Tuck In!

Without a doubt, the Christmas dinner is our favorite part of Christmas – tender turkey, crisp and fluffy roast potatoes and a selection of yummy veggies, as well as delicious meaty gravy and fruity Christmas pud. But as we mentioned in our How to Indulge (Without Having to Bulge) Over Christmas article, one Christmas dinner alone can contain over 2500 calories – one day's worth of calories in just one meal. Tucking into too much Christmas dinner could add up to a large weight gain – but if it isn't cooked properly, you could also end up with a nasty case of food poisoning. If cooking a frozen turkey, make sure that it is thoroughly defrosted with no ice crystals before cooking it. Cook from room temperature until there is absolutely no trace of pink in the cooking juices. Think about steaming veggies – it's quick and easy, or pre-prepare dishes so that all you have to do on Christmas Day is heat them up again. Preparation is really useful, as it means that you don't have to worry about veggies catching and burning. When reheating, ensure that the food is piping hot before serving. It's also worth mentioning that you should be really careful when handling hot fat – burns are very common at Christmastime!

Stress Less

It's common to regress a little bit at Christmas – especially when you're going back to your childhood home with your siblings for the holidays. You might find yourself slipping back into your old teenage argumentative ways, arguing with your parents or fighting with your siblings. To cope, remember that although you're back in your childhood home, it does not mean that you need to behave like a child. Try to see things from your parent's point of view, especially if you're being a bit lazy and lounging around in bed. Take time to help out and if your siblings try to start fights, don't rise to the bait. You don't have to slip back into your old self just because it's Christmas.

Also, if you're feeling worried that you're going to be lonely this Christmas, get in touch with a local charity. The help is out there for everyone – you just have to ask for it. You don't have to be alone!

Read More: How To Take It Easy And Survive Holiday Stress

Sit Back and Relax

If you find Christmastime stressful rather than relaxing, make an effort to spend at least half an hour each day sitting back and taking a little time for yourself - even if it's when everyone else has gone to bed! Do something that you love and that makes you feel relaxed, such as read a book, sip a glass of wine or watch a silly sitcom. Taking that time for yourself is a really useful way of de-stressing – and it'll make you feel much better when your house is like a zoo, full of children and noise!

Christmas is all about spending time with your family – so follow the tips above to stay healthy and happy whilst spending time with the people that matter.