Navigating the Holiday Season While Trying to Conceive (TTC)
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for those trying to conceive, it can also bring unique challenges. Between navigating questions from well-meaning family members, balancing holiday indulgences, and staying mindful of your fertility goals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But the holidays can also be a time to reflect, recharge, and set intentions for the year ahead. Here’s how you can navigate the season with confidence and grace while staying aligned with your fertility journey.
Tip #1
Saying No to Alcohol: Protecting Your Fertility
Holiday gatherings often come with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a festive drink—or two. However, if you’re actively trying to conceive, it’s worth considering the impact alcohol can have on your fertility.
Alcohol can disrupt hormone balance, interfere with ovulation, and affect egg and sperm quality.
Cutting back or avoiding it entirely is a simple and proactive step to support your fertility health.
While this choice is an important one, I understand it can sometimes feel tricky to communicate in social settings, especially during the holidays.
If you are in that two-week waiting period, and think you may be pregnant it is our expert opinion that you completely avoid alcohol.
Alcohol is a neurotoxin, and the baby’s brain and spinal cord are in the early stages of development
If you’re worried about declining a drink or feeling out of place, here are some tips to help navigate the conversation with ease:
“I’m focusing on my health right now.”
“I’m taking a break from alcohol for the holidays.”
“I’m the designated driver tonight!”
“I’m just sticking with this [mocktail/sparkling water]—it’s delicious!”
You can also plan ahead by bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks to share, like sparkling water with fresh fruit or a festive mocktail! This way, you’ll feel included in the celebrations while keeping your health and fertility goals on track.
Tip #2
Navigating the Holiday Food
If there’s one thing that we preach at Nutrition by Jess, it’s that everything in moderation. Some practical tips to enjoy the holiday food whilst also staying true to your fertility and health goals include:
Start your day with a high-protein meal to help stabilise your blood sugars throughout the day (and this will help balance the additional treaties you might consume throughout the day).
Make sure to include some salad & vegetables in your main meals. The good thing with Christmas dinners is that they can actually be quite healthy!
When dessert rolls around, opt for some fruit, and a smaller portion of the Christmas pudding.
And remember the holidays are about so much more than food and drinks—they’re an opportunity to create meaningful memories with loved ones and savour the moments that bring you joy.
Tip #3
Reflecting and Setting Goals for the New Year
The holiday season is also the perfect time to pause and reflect on the year that’s passed.
What were your challenges? What were your wins?
Use this time to set intentions and goals for the new year. They don’t have to be big, overwhelming resolutions—they can be small, actionable steps that align with your fertility journey. For example:
Prioritising balanced meals and key nutrients for fertility.
Making time for self-care, like yoga or meditation.
Scheduling regular check-ins with your healthcare provider or fertility nutritionist.
Writing down your goals can feel empowering and provide clarity as you move into the new year with renewed focus and hope.
Tip #4
Unwind and Recharge
Amid the busyness of the holiday season, don’t forget to take care of yourself. TTC can be emotionally taxing, and giving yourself time to unwind and recharge is important.
Here are some ways to prioritise self-care:
Take a walk outside to enjoy nature and clear your mind.
Spend time journaling or practising mindfulness to help process your emotions.
Limit commitments or say no to events that feel overwhelming—you don’t have to do it all.
By giving yourself permission to rest and recover, you’ll enter the new year feeling more centred and ready for the journey ahead.
Tip #5
Enjoy the Holidays Whilst Honoring Your Feelings
It’s okay if the holidays bring up a mix of emotions for you. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or something in between, give yourself the grace to feel however you feel. For some, the holiday period may not look the way you intended it to, and it’s okay to feel these feelings.
You might decide to skip certain events, share your feelings with a trusted friend, or create your own quiet holiday traditions. Whatever feels right for you is perfectly valid.
And remember, it’s also okay to embrace moments of happiness and joy without guilt. This season is about celebrating in a way that feels authentic to you.
Looking ahead with hope and support
The holidays are a time to celebrate, but they’re also an opportunity to reflect and prepare for the year ahead. If you’re planning to focus on conceiving in the new year, consider booking a consultation with a fertility nutritionist to support your journey. Personalised guidance can make a world of difference in helping you achieve your fertility goals.
No matter what this holiday season looks like for you, do your best to embrace the moments that bring you joy and peace. Above all, be kind to yourself—you’re doing an incredible job navigating this journey.
Here’s to a hopeful and fulfilling new year ahead x
