Surviving fussy eating through the festive season
Festive adventurous eating
With December 1st comes the onset of Silly Season, advent, festive excitement and cheer but also queries from our Raising Adventurous Eaters community about how to best navigate fussy eating during the Christmas period.
While nursery and school holidays bring moments of joy and togetherness, they can also pose challenges for families—particularly when it comes to managing extra snack and meal needs. For parents of fussy eaters, this can feel especially stressful as you juggle mealtime prep alongside a busy holiday schedule.
To ease the load and support positive eating habits, we’ve put together three simple strategies to help you navigate the season with less stress and more enjoyment:
1. Plan Ahead with a Meal Planner
Mapping out meals and snacks in advance can seem like a chore, but the benefits are well worth the effort. A festive meal planner can:
• Free up mental bandwidth during busy days.
• Reduce the likelihood of last-minute food battles.
• Support adventurous eating by incorporating new or seasonal foods.
Involve your little one in the process—even if they pick just one meal or snack, their participation can spark curiosity and reduce resistance.
👉 Download our free meal and exposure planner here.
2. Explore Fun, Festive Recipes Together
Turn snack and mealtimes into opportunities for festive fun with recipes designed to introduce seasonal fruits and vegetables in an engaging way.
From Rudolph Courgette Brownie Bites to Sprout Crisps and Sweet Lemon Shreds, our free Festive Recipe Booklet by Diddy Diners is packed with activities that promote exploration and creativity.
Remember, the goal is exposure, not pressure. Even if your child doesn’t eat the final dish, they’ll still benefit from participating in the process.
👉 Download the festive recipe booklet here.
3. Make Your Freezer Your Best Friend
The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace batch cooking. Doubling or tripling recipes and freezing portions saves time and ensures you’re always prepared for hectic days. Whether it’s a festive soup or hearty casserole, your future self will thank you.
We hope these tips help you enjoy a joyful and stress-free festive season while continuing to thrive on your journey of Raising an Adventurous Eater. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Explore our website for a wealth of free, research-backed resources designed to make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.
Plus, check out our proven, on-demand audio course, packed with actionable parenting and nutrition strategies to help you navigate fussy eating with confidence.
Feel free to reach out anytime with questions—we’re always happy to help!
