s time to rethink. Let go of the pressure to create an Instagram-worthy holiday and focus on creating a day that feels good.
2. Tap into calm (literally)
If Christmas food anxiety is already knocking at your door, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, can help calm your nerves. This simple tool combines acupressure with neuroscience, making it a game-changer for quieting anxious thoughts.
We practice tapping every Friday in the Escape Diet Prison Tribe to let go of fears, negativity, and those “not good enough” feelings. It’s quick, easy, and feels oddly satisfying. If you’re new to it, check out this beginner’s guide to tapping.
3. Plan Ahead to Ease Christmas Food Anxiety
Look, winging it works for impromptu road trips, not for navigating Christmas food anxiety. If you know certain people, foods, or situations trigger you, make a plan ahead of time.
Ask yourself:
- What worked (and didn’t) last year?
- Who or what triggers you?
- How can you set boundaries or handle tricky moments?
Write down your survival plan like the genius you are, and keep it close. Trust me, prepared you is unstoppable.
4. Find the joy
No, really—find it. What makes the holidays fun for you? Is it belting out carols, giving gifts, or watching that cheesy Hallmark movie where everyone falls in love at a Christmas tree farm?
Focus on the parts that make you smile and spend less energy on the ones that don’t. You don’t have to sit through hours of calorie chatter or let anyone’s weird food opinions ruin your vibe.
When you shift your focus to what brings you joy, Christmas food anxiety takes a backseat.
5. Schedule time for yourself
Yes, the holidays are about giving, but you don’t have to give until you’re completely drained. Set boundaries with anyone who tries to guilt you into endless obligations and carve out time just for yourself.
Take a walk, sip a cup of tea, or lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes if you must. Protecting your peace isn’t selfish; it’s smart.
6. Prioritize Mental Health Over Christmas Food Anxiety
Your mental health is your top priority, period. If Christmas food anxiety is taking over, double down on your self-care practices. Journal. Meditate. Dance around the kitchen to Mariah Carey.
Your well-being affects how you handle stress, connect with others, and make choices. So treat it like the precious gift it is and give yourself what you need to feel steady and supported.
7. Eat what YOU want
Let’s be real: No one has the right to tell you what to put on your plate (or take off it). Eat what you enjoy. Get seconds—or thirds. Skip the judgment and let your cravings guide you.
If someone tries to shame you for your food choices, walk away or shut it down with a confident smile. And if dieting chatter fills the room, remind yourself: their food drama is not your problem.
This Christmas, you are the boss of your plate, your body, and your choices. Show yourself compassion, eat what you love, and leave the guilt at the door.
Don’t let Christmas food anxiety dictate your choices. Eat what you love, unapologetically.
Love and Light
Christmas doesn’t have to be about stress or pressure. Even if Christmas food anxiety shows up, you have the tools to manage it, honor your needs, and make the holidays your own.
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs it—and remind them to eat the cookies. 🎄✨
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