INTRODUCTION
Finding ways to stay physically active with holiday traditions is a simple and joyful way to support your health and wellbeing while embracing the spirit of the season. The holidays are often packed with indulgence and downtime, but blending activity into familiar rituals can make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s a family walk, decorating the house or playing games outdoors, movement becomes part of the fun without ever feeling forced or like a chore.
EMBRACING ACTIVE TRADITIONS AFTER HOLIDAY MEALS
Rather than sinking into the sofa after a festive feast, turn it into a chance for gentle movement. Organise a post-dinner family walk, head outside for a quick group game, or even stretch together indoors. These simple moments help digestion, increase energy and maintain a light level of physical activity during the holidays. Creating traditions that include movement supports both emotional wellbeing and stronger family bonds.
DECORATING TOGETHER WITH A PURPOSE
Putting up holiday decorations doesn’t have to be sedentary. From climbing ladders to string lights to reaching for ornaments and setting up the tree, it’s all functional movement. Make it more engaging by turning it into a team activity or decorating in stages with music and dance. Staying physically active with these holiday traditions adds movement naturally while enhancing the festive atmosphere.
PLAYING OUTDOOR GAMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Whether it’s snowball fights, touch football or a simple game of tag, outdoor games are a classic way to blend fun and physical activity. Encourage everyone to join in, even kids, adults and even grandparents. These active holiday traditions increase heart rate, build connection and get everyone off the sofa. Cold weather shouldn’t stop the fun. Just bundle up and make memories.
GATHERING NATURAL DECORATIONS
Going outside to gather natural decorations is a perfect way to stay physically active while embracing festive rituals. Foraging for pinecones, holly, or evergreen branches for wreaths and centrepieces encourages light walking, stretching and lifting. It also connects you with nature, which supports emotional wellbeing. This tradition can become a treasured seasonal outing that combines movement, creativity and togetherness.
TURNING WRAPPING INTO A MOVEMENT BREAK
Gift wrapping doesn’t seem active, but with a little creativity, it can be. Instead of wrapping everything seated at once, set up a station that encourages standing or moving between items. Add in festive stretches or short dance breaks between gifts. These micro-movements prevent stiffness and boost energy, making the task more dynamic and enjoyable while keeping you lightly active.
COOKING AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MOVEMENT
Preparing holiday meals involves a surprising amount of physical activity. Stirring, lifting, chopping and moving between the fridge and counter all add up. Turn cooking into a celebration by playing music, dancing while you prep and involving the whole family. Staying physically active through festive food preparation means you’re not just creating dishes and you’re also keeping your body in motion throughout the day.
SETTING UP A FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CHALLENGE
A holiday challenge is a great way to keep energy high and activity fun. Lighthearted and customisable, these ideas encourage movement while celebrating traditions:
- 12 Days of Movement: A festive calendar where each day brings a new activity.
- Family Step Competition: Track steps together and add a playful element of rivalry.
- Daily Active Tasks: Simple options like snow shovelling, decorating or dancing keep everyone engaged.
These small challenges create laughter, motivation and shared commitment to staying active.
WALKING TO ENJOY LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS
One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to blend movement into tradition is to walk around your neighbourhood or town to see the lights. This gentle activity encourages movement without pressure. It’s ideal for all ages and adds a magical touch to your evening. Staying active in this way promotes calm, encourages bonding and supports overall holiday wellbeing.
BALANCING MOVEMENT WITH REST AND JOY
While it’s essential to stay physically active with holiday traditions, balance is key. The season is also about rest and reflection. Choose an enjoyable movement that fits your energy level and schedule. Don’t pressure yourself to do intense workouts. Just focus on staying gently active through festive rituals. When activity is part of the fun, it becomes something to look forward to, not just something to tick off.
CONCLUSION
Choosing to stay physically active with holiday traditions helps maintain your health and wellbeing while deepening your enjoyment of the season. Whether it’s walking after dinner, decorating as a team, playing games outdoors, or wrapping gifts with movement in mind, these small and joyful actions add up. By blending workouts into your celebrations, you support your health and wellbeing and create long-term and meaningful memories that truly capture the spirit of the holidays.