It’s Christmas! Am I Allowed to Eat as Much as I Want?

Christmas is here. The house smells like pilau, nyama choma is sizzling somewhere in the neighbourhood, watoto are running in and out asking for snacks, and the table is fuller than it has been all year. Naturally, one question keeps popping up in many parents’ minds: “Am I allowed to eat as much as I want?”

The short answer? Yes, but with a little intention.

Food Is Part of the Celebration

Christmas is not just a day; it is an experience. In many African homes, food is love, hospitality, tradition and memory all rolled into one. Saying no to your favourite Christmas foods entirely can feel unnecessary and, frankly, joyless. Enjoying food is part of celebrating, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The problem often starts when enjoyment turns into guilt, discomfort, or a week-long food hangover.

Permission Without Pressure

Instead of thinking in extremes, “I’ll eat everything today and punish myself in January”, try giving yourself permission without pressure. Eat the foods you genuinely love, not just what is available. If you know you do not care much for soda, skip it. If you love chapati or roasted meat, have some and enjoy it fully.

Mindful eating does not mean small portions; it means present eating. Sit down. Chew slowly. Taste the food. You are less likely to overeat when you are actually enjoying your meal instead of rushing through it.

Listen to Your Body (Yes, Even on Christmas)

Your body still sends signals on Christmas Day. Full is still full. Uncomfortable is still uncomfortable. Parents especially tend to eat on the run—tasting here, finishing leftovers there—only to realise later they have eaten far more than they intended.

Pause occasionally and check in with yourself. You can always go back for more later. Christmas food is not disappearing in five minutes.

What About the Kids?

Children watch how we relate to food. When they see parents eating with joy but without shame or excess commentary like “I’ll suffer tomorrow”, they learn balance. Allow them to enjoy treats without labelling foods as “bad,” while still offering regular meals and water in between the sweets.

Balance Over Restriction

You do not need to “earn” your Christmas meal by starving all day, nor do you need to compensate the next day with punishment-style dieting. Balance can look like:

• Drinking enough water

• Adding vegetables where possible

• Going for a walk with the family

• Returning to normal routines after the holiday

The Bottom Line

Yes, you are allowed to eat. You are allowed to enjoy. You are allowed to celebrate. Christmas is not a test of discipline; it is a season of togetherness.

Eat with gratitude, not guilt. Your body and your children will thank you for it.

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