My first official diabetic Christmas....Ho Ho Help

[JimG92]

As one of my very favourite times of the year approaches, my better half and I are lucky enough to be able to spend it (legally) with my son and daughter in law and the two youngest grand-monsters.
This will be my first "official" Chrissie as a diabetic and I'm wondering how I'll maintain my self control with all the goodies that'll definitely be about. Obviously the family all know what's happening with me and are extremely supportive and understanding but I don't want them to feel "put out" and that they have to change what they're putting out on the table food wise (before, during and after dinner).
Seriously though, I'm sure I'll be fine (self control wise) and I'll be able to resist the urge to stick my head in the trifle while raiding the kids' selection boxes - even after a small glass of cooking sherry but I don't want to spoil their Christmas by them feeling they have to tip toe around me.
Anyone else had this feeling? I know that they'll give me full support but I don't want to put them out - at least that's how I feel...
I just want it to feel like a "normal" Christmas for the whole family - especially with the year that everyone (right across the world) has just had.

 

[Drummer]

A low carb trifle is definitely a possibility - sugar free jelly with almond sponges, berries and then real custard and whipped cream.
you could melt some high cocoa chocolate and dip nuts - either a whole covering or a partial, concoct an alcoholic cream using artificial sweetener if you like it. They are usually very high in sugar - a dry wine, some sort of spirit and cream, poured into coffee, is just as good - or add flavours as required - same basic mix, made in small amounts and kept in the fridge for a few days can be poured into a glass and then flavoured.

 

[Jamie M]

Hi JimG92,very much the same for me.I was very sweet toothed up until my diagnosis in March.Up till now I’ve managed a whole lot better than I imagined I would when I was first diagnosed and although I know I will be tempted I’m convinced I will cope with it.Im not saying I won’t stray but I definitely won’t overdo it. I am quite happy for everyone else to have whatever they want and to enjoy themselves as much as they can after the year we’ve al had.

 

[Drummer]

You can use 'fat head' pizza dough to make sausage rolls or pasty like foods if you miss them.
Cheese waffles aka 'chaffles' can be used for hot bacon 'chaffies' or allowed to go cold to make sort of sandwiches.
With a bit of invention and home baking its not too bad.
My dishes are always the first ones to vanish at the Christmas parties.

 

[MikeTurin]

Cheese and meat could bee a fine idea.
Stew and/or braised meat are a traditional dishes.
For the dessert proper is a bit tricky but making some soft cheese or whey cheese dessert using artificial sweeteners is possible, and basically you''l make a cheesecake in a glass without the base. Like this:

https://www.torinofan.it/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/bicchierino-seirass-longo.jpg

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I often post a link to this blog post in relation to Christmas food around this time of year, so for any newcomers, here it is again...

I still think it's one of the wisest things I've read about managing food temptations. I re-read it every year or so as it really helps me around tricky food times like Christmas where traditions, ever-present treats, parties, family members and other pressures can start to get to you...

With the holidays coming up, give yourself permission to be human.There is a lot of great food that will be out there soon. Don't try to steel yourself against all of it. You most likely won't be able to, and then you'll have guilt on top of it.

Choose your times. And then enjoy a piece of cake. A dollop of mashed potato. That holiday cookie that only shows up once a year. Make it your CHOICE, not a moment of weakness that will haunt you. That way you'll be able to enjoy it so much more, AND not fall into the "well I messed up, might as well eat the plateful".

...

Whatever you decide to eat or not eat, the most important thing is that YOU control it. If you choose to have some pumpkin pie, make it your conscious decision. Not a mindless "What the hell" or a forced "NO" through gritted teeth. You decide. Only you.

Full post, with more detail here:
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/11/thanksgiving-and-other-feasts.html

 

[MarkGeordie]

I must admit, I don’t like mince pies, Christmas cake, etc, so that’s never been an issue.

I like that blog.

I always took the advice of one of my first ever DSNs when I transitioned from the paeds team to the adult team.

That was, still enjoy a bit of carbs at this time of the year and adjust dosages accordingly.

 

[miguel81]

I think that Christmas can only be difficult if you worry about everyone around you I am lucky inasmuch as I only have myself and my food to think about. I can understand that this being your first Christmas as a diabetic might prove to be a bit disconcerting - but honestly it isn't. There might be someone who will say go on - it's Chrismas have a bit of this or that but if you don't want to, or think that you shouldn't. then politely refuse. I feel sure that your family will not only understand but be supportive. I hope hat you have a really good time.

 

[trophywench]

Well Mark of course type 1s do have the 'luxury' of adjusting our insulin to take care of extra carbs - but most Type 2s don't.

But - who needs mash AND roasties on the same dinner, really? Or more than one spoonful/one 'ball' of stuffing? As much meat as you can stomach, as many pigs in blankets to go with it and as much/many other veg as your belly can hold. Nobody except us two even likes Xmas pud so that doesn't get offered. I'd far rather have a pud that incorporates fresh cream, cos you can have a smaller bit of the 'cake' part of one of them, liberally doused with cream and the cream itself satisfies and gives the feeling of 'tummy fullness'.

Xmas day tea is normally all sorts of protein again - cooked meats, cheeses, maybe tuna or salmon, maybe crackers, maybe a bit of slightly interesting bread - eg cook at home mini rolls or ditto garlic bread, or even sliced brown - and salad.

Then the piece de resistance of course - cos there MUST be trifle! So eat it from a smaller dish and use a smaller spoon, savour every mouthful.

 

[MarkGeordie]

Yeah sorry, I do tend to get carried away with myself and answer in terms of a type one.

 

[Drummer]

If you make low carb foods you can stuff yourself and then see 6.5 on the meter - I did that two days running (once with each offspring) a few Christmases ago and decided that I had definitely got type two beaten. I think that was 2017 - and it has only got better since then.

 

[trophywench]

I'm already looking forward to my dish of trifle!

 

[Piglet]

HI,

I would say Christmas only comes round once a year so enjoy it..... have what you want just a smaller portion. I'm not a great lover of mince pies or Christmas pud but fruit cake is my treat. A small iced bar lasts me until Easter in an air tight tub.

Family will be great and want the best for you too, so perhaps a conversation before Christmas to explain your concerns might be a good idea as I am sure your family will have concerns too as to how to handle your first Christmas with diabetes. time for some new traditions perhaps....