'Tis the season to be jolly!
The WH team shares their tips for keeping sane (and having fun) this season.

Nicole Wraight - Beauty Editor

I'm spending Christmas at my Mums beach house up the Coast so I'm stocking up on SPF30+ - remember to re-apply every two hours!

I've become a recessionista and will be trawling op shops and second hand stores for clothes and gifts.

I've learnt not to drink too many champers on Christmas Eve as it makes the next day somewhat difficult.

I take a multivitamin before I go to bed on Christmas Day to help my body get through all the food and drink I've consumed.


Katherine Oliver - Digital Imaging

I like to have a mini stash of books ready so I can read them throughout the holidays (preferably in my hammock!)

Everyone in my family brings a plate of something to Christmas lunch, so the person hosting doesn't have to do it all and its way less stressful.


Hanna Marton - Staff Writer

Buy someone a subscription to Women's Health - it's the gift that keeps on giving. (Get a subscription today).

Avoid the pain of Westfield by shopping online. Prices are more competitive and the gifts are sent to you. You don't even have to leave your desk.

Instead of catching up with friends individually - which weighs on your diary and wallet - bring everyone together for drinks at your place (BYO, naturally).

Make your own wrapping paper with magazine pages (not WH, obviously).

Combat the credit crunch by doing Secret Santa with your family.


Tara Ali - Features Editor

My tip is to: Don't overload your diary. People go crazy about 'catching up before Christmas' but we don't all die on December the 25th! There's no harm in seeing a few friends in January, when you'll have more time and energy to see them anyway.

This year my plans are: finish Shantaram, go to the beach, sleep, bake, see friends and exercise. Oh, and I asked for Judy Blume books for Christmas from my family, so I'll be reading those too.


Emma Anderson - Deputy Editor

I'm from the UK, so Xmas is all about stodgy food for me. But it doesn't work in Oz, so I sneak it in in this barbie-friendly salad:

1. Roast potatoes and sweet potatoes till crispy. 2. Toss with rocket leaves and crumbled Stilton (or other blue cheese). 3. Dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 4. Try not to eat it all yourself!


Paul Taylor- Editorial Coordinator

Sleep in.

Buy a ham bag, or wrap your Christmas ham in a tea towel soaked in a mixture of vinegar and water. It'll keep your ham in better condition for longer in the fridge.


Alice Ellis - Senior Sub Editor

I always bring a few gift-wrapped bottles of wine to our family Christmas because there are usually people there that I didn't know were coming, and they often bring pressies for me. Even if I don't end up giving the bottles away, I know they'll come in handy!


Renee Childs - Online Producer

Get up and get moving everyday! I plan a walk (or if I am really keen a run). The benefit - keeps off the extra holiday kilos and provides me with some "me-time" (which can be difficult during the festive season).

My holiday plan: A trip back to Canada to surprise my family with my boyfriend where I plan to eat my mum's pumpkin pie, sit by the fire and have a (small) glass of egg nogg.

Lisa Balemi - Deputy Art Director

I love that even though my brothers and I are grown up and left home we still go home and stay at my parents for Xmas eve. On Christmas morning we wake to find our parents have put out presents for us like they are from Santa.

What are your plans for the holidays? Do you have a tip to make this seaon less stressful? Let us know: