Few things evoke the festive season quite like food – whether it’s the comforting aroma of roast dinners, the joy of baking gingerbread biscuits, or the simple pleasure of sharing hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. But beyond the flavours and traditions, food offers a way to connect, communicate, and care for one another.
Here, Family Action’s Food and Nutrition Officer Gill shares why mealtimes matter, and suggests ways of connecting with your family during the festive season.
Why mealtimes matter
Family mealtimes are more than just a chance to eat – they’re a shared space to build bonds, express appreciation, and support one another. Eating together can:
- Encourage open communication and emotional connection
- Promote healthy eating habits and role modelling good behaviours as parents and carers
- Provide structure and routine, especially during school holidays
- Offer a moment of calm in a busy or stressful day
Meals don’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. Even simple dishes, when taken slowly and not rushed, can be relaxing and rewarding.
Sharing and cooking together
Preparing food as a family can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to teach skills, share stories, and work as a team. As one parent told us:
It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to have produced a meal for my family – I feel like I have achieved something!
But cooking together can be twice as fun and also strengthens family bonds, so consider drafting in your family to help. Plus, it’s a great way to connect across generations – grandparents might share stories behind traditional recipes, while children bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm. These shared experiences help preserve existing family traditions and create new ones – whether it’s a special stuffing recipe or a quirky way of decorating cookies.
Looking for inspiration? Try one of these easy, budget-friendly recipes:
Creative breakfasts: start the day together
While Christmas dinner often takes centre stage, breakfast can be a hidden gem for family connection. It’s a quieter time to gather, plan the day, and enjoy each other’s company.
Make breakfast special by making a playlist of favourite music. Or build it around a theme such as:
- an American or French breakfast
- a floor-based picnic
- a hotel–style buffet breakfast.
For Christmas you can also buy seasonal items in supermarkets, such as tree–shaped crumpets, or cake cutters featuring festive shapes for perfect pancakes – just be prepared to relax some of the rules around sugary treats such as pastries and waffles!
Whatever you choose to do breakfast provides a perfect opportunity to start the day together in a relaxed way. You might also chat about what everyone is doing for the day ahead, and what plans are coming up. It’s a great way to check in and give children a sense of stability and routine, especially during the busy festive season.
Simple recipes allow everyone to get involved and help with the planning and preparation. Need ideas? Explore our breakfast recipes and videos for simple, nutritious options that everyone can help prepare.
Preparing homemade gifts together
Preparing edible gifts together can be a joyful, creative activity that brings the whole family into the kitchen. Whether you’re decorating biscuits or tying ribbons on gift bags, these moments also allow you to make memories as a family.
Children can take pride in creating something special for loved ones, and it gives you all a perfect chance to chat and share stories as you work side by side. Not only can you slow down and enjoy each other’s company, but the results are delicious too.
For inspiration and ideas for gifts you can make together for family and friends, see our article: Easy Christmas crafting ideas for your family.
Reducing food waste by cooking together creatively
After a big festive meal, leftovers are almost inevitable. But with a little creativity, they can become the start of something new – from turkey curry to bubble and squeak.
Reducing food waste not only saves money but also teaches children about sustainability and resourcefulness. Involving children in planning how to use leftovers can be a great way to spark creativity and build confidence in the kitchen. Ask older children what meals they’d like to try – could yesterday’s roast become today’s soup?
Cooking together also gives children a sense of ownership and pride, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to pass on cooking skills and family recipes. Even younger children can help stir, mash, or set the table.
For more tips, see our article on how to reduce your family’s food waste.
Support that lasts beyond Christmas
While festive meals are special, Family Action supports families with food and nutrition all year round. If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, consider joining one of our FOOD Clubs, which offer good-quality food at low cost.
From nutrition and energy advice to community events, FOOD clubs are about more than just food. They’re warm and welcoming communities that support those in need while helping families to maintain their independence.
Learn more about our work in food and financial hardship and how you can get involved, including volunteering opportunities.
Call, text, email or web chat FamilyLine
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried or upset about any aspect of your family life, FamilyLine is here for you. We offer free emotional support and guidance on family relationships, conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more.
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