Christmas Tradition Swaps that Save Calories

Everyone has Christmas traditions, many of which involve delicious foods which contribute to our waist size and New Year's resolution of a new diet and exercise program. Swap a few of those old food-centered Christmas traditions for these non-food centered activities so you can enjoy the Holiday festivities without the guilt and added weight.

Swap Cookie Decorating for Wrapping Paper Decorating

Getting together with kids, grandkids and other family members to bake and decorate cookies is a Christmas tradition in many homes. Swap the calories laden cookie decorating party for a wrapping paper decorating party and save calories while still having fun with family members of all ages.

Host a Make-Your-Own-Wrapping-paper party and have all party guest bring a roll of white butcher's paper. As party host, you furnish glitter, paints, stickers, pens, markers etc., for guests to use to decorate their own unique wrapping paper to use this Christmas.

To give your home that special fragrance of Christmas during the wrapping paper decorating party, use Christmas scented air fresheners and/or candles which do not smell like food (food scents make you hungry). Serve low calorie treats like fruits and raw vegetables along with flavored seltzer water and sugar-free hot chocolate. To enthrall children and keep them away from high calorie snacks, make batches of sugar-free Jello and cut them it into Christmas shapes for the party by using cookie cutters.

Swap Christmas Dinner with Friends for a Spa Day

Getting together with a group of friends prior to the Big Day to eat at a favorite restaurant and swap gifts is a fun Christmas tradition, having a spa day with those friends can be just as much fun without the calories.

Catch up and exchange gifts with your friends while indulging in mani-pedis, massages and facials. Leave feeling rejuvenated in both mind and body without adding an extra calories to your day.

Swap Santa's Cookies for Reindeer Treats

Who really eats the cookies and drinks the milk left for Santa? We know the answer, so save yourself some calories and start a new Christmas tradition with your kids by leaving treats for Santa's reindeer instead.

In a medium bowl, mix one-half cup of sugar with a few drops of food coloring. Add a cup of oatmeal to the bowl and stir. Have kids sprinkle this sparkling reindeer treat in the yard or place a small amount of the treat in 12 separate saucers near the Christmas tree so the reindeer can easily find it.