Spending Christmas while pregnant means giving up smoked salmon and champagne bubbles—it's true. But it's also being the center of all the attention, getting exceptional pregnancy photos, and writing a one-of-a-kind wishlist for Santa Claus. Worried you'll get bored or feel deprived? The Élhée team is here to reassure you and help you see things in a positive light.
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Unique and unforgettable pregnancy photos
While waiting for your child to be born, you probably take pictures almost every day. You may have even already scheduled your third-trimester maternity shoot. But, to truly make the wait magical and unforgettable, what could be better than photos of you pregnant—and at Christmas? Dark velvet dress, bokeh effect, or rosy cheeks, you’re looking your absolute best! Emotions guaranteed, every year when you look back on them.
Your best Christmas wishlist ever
Spending Christmas while pregnant is also the perfect time to list all the gifts you’ve been dreaming of and give yourself the best chance of having them come true. Mom-to-be gifts, but also something just for you, and Christmas gifts for your baby—let your imagination, your needs, and your wishes take over for a generous and magical haul. Giving a gift? Think about the gift card!
The whole family pampering you
Pregnancy is definitely the time when everyone—absolutely everyone—takes care of you. Are you too hot or too cold? Are you comfortable? Is your chair cozy enough? Have you eaten enough? Is the menu to your liking? Holiday season brings out even more of this loving attention, so fully enjoy being surrounded by all this kindness.
Rest for the mom-to-be: no cooking, no chores
While everyone is attentive to your well-being, make the most of your doctor’s rest orders—even more of a reason to skip out on cooking and chores. This year, you won’t be opening oysters, setting dishes, or spending hours practicing the perfect Yule log dessert. As a bonus, you’ll also get to skip table cleanup, dishes, and vacuuming on the days after the festivities. What a joy!
The joy of a Christmas pregnancy announcement
When is the right time to announce a pregnancy? Before 3 months or after? One-on-one or with the whole family? To your partner first, or not necessarily? While these decisions are personal, announcing your pregnancy at Christmas is a unique event with extra emotional impact. Just imagine: when unwrapping gifts, you’ve tucked a little birth announcement card into each present…
Starting a new family tradition before baby arrives
You love Christmas. You adore Christmas Eve. The tree, its star topper, the garlands, the Yule log, and gifts magically placed under the branches are all traditions you hold dear. And on the eve of your child’s birth, why not start your own? Sleeping together under the tree on Christmas night or eating a gnome-shaped cake every year—you get to decide.
A booze-free Christmas Eve—no hangover!
This year, no champagne flute, not even a splash of white wine with the appetizer. That’s right: if you’re expecting a baby, that means zero alcohol for 9 months (and even longer if you breastfeed)—but it’s absolutely worth it! During the holidays, this abstinence has an added benefit: say goodbye to hangovers (even mild ones) or morning headaches the day after Christmas Eve.
Eating for two without guilt
Smoked salmon and foie gras, shrimp skewers, roast beef, Yule log cake… Christmas dinner is one of the most indulgent meals. Who hasn’t enjoyed a Christmas raclette? Well, good news: this year, you can enjoy the feast to the fullest (just take a few precautions). If people say you’re “eating for two,” you might as well make it true, right?
Pregnant at Christmas: what foods are forbidden during pregnancy?
Be careful, though—not all holiday treats are safe for you and your baby. Being pregnant at Christmas comes with many perks, but also some drawbacks, like not being able to eat everything you want. No matter which trimester you’re in, here’s a list of foods to avoid on December 24th and 25th:
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Alcohol in any form, even baked into desserts,
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Foie gras (unless it’s sterilized),
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Seafood if you’re unsure of its freshness or it’s not cooked,
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Cured meats and more generally, all raw meats,
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Homemade mayonnaise,
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Raw eggs or dishes containing raw eggs,
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Raw or smoked salmon,
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Raw milk cheese, soft-ripened cheese, or blue cheese (choose hard or pasteurized cheeses instead),
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Game meat.
The easiest solution is to do your own shopping, or at least check where your food comes from and its freshness, to minimize the risk of listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. And for inspiration, check out our wellness recipes for pregnancy and breastfeeding to refresh and reimagine for the holidays!
4 mom-to-be recipes to try this Christmas season
And because we’re never short on ideas (or treats), here’s a selection of recipes specially adapted for pregnancy—perfect for whoever will be doing the cooking this year.
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Butternut squash & carrot soup: a super gentle, comforting starter, rich in vitamins A and C, perfect to kick off your meal.
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Roast chicken with apples & chestnuts: a great source of protein with a delicate flavor.
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Quinoa with cranberries & walnuts: a plant-protein-rich side with essential fatty acids.
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Rustic apple tart: apples, whole wheat crust, with the edges folded over for that rustic look.
So, do you still think spending Christmas while pregnant is a constraint? 🎄
