INTRODUCTION
The holiday season is steeped in traditions that bring joy, love, and togetherness. However, these traditions often involve prolonged periods of sitting and indulging in high-calorie foods. Why not switch things up this year? Consider creating new active holiday traditions that not only deepen family bonds but also promote health and fitness.
FESTIVE FUN RUNS
Instead of watching the holiday parade on TV, initiate a ‘Festive Fun Run’ around your neighbourhood to create new active holiday traditions. Don the ugliest Christmas sweaters or holiday-themed costumes and set out on a jog or brisk walk. It can become an annual event, turning activity into a cherished holiday gathering that’s both active and social.
CHRISTMAS CAROL WORKOUTS
What if singing “Jingle Bells” came with its own set of jumping jacks? Transform traditional carol singing into a heart-pumping activity. Create a game where each carol corresponds with a particular activity. It makes for entertaining moments and turns a sedentary activity into a dynamic one.
ADVENT CALENDAR FITNESS CHALLENGE
Upgrade the conventional chocolate-filled advent calendar with a fitness-focused alternative to create new active holiday traditions. Behind each door, place a small note with a mini fitness challenge each day. These can range from ‘do ten push-ups’ to ‘perform a one-minute wall sit.’ It keeps you moving and adds a layer of excitement to each day leading up to Christmas.
SEARCHER HUNT HIKE
Create new holiday traditions that are active and engaging by combining the joy of treasure hunting with a nature walk. Set up a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in a local park or forest. Each clue can lead participants to a landmark, where they’ll find the next clue and perhaps perform a quick activity, like bends or swings, to collect it. The goal is to get everyone outdoors, exploring and physical training.
TREE-TRIMMING STRETCH
The simple act of decorating a Christmas tree can be surprisingly physically demanding, and it presents a perfect chance to create new holiday traditions that are active. Use it as an opportunity to stretch and improve flexibility. Each time you reach for the higher branches, extend your arms fully. When placing ornaments lower, squat down instead of bending. It turns a cherished family activity into a functional workout.
HOLIDAY-THEMED GAMES
Utilise the snowy outdoors for active games like snowball fights, sledging races, or even a snowman-building contest. These activities keep everyone on their feet and moving. They’re excellent avenues for casual activity and offer a break from screen time for kids and adults alike.
DANCE-OFF PARTIES
Turn up the holiday tunes and hold a family dance-off. Dancing is an excellent cardiovascular activity that also improves coordination and rhythm. Plus, it’s an energy booster and mood lifter, making it a perfect addition to holiday celebrations.
CHARITY WALKS AS A FAMILY TRADITION
Give back to the community while staying active by participating in holiday charity walks or runs. Make it a family tradition to choose a cause you all care about and sign up for an annual event. It creates a sense of communal responsibility and adds a layer of significance to your holiday activities.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION RUN
Start your New Year with positive momentum by hosting or participating in a ‘Resolution Run.’ A morning jog or walk sets a proactive tone for the year ahead, inspiring you to stick to your health and wellbeing goals. Please invite friends and family to make it a communal effort that everyone can look forward to each year.
CONCLUSION
Revamping your holiday traditions to include more physical activities is not just good for your body; it’s good for your soul. Whether it’s engaging in festive fun runs, embarking on treasure hunts, or hosting dance-off parties, infusing your holidays with active traditions can make the season even more joyful and meaningful.