Christmas isn’t Christmas without a few long-standing traditions, and while there’s nothing like a bit of gingerbread house building and visiting friends and family for mulled wine to make you feel suitably festive, there’s value in adding new activities to your celebrations that, over time, will become traditions too.

An activity that gets you up and moving your body is a great place to start, not least because movement can help you to boost your energy levels and shake off any festive stress that might be building. The key is finding a form of movement that is not only doable amid the Christmas chaos but is also enjoyable for all.

And that’s where this list comes in. To help you make movement part of your Christmas celebrations, we’ve come up with this list of seven fitness-related Christmas traditions that you can start this year. Take this as a sign to add one (or more) to your celebrations this year and get ready to reap all the benefits they have to offer. 

Before the celebrations officially get underway, take a moment to yourself to enjoy a festive-themed workout class online. There are plenty available on YouTube, so whether you’re in the mood for a Christmas yoga flow or a festive pop dance workout, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests. 

Ice skating has to be the ultimate active Christmas tradition, and with so many places across the UK now home to festive pop-ups, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to booking a spot. In London, you’ll find rinks at Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hampton Court Palace, while big cities like Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool all have outdoor rinks available to book.

As well as being a fun activity to do with friends, ice skating is a great cardio workout and can improve muscular endurance – all while giving you the opportunity to wrap up warm and enjoy a festive beverage afterwards. 

If you prefer your Christmas traditions to be a little more low-key, then this one will be right up your street. Just before you don your PJs and curl up for the evening on Christmas Eve, take the opportunity to wrap up warm and take a walk around your local area to spot all the different Christmas lights.

Walking is not only great for your health (it gets your heart rate elevated, which is great for cardio fitness, and works muscles across the body), but it can also have a positive impact on mental health, relieving stress and boosting mood. It’s also suitable for all the family, ensures that everyone gets some fresh air before the chaos of Christmas truly begins and, in this case, provides a great way to connect with others in your local community and admire all the decorations in their glory. 

Every year plenty of Parkruns across the country host a special Christmas Day 5k, and it’s a great way to kick off the celebrations. Running outside in winter is a great way to get your blood pumping and boost your energy levels before a long day, and we know that movement is important for maintaining good gut health – something that tends to get disrupted due to all the rich food and drink we consume at this time of year.

While not every Parkrun course hosts an event, you can check the Parkrun website to see if your local park is hosting one. If you’ve never done a Parkrun before, it’s the perfect opportunity to see what it’s all about and have a go at running (or walking) 5k in a judgment-free zone. Lots of people dress up in festive outfits, so if you fancy popping on a Santa hat or draping yourself in tinsel, now’s the time to do it. 

If you can’t quite muster the energy to head out for a walk after your Christmas lunch (a common tradition), then have a go at a quick post-lunch stretching session.

Engaging in some gentle movement is a great way to help the digestive process get underway, which will help to relieve any discomfort you feel after a bigger meal. There are even stretching videos on YouTube designed to help you digest a big meal, so you don’t need to think too hard about it – just put it on the TV, get everyone involved, and enjoy the relief it provides. Some gentle side stretches and twists are a good place to start if you’re feeling full. 

The benefits of cold water therapy are well-documented, so if you’re lucky enough to live near the sea or a body of water, why not try a cold dip on Boxing Day?

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish (read: hungover) after a day of festive merriment, a quick cold dip is the perfect way to wake yourself up and boost your mood. Just make sure you practise safe cold water swimming (don’t jump into deep water, be prepared for the cold shock and have warm clothes nearby for afterwards).

While you’re totally within your rights to spend the whole of Twixmas on the sofa, it’s a good idea to incorporate a little movement – and setting out on a walk with family is a great way to do just that. As tempting as it might be to simply walk around the block, we suggest setting yourself a goal to walk to a specific pub, stopping for a drink at the midway point and then walking back.

It transforms a normal walk into more of an adventure and means you get to enjoy a nice treat at the midway point. What more could you want? 

Images: Getty