Healthy ways to ring in the Christmas season
Getting into the festive spirit need not be all over-indulgence and late nights. These healthy celebration ideas will leave you and your guests glowing inside and out.
It’s time to dig out the tinsel and undo the top button of your jeans – Christmas is almost here.
But if celebrating the silly season and keeping your health on track seems like a Christmas miracle, we have good news for you.
These healthy celebration ideas will help you make merry and still “sleigh” your wellness goals.
Book a healthy celebration at a wellness centre
Round up your friends for an afternoon of indulgence at a spa and wellness centre.
Melbourne’s Pure Wellness Studio founder Nadia Hassan says a spa celebration is the perfect option for people looking for a healthy alternative to the traditional party.
“Not everyone wants to wake up after a party with a sore head,” Nadia says.
The Pure Wellness Studio is available for groups of up to 10 to book for a private event and customise their experience with services including infrared and massage therapy, wellness facials and magnesium foot soaks – all topped off with grazing platters, champagne, cakes and flowers.
“Not only will you leave one of our events glowing inside and out, you’ll also have truly connected with those you celebrated with,” she says.
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Release your stress at the Hot Springs
Soak away the stresses of the year with a relaxing day at a thermal spring.
Charles Davidson, creative director at Peninsula Hot Springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, says a visit to a hot spring is a relaxing way to get the festive spirit flowing.
“With the silly season around the corner, and a never-ending lineup of celebrations on the horizon, it’s never been a better time to bring people together in a slightly more health and wellness-focused fashion,” Charles says.
“While geothermal bathing has significant benefits in improving sleep, easing muscular pain, and reducing body inflammation, an integral part of the experience is its ability to promote social connectivity and a sense of togetherness.”
Charles says guests to the hot springs can also enjoy pampering at the Spa Dreaming Centre and an immersive paddock-to-mouth experience at the new 1.2ha kitchen garden, Food Bowl.
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Host a healthy cooking class
Get your friends and family together for a healthy cooking class and give them the gift of good health this year.
Nutritionist Louise Edney, from Sydney cooking school Nourishing Nosh, says a cooking class is a fun and inclusive way to celebrate.
“It’s an activity people can share, and that makes it more of an experience – you get to create something together that nourishes and that you can all feel proud of,” Louise says.
“And because we have Christmas in summer, it’s all about fabulous, fresh ingredients that make cooking enjoyable and easy.”
Louise says you can host a private cooking class at your home, join a scheduled event or create your own class.
“We also offer virtual solutions,” she says.
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Make a weekend of healthy celebration
Soothe body, mind and soul with a luxury getaway to a health and wellness retreat.
Tracy Willis, public relations manager for Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland’s Tallebudgera Valley, says wellness getaways are an increasingly popular way to spend quality time with loved ones and feel fabulous at the same time.
“With so many people feeling stressed, overscheduled and tired, the days of overeating, over-drinking and late nights are giving way to more positive, restorative, fun options,” Tracy says.
The ecotourism-certified wellness retreat combines organic food, world-class spa treatments, and mindfulness and movement activities.
Packages include the popular two-day wellness weekend, seven-day detox experiences, and specialty retreats focused on women’s wellness, nutrition, sleep or stress relief.
Written by Dimity Barber.
