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5 Tips for Healthy Christmas Celebrations Posted: 08 Dec 2012 09:06 AM PST The season of holiday parties, the family gatherings, and the annual temptation in delicious food have been open with Thanksgiving. Nevertheless food and beverages, even healthy ones, should be a part of an event and not the center of the occasion. Unforgettable gatherings are easy to do when tasty, healthy foods combined with fun, active tasks. Try to focus on activities to get people moving and enjoy being together. Some other tips may help you to reach your goal:   Please the eyes Your offered food should look festive. You may cut your vegetables, fruits or bread into new shapes; serve colorful fruit pieces to old-fashioned recipes; add eye-catching tomato, green onion, dills or other herbs to brighten a plain dish; draw with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup or other colorful sauces on your finger food. Make fun shapes ice cubes from juice of different colors (orange, grape, carrot, mango etc.) or add slices of fruit to make water drinks more attractive.   Please the setsations You want to please not only the eyes but other senses too. Pay attention to the taste of your offered food. Make small changes in your old recipes, add new spices, veggies, fruits, herbs or grains. Be adventurous and try dishes from other cultures. Learn to combine healthy groups of food with others you are used to. Offer whole-grain crackers, veggie trays, fruit kabobs, and salads with whole grains and veggies etc.   Train the muscles Being physically active makes everyone feel good. Prepare dancing music, active games involving a lot of moving, wiggling, and giggling and it will add fun to any gathering. Take a group walk around the neighborhood after eating, instead of going straight to the couch. Prepare tasks when your guests have to run around the house searching for the gifts or other special treats. And forget about TV – it is not a time to watch it, you may do it later when everyone gone.   Distribute the tasks Remember to focus on being healthy and happy, and keep the stress low! Have others participate by contributing a prepared dish or preparing the program to keep the guests active and happy. Ask for help in cleaning up, buying foods or treats, decorating the table or the room.   Enjoy the celebration It is your holiday as much as event for your guests. Enjoy it and learn to set an example for others. Your guests follow what the host around them does, particularly at parties. Your upset, tired or existed face expression will not add much fun to your holiday celebration. Have some rest before it, even if something is not ready for the party. You will catch it with help of your guests and performing the group activity on the kitchen will bring you closer!

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