It has been a rough time for many, particularly socially and in business. If you are in a fortunate position to be able to buy gifts for your loved ones this Christmas, consider shopping local and supporting small businesses. Perhaps you even have a friend or family member who owns a store and you could get your gifts from there? If you are looking for some shopping inspiration I have listed a few of my favourite small and locally owned businesses in New Zealand on my Instagram page. There are so many environmentally conscious, innovative and clever people out there, let’s support them this holiday season!

Every Christmas a huge amount of packaging and gift wrap is thrown away. That's because the wrapping material with cellophane, ribbons, bows, bags metallic and shiny wrapping paper isn’t recyclable. However there a plenty of ways of presenting a gift to your loved ones without adding to landfill. Reuse old gift wrap, wrap in fabric or take pages from old magazines or newspapers. Personally, I think my son’s paintings make great gift wrap! If there’s no tape why not tie the present up with some string or a ribbon you have lying around. Get creative. Decorate with handmade cards, spices or plants from your garden. We can still give this holiday season, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

The amount of time it takes a Christmas tree to grow is 4 - 15 years (depending on the species) to the typical height of 6 feet. But the average growing time is 7 years. 7 years, for one tree to be cut down, adorned and adored for a few weeks and then thrown out with the rest of the Christmas trash. Surely there’s a better way? My family is fortunate enough to own a large property with pine trees. For Christmas, we cut a branch off a large mature tree for our family Christmas tree. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to mature trees, you could purchase a living tree for your local garden centre and plant it after Christmas. Or get some solar lights and decorate a tree outside in your garden.

The expectation to get the ‘perfect’ gift for everybody can be overwhelming, especially if you are part of a large family. Take some time to tune in with your family prior to Christmas to set some ground rules. Maybe you purchase gifts for the children only, or perhaps a ‘Secret Santa’ style of exchanging gifts could be fun. Find a balance that feels right for your family.

Preparing the meal for the holiday season should be fun! Honestly, my favourite parts of the last few Christmas’ have been those moments in the kitchen, music on, connecting and cooking with my loved ones. Plan a tasty menu, cook together and then sit down with your delicious festive meal and a drink and enjoy it. Cheers!

What are your favourite meals and drinks to enjoy over the holidays? I’d love to know, leave them in the comment section below.

Learn which healthy habits and foods to include in your diet to build and support your immune system. Naturally Strong is a free E-Book that also includes recipes to help you become healthy and strong, the natural way. For your copy follow the link and sign up for the mailing list.