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It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate with loved ones, indulge in some good food and be merry. At Tonic we all have different celebrations around this time of year, whether that be a big family feast, a day spent in the Aussie sun, or a cozy day at home. But one thing we all share is a belief that this season is the perfect opportunity to embrace wellness.
Over the years, we’ve each cultivated our own collection of holiday traditions that bring us joy, and keep us feeling our best during the festive season.
Join us as we unwrap the stories and ideas that make our Christmas traditions so special. Who knows? You might find inspiration for your own holiday season too!
Jos - Head of Operations
“With five young boys, Christmas Day is a whirlwind, starting from the crack of dawn. The day takes on a life of its own, filled with present opening chaos, Fortnite, setting up the boys new toys and a seemingly endless list of things to do. Before the house comes alive and to help myself stay grounded amidst the festive fun, I carve out ten quiet minutes for some gentle stretching before everyone else wakes up. It’s a simple health hack, but it works wonders for both my body and mind. Stretching helps me loosen up after a busy Operations lead-up to the holidays, easing away any tension and preparing me for the busy day ahead. It’s proof that even the tiniest act of self-care can make a big difference.”
Joy - Head of Retail
"We always try to get outside, keep moving, and enjoy as much fresh air as we can. Living where we do, this often means walking down to or across the Humber Bridge (if the weather isn’t too grim). Here she is in all her glory! I don’t have a festive picture, but these were taken during previous December’s. It’s a chilled tradition that allows us to stretch our legs, enjoy the fresh air, and spend some quiet time together away from the busyness of the day.”
Sinead - Head of Brand Marketing
"Growing up in a big family with a mum who loves to host, Christmas mornings at our house can get pretty hectic. To escape the chaos—and to dodge getting roped into cooking—I throw on my Christmas jumper, dress my dog Percy in his best festive outfit, and head out for a long walk in the woods nearby. It’s my moment of peace before the rabble arrive, and there’s something quite magical about how quiet the streets are. I always run into others out enjoying a Christmas walk, everyone in good spirits. Even if you don’t have a dog, I highly recommend stepping out for some fresh air—it’s a wonderful way to find a bit of calm on what can be such a lovely day.”
Daisy - Junior Social Media Manager
“Living near Brighton, it’s impossible to resist the pull of the beach on Christmas morning. Every year, over 500 swimmers go to Brighton beach, many dressed in Santa suits, for the annual Christmas morning swim. The water is always icy, but there’s something exhilarating about running into the freezing sea dressed as Santa alongside so many others. There’s so many benefits to cold-water swimming and despite the initial chill, the energy is infectious and uplifting, setting the tone for the rest of the day and making Christmas lunch feel that bit more rewarding.”
Jamie - Head of Growth
"Spending Christmas in Australia means my day kicks off a little differently—with a competitive volleyball match on the beach with close family and friends. There’s nothing quite like being outside on the beach in the sun to set the tone for the celebrations ahead. Instead of the traditional heavy Christmas dinner, we embrace the Aussie lifestyle with a barbecue feast. Grilled seafood, fresh salads to replace the usual turkey and trimmings. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional Christmas feast, I can’t recommend mixing up what you eat on the day - even if you’re in the UK.”
Freya - Nutrition Customer Care Associate
"Throughout the day, I like to sip on peppermint tea—it’s my little ritual that keeps me feeling light, refreshed, and balanced. Peppermint tea has so many benefits; it aids digestion and calms the stomach amidst all the indulgence. There’s also something so soothing about the minty aroma and warmth of the tea that feels especially comforting during the festive buzz. After lunch, I always head out for a 5k run. The roads are so quiet and I always enjoy a quiet moment of reflection on the run, it’s the perfect way to clear my head and it always feels like a refreshing pause in what can be a wonderfully chaotic day.”
Sam - Junior Video Editor
“Before the whole family sits down for lunch we always make time to kick a football around in the garden. It’s a simple yet special tradition that has become an essential part of our Christmas morning. Football helps us chill, be silly and have a laugh before we sit down for lunch. I love football and this tradition holds a special place in my heart ever since I was younger. Every year, I also look forward to adding a new ball to my tree collection, making this festive ritual even more meaningful and something I can’t wait for each Christmas season.”
Ailsa - Finance Director
"For me, getting my steps in, first thing, is an essential part of my routine, especially during the festive season. It clears my mind, supports digestion, and gives me a chance to breathe in the crisp countryside air. It feels like the perfect way to recharge and set the tone for the rest of the day. Around Christmas, I also book into a fitness class with friends as we all have a bit more time, and it's nice to socialise doing something that doesn't involve eating or drinking. It helps me feel strong, calm and energised all at once.”
Sunna - Founder and CEO
"Christmas is the one time of year when I take a proper break. Running a start-up isn’t always easy, there’s rarely a moment to completely switch off. However, during the festive break, we close the office and the whole team takes time off, which gives me the rare opportunity to fully relax as well. For me, this time is all about cooking—something I absolutely love and don’t ever find enough time to do. Christmas Day, in particular, is my chance to go all out in the kitchen- I make as much as I can from scratch, including the gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, and more. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the process and the tradition, which makes the day feel even more special. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting a homemade Christmas meal and sharing it with my closest."
From all of us here at Tonic we hope you have a wonderful festive season.
