That Christmas Eve I Shall Never Forget! by Anni Dahms

By Anni Dahms

Founder of  the retail chain ANNI’s VITAL SHOP.
Nurse- & Health specialist,  Biopath and Nutritional Adviser.

You can read Annis Newsletter in the following languages:

   

It’s the festive season, and time to write this year’s “Christmas article.” I’m filled with great joy to find myself able to sit at my “typewriter” this year. My thoughts drift back to last year when much of December was spent confined to a hospital bed in Málaga, grappling with serious heart problems. As a former nurse, I could clearly feel my strength gradually slipping away.

The most wonderful cardiologists cared for me in the kindest and most compassionate manner. During one ward round, accompanied by two heart specialists, I suddenly broke into tears. The female cardiologist embraced me warmly and said gently, “There’s no time for tears now. We must fight so you can recover.” Those words remain etched in my memory—they gave me a renewed will to live.

Shortly before my illness and hospitalisation, Nils had taken over the family business. Alongside the worry over my sudden health crisis, he faced a series of unexpected challenges in the daily operations. I observed from the sidelines and saw firsthand what he endured—I must say, he handled it all brilliantly.

My eldest son Peter, who lives in Luxembourg, took a few days off to visit for Christmas. At the time, I thought his visit was primarily to cheer up his beloved younger brother, Nils, but looking back, I now realise he came to lift my spirits and show his support.

Only one visitor was allowed at a time in the hospital, yet somehow, the two brothers managed to visit me together, filling my room with their infectious good humour and cheer.

After a few days, Peter returned home, and the day before Christmas Eve, I was discharged with strict instructions to rest.
An influenza-stricken Nils, feverish, voiceless, and bleary-eyed behind a mask, picked me up from the hospital. I was carefully placed in the back seat of the car. The next day was Christmas Eve. It turned out to be both the best and worst Christmas Eve I’ve ever experienced.

At that time, we were still living in our old two-storey villa. Once home, I immediately and wearily made my way upstairs to my room while Nils stayed in the living room.

The Christmas duck had been purchased during Peter’s visit, and Nils had diligently pored over several cookbooks to perfect the Christmas meal.

Christmas Eve unfolded very differently from how we had envisioned. On Christmas Eve morning, Nils grew even sicker, and we decided to remain on separate floors to minimise the risk of spreading the infection. Christmas Eve was therefore spent apart—with porridge as our festive dinner, and all communication taking place via mobile phones. Without a doubt, it was the worst Christmas Eve I’ve ever had—but also the best, because I was home.

This experience made me reflect on what truly makes the holidays special. It’s not just about traditions and company; it’s also about the choices we make—for ourselves and for those we hold dear. This includes the food and drink we enjoy during the festive season.

Delicious Yet Healthier Christmas Food and Drinks

I adore traditional Christmas food, and it’s entirely possible to make it both healthier and delicious, leaving you feeling lighter afterward.

If the menu features roast pork or duck, opt for high-quality meat—ideally from animals raised under good living conditions.

Be sure to include plenty of delightful vegetables with your main course. Let the vegetables take centre stage and treat the meat as a side dish. For example, a hearty salad with root vegetables can be a perfect addition.

The classic Danish dessert, risalamande, should of course stay true to tradition. However, make sure to use a generous amount of almonds, which provide healthy unsaturated fats.

If you usually serve sweets after Christmas dinner, consider swapping them for healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruit, dark chocolate, and a variety of delicious nuts. These are far better choices than gummy sweets, crisps, and similar snacks.

Coffee and alcohol are delightful drinks when enjoyed in moderation. Festive seasons often lead to increased consumption of both. If you’re a coffee drinker, why not experiment with ways to make your coffee both tastier and healthier? One intriguing option is coffee blended with mushrooms. Traditional coffee is combined with medicinal mushrooms that offer numerous health benefits. My personal favourite is coffee with reishi mushrooms—it not only tastes wonderful but also has low acidity, acts as a powerful antioxidant, and strengthens the immune system.

Alcohol can be a great pleasure, but during the holidays, consumption can easily spiral out of control. For some, this can lead to overindulgence, which may cause problems for both themselves and those around them. Setting a limit beforehand can be a helpful strategy—for instance, deciding in advance to have no more than three drinks.

Personally, I’ve never had issues with alcohol, but as a young adult, I found it challenging to refrain from drinking when the atmosphere was lively and conversations flowed freely. To strike a balance, I made it a habit to drink two glasses of water for every glass of wine. This turned out to be both a healthy and helpful strategy – especially the next day!

When my husband and I hosted guests in our younger days, I always ensured there were alcohol-free beers and wines available as well.
Making thoughtful choices around food and drink during the festive season not only enhances the celebrations but also ensures that everyone feels good, both during and after the festivities.

 

Useful Supplements

To keep your body and immune system robust, especially during busy and social periods like Christmas, it’s essential to prioritise the right vitamins and minerals. Here are some helpful recommendations:

Spirulina and Chlorella:
These superfoods are packed with nutrients. Spirulina aids in detoxification and supports the immune system, while Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, which strengthens immunity and helps detoxify heavy metals. Many people take them together for maximum benefit.

Vitamin C: 
Vitamin C boosts your immune system and can help prevent colds. During Christmas, we often gather with many people from various places, increasing exposure to different infections. A good vitamin C intake can offer extra protection.

B Vitamins: 
Don’t forget to take extra B vitamins, as they play a vital role in supporting the nervous system, metabolism, and circulation.

Vitamin D: 
Vitamin D is essential for the entire body. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it needs to be consumed with vegetable oil for proper absorption. Vitamin D supports numerous bodily functions, including calcium absorption, bone health, cancer prevention, immune system strengthening, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 
An omega-3 supplement is highly beneficial. Omega-3s are essential for the body, supporting circulation, brain function, heart health, blood pressure, and vision.

Magnesium: 
A high-quality magnesium product is invaluable, particularly if you feel stressed, fatigued, or low on energy. Magnesium helps the body relax and can promote better sleep quality.

Additional Tips for Health and Well-Being

Science is increasingly recognising the profound negative impact stress can have on an individual’s health. That’s why it’s essential to manage your stress levels. However, as I’ve learned through experience, this is easier said than done.

I could write an entire book about my first year as a newlywed and mother, hosting the entire family, and how I stressed myself out with Christmas preparations. For instance, in my first year of marriage, with a newborn baby, I forgot to defrost the Christmas duck before putting it in the oven. That Christmas dinner ended up being a simple sandwich! And I could tell many more such stories.

My advice…Stop talking about “Christmas stress.”  The more we discuss stress, the more we attract it.

Nowadays, you can easily order a delicious Christmas menu from caterers. There are plenty of other “helpers” available to ensure a stress-free holiday. Take shortcuts and forget about the “perfect” Christmas where everything must be homemade. What matters most is enjoying time together and creating happy memories.

Getting enough sleep is crucial. Sleep needs vary by individual and change with age. A good night’s sleep helps us feel good, strengthens our immune system, and boosts our overall well-being, giving us the energy to make sound decisions.

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes due to fatigue and lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation affects memory and creativity and can make us more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

Avoid stimulating beverages like coffee, tea, cola, or alcohol.
Instead, enjoy a cup of festive herbal tea with a purchased “homemade” gingerbread cookie or some homemade treats the children have prepared (and remember—they should also clean up afterward!).

No matter the weather, take the whole family out for a walk in nature. Denmark and Spain are blessed with wonderful natural landscapes. Fresh air lifts the spirits, so enjoy the shared experience, filled with laughter, love, and care. Keep the walk short enough that the older generation can join too.

As a longtime dog owner, I know how stressful Christmas can be for pets. Ensure your dog has a safe, quiet space to retreat to amid the holiday bustle. Pay attention to their needs and offer extra care during this time.

Finally, I wish you all – both two- and four-legged friends a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. Take good care of each other and enjoy the season with love and togetherness.