Festive eating and drinking coping tips

Christmas is a time for lots of fun, festive dinners and parties. Maybe you're cooking Christmas dinner? Or attending a New Years Eve Party or meeting your loved ones for some mince pies and drinks?

For some people it can be an overwhelming time to manage their tremors. Our festive eating and drinking coping tips will make the season a time to be jolly.

Preparing Christmas dinner

Do not let your tremors stop you from planning a Christmas dinner for your loved ones. Preparing for Christmas dinner can be social and getting out to prepare will also help maintain mobility.

Plan Christmas dinner in advance and write a list of the ingredients before going to the shops and make sure you have everything you need before you start.
If you do go shopping for food over Christmas remember to choose a time when the shops are not busy. But do ask someone to go for you when you really feel unable.
Alternatively doing your Christmas food shopping online saves you time and allows you to avoid the rush of Christmas shoppers.
Think about how long you can stand preparing your meal and don’t decide on a menu that will take longer to prepare than you can cope with.
Keep a good range of foods in your cupboard and freezer that have a long shelf life as these are always a good back up if you are unable to shop as planned
If you’re cooking a big Christmas meal that can be frozen for other days, remember to double or treble the quantity so that you have a few quick and easy meals on standby.
Make use of ready prepared meals as they can be simply reheated if you don’t feel able to cook at any time, and can save on electricity or gas as well as your own energy!

Eating

Eating with friends and family plays a big part of the Christmas season. It is important to maintain your social activities and join in with the Christmas cheer.

Always eat when seated at a proper table – using a tray on your lap is too unstable. You may find using a damp cloth or special non-slip mat under a plate can stop it moving as you eat.
Try using cutlery that has specially adapted handles which are angled or weighted for ease of use, or ‘rocking’ knives that can be used one handed.
Placing your elbows on the table can help to steady your hands and arm when eating
Try raising your plate or drink on a book or box so that the distance your hand has to travel to your mouth is shorter. If you are eating and drinking out, choose a bar table.
Try using a special keep-warm plate that stops food cooling so quickly, or microwave food mid-meal when it becomes cold to ensure food remains appetising. Some plates also have angled, high rims to prevent spillage and make it easier to get food onto cutlery
A bib or apron will keep clothes clean if food is spilled (disposable and wipe-down plastic are available).

Drinking

Drinking can often be challenging for people with tremor, but our handy tips will help you cope.

If you are drinking out, choose a bar, pub or cafe that is not too busy.
To reduce spillages, try using two handled cups or beakers, or a large mug filled only halfway. Some people find that specially weighted cups can also help reduce tremor.
Use a straw (if possible with a one-way valve to prevent liquid going down again) and don’t overfill cups.
Drink out of a pint glass or some people may find using a glass with a stem can help .
When out ask staff to assist you and bring your drinks to the table. Don't be afraid to mention your disorder - as you will find that staff are willing to help.
During the festive season often social activities will involve alcohol. It is recommended to be mindful when drinking with essential tremor. Find out more about alcohol.

We hope you enjoyed our Christmas eating and drinking coping tips. For more tips explore our daily living advice or attend one of our coping tips events.

Do you have any coping tips that help you over the festive season?

If so please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PLEASE NOTE: These coping tips were shared with us by support group members with essential tremor. Some coping tips may work for some people and not for others.