Christmas is such a special time of year—filled with family traditions, delicious food, and plenty of celebration. But if you’re following the GAPS diet, the holidays can feel a little overwhelming. From trays of cookies to festive drinks and rich family favourites, it may seem like there’s no place at the table for your healing foods.
The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a truly nourishing and festive season without feeling deprived. In this post, I’ll share my best GAPS diet Christmas tips—from stage-friendly recipes to simple holiday strategies—so you can celebrate with joy, confidence, and a plate full of food that supports your healing journey.
Why Christmas Feels Different on GAPS
If you’ve ever sat at the Christmas table and felt torn between sticking to your healing protocol or joining in the feast, you’re not alone. The GAPS diet can make the holidays feel different, and that’s okay.
Here are a few common challenges many families face:
- Food traditions run deep. Christmas pudding, gingerbread, pavlova, and other festive favourites may not be GAPS-compliant, leaving you feeling left out.
- Social pressure is real. Well-meaning relatives might encourage you to “just have a bite” or question why you’re skipping certain foods.
- Extra cooking stress. Preparing GAPS-friendly meals takes effort, and doing it during the busiest season of the year can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the encouraging truth: Christmas doesn’t have to feel like a burden on GAPS. By focusing on what you can enjoy—flavourful roasts, comforting soups, nourishing ferments, and even festive desserts—you’ll discover that healing foods can be just as joyful and celebratory. In fact, many families find new traditions that feel even more meaningful than before.
Simple Strategies to Enjoy Christmas on GAPS
Staying on track during the holidays doesn’t have to mean missing out. With a few simple strategies, you can keep your meals festive and still support your gut-healing journey.
1. Plan Ahead
Take a little time to plan your menu before the season gets busy. Choose a few GAPS-friendly Christmas recipes that feel special and can double as crowd-pleasers for the whole family. Meat stock, roasted meats, fermented vegetables, and flourless desserts are excellent options.
2. Bring a Dish You Love
If you’re attending a gathering, bring along a GAPS-approved dish you know you’ll enjoy. That way, you’ll have something safe and nourishing on your plate, and chances are others will enjoy it too.
3. Focus on Abundance
Instead of thinking about what you can’t have, celebrate what you can. There are so many rich, satisfying foods on GAPS—roast lamb, crispy pork crackling, fresh seafood, fruit-based treats, and probiotic drinks. A festive spread of healing foods feels just as celebratory.
4. Keep It Stress-Free
The holidays are about connection, not perfection. Don’t pressure yourself to recreate every tradition. Focus on a few meaningful recipes and rituals that bring joy, and give yourself permission to simplify where needed.
GAPS-Friendly Christmas Recipe Ideas
One of the best ways to feel included in holiday celebrations is to have delicious GAPS-friendly recipes on hand. These can easily become new family favourites while keeping your gut healing on track.
Here are some ideas to inspire your menu:
- Starters: Chicken liver pate with veggie sticks, prawn cocktail with homemade mayonnaise, baked stuffed mushrooms.
- Main Course: Slow-roasted lamb roast with garlic and rosemary, baked salmon with lemon and dill or beef pot roast.
- Sides: Cauliflower mash, roasted root vegetables, sauerkraut or fermented beetroot salad, zucchini noodles with fresh herbs.
- Desserts: Baked apples with honey and cinnamon, coconut flour fruit cake, panna cotta with berry sauce, Frozen Russian custard, Pumpkin pancakes served with honey yogurt.
- Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon or mint, kefir-based mocktails, warm spiced honey drinks.
FAQs
Yes! While traditional cakes and puddings are off the table, there are many delicious GAPS-friendly alternatives. Think baked apples, honey-sweetened fruit cake, or panna cotta with berry compote. These feel festive but still support your healing.
I suggest skipping the alcohol and sugary punches and instead enjoy healing drinks like kombucha, kefir soda, or even a warm spiced honey tea. Sparkling water with lemon and fresh herbs also makes a refreshing and festive choice.
The key is preparation. Bring along a dish you love, let your host know about your needs in advance, and focus on the joy of being together. Often, others are curious and even excited to try your nourishing GAPS-friendly recipes. OR Eat well before you go to events if the food won’t be ideal – Something very high in fat and a moderate protein will help keep you full and reduce the risk of giving in to temptations.
Absolutely. Many kids love roasted meats, veggies, and simple fruit-based desserts. Involve them in preparing fun holiday treats, such as honey-sweetened cookies, decorated baked apples, and Christmas-shaped jellies, so they feel included and excited about the celebration.
Celebrating a Nourishing Christmas
Christmas on the GAPS diet may look different, but it doesn’t have to feel restrictive. By planning ahead, bringing along GAPS-friendly dishes, and focusing on abundance rather than limitation, you can create a festive table that’s both healing and joyful.
Remember: the heart of Christmas isn’t just in the food—it’s in the connection, traditions, and memories you’re building with loved ones. By choosing foods that support your health, you’re giving yourself and your family the gift of true nourishment this holiday season.
So this year, celebrate with confidence knowing that Christmas on GAPS can be every bit as delicious, meaningful, and joy-filled as ever.
What are your favourite tips for getting through the holidays on the GAPS Diet?
GAPS and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride.
Last Updated on 25/09/2025 by Rebecca MacTavish
I’m Rebecca, a Certified GAPS & Nutrition Coach, and I help busy mums restore their family’s gut health—one kitchen, one meal at a time. I share practical tips, simple recipes, and ways to create lasting change.
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