What’s on your calendar – virtual or otherwise – this season?  If it’s anything like mine it is Christmas parties, a Christmas concert.  There is also a to-do list that includes shopping and ordering and posting.

Most of this requires our screens:  Check out sales, order turkeys online, WhatsApp groups to plan the party, emails outlining who is a star and who is a donkey and what costume pieces are needed.  The phone will be out to video that concert and visit to Santa.  Social media pics of your new holiday look or latest Elf idea.

So, also make a plan to live in the reality of the Christmas season.  Schedule at least one activity or two on your calendar that is screen-free time.  Turn them off.  This can be when you decorate a tree, take a winter walk, do some holiday baking. Also schedule these “less important” to-dos on your calendar.   Most importantly, think about scheduling some screen free time during the Christmas week.  Actually play those board games you’re ordering from Smyth’s with everyone present in the room.

This year, T. has asked me if we can make a gingerbread house.  I have no idea how.   I will be googling this in the days ahead of the selected date:  16 December.  But I’ll turn off the phone while we take to the kitchen that day… at least until it’s time to take a picture of our triumph for the family WhatsApp group.

Healthy Holidays is a virtual advent calendar focusing on looking after your health this holiday season.