Opening stockings on Christmas morning is one of my favourite family traditions. As with most holiday rituals, each family has their own way of doing things and ours has a few rules that apply to the annual stocking frenzy.

Firstly, you must ? without hesitation ? believe in Father Christmas.

Secondly, you have to wear the hat that's in your cracker, even if it falls over your eyes or clashes with your PJs, and lastly, you are allowed to eat any chocolate you might find immediately, despite the fact it's only 7 a.m.

However, if in your house, as in mine, Father Christmas needs a few pointers, then here are a few things you may like to put on your wish list. Just because you are allowed to eat chocolate on Christmas morning doesn't mean that you have to and quite frankly, eating four Curly Wurly's or a pound of M&Ms for breakfast might just ruin the rest of your day.

So here are ten healthy suggestions to help you dilute the calorific punch of Christmas stockings this year.

1. A tangerine: Tangerines fit perfectly into the toe of a stocking and are a sneaky way to get people to eat fruit on Christmas day. These are easy to peel and especially good for those who might be hungover from a party the night before. Not only are they rich in the reviving antioxidant vitamin C, they are also juicy ? perfect for prising a furry tongue off the roof of your mouth.

Cost: approximately 60 cents each.

Where from? Most grocery stores. I get mine from Lindo's, Devonshire.

2. The 'Why do men have nipples?' desk calendar: Based on a New York Times bestseller, this page-a-day calendar tackles all the odd medical questions you're too embarrassed ask. It also covers some quirky topics: What would happen if a junior mint fell inside someone during surgery, like in the Seinfeld episode? Is it dangerous to hold in a sneeze? Do men think about sex more often than women do? (Let's see if we can guess the answer to that one, shall we?) Cost: $16.45. Where from? Brown & Co., 35 Front Street.

3. The Peter Kater 'Fire' CD for relaxation: Don't be put off by the cheesy cover ? this is great. I'm a big fan of relaxation CDs. Even if I can't stop what I'm doing, I find chores much easier if I've got a spa-style CD playing. If I'm cooking, I'll play one like this instead of having the TV blaring in the background. It's amazing what a difference it makes to my mood ? I feel calm and peaceful, instead of stressed out and frazzled. It sends the dog to sleep too ? much better than the stick-wielding, toad-rolling antics he usually gets up to!

Guided meditation CDs are also a great way to relax if you can get 20 minutes of quality peace and quiet. The Metaphysical Bookshop on Reid Street Extension has a great selection (e.g. the Celestine Prophecy meditations) and they usually let you listen to them before you buy them. Cost: $25.95. Where from? Willowstream Spa (Fairmont Southampton Hotel). They also have a great selection of mind/body/spirit books, aromatherapy and scented candles.

4. Airbourne effervescent health formula: Airbourne was created by a school teacher who was tired of catching colds and other infections in the classroom. This is an immune-boosting formula that contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbal extracts that, as the name suggests, is specifically designed to fight airbourne infections. This means that it's also a good preventive measure to take when on planes and in offices, where air conditioning increases the likelihood of infection. A good option for frequent travellers or those prone to infection. Always follow directions carefully.

Cost: $9.20. Where from? Down to Earth, Phoenix stores and most other pharmacies.

5. Jacks Jacks: An ancient game that apparently used to be played with the ankle bones of sheep. As it says on the tin, thank goodness for technology! This retro version may even inspire the laziest of adults to get up off the sofa after Christmas lunch and take part. A great way to fit a tiny bit of activity into Christmas. Other easy activity-inducing gifts for adults that fit into the stocking-filler category include weighted jump ropes and pedometers ? both available at most sports shops.

Cost: $12.95. Where from? Brown & Co., 35 Front Street.

6. Burt's Bees lip balms: A bargain in one of Bermuda's best, but most expensive gift shops! Burt's Bees is a fabulous range of natural skin care and cosmetics, catering equally well to both men and women. These lip balms make great and economical stocking fillers. There are various fruity or tinted glosses and a 'Lifeguard's Choice' lip balm that's suitable for even the most manly men, especially those that sail or ski. The range also includes other great treats such as hand-salve for gardeners and a carrot seed oil complexion mist that promotes cell renewal. Pulp & Circumstance also stock a great range of natural mom-to-be and baby products by Erbaviva, but warning ? these are expensive! Cost: Strawberry lip gloss, $6. Lifeguard's Choice, $4.50. Where from? Pulp & Circumstance, Reid/Queen Street.

7. Kashi Go Lean Chocolate Caramel Bar: Kashi is one of my all-time favourite brands. All their products are high in protein, high in fibre and fairly low in sugar. This bar has in fact been formulated to provide a satisfying snack whilst also optimising the glycemic response, meaning that it may help to keep blood sugar well balanced. (Please note however that diabetics should check with their dieticians before consuming.) This bar may be pretty healthy, but the chocolate caramel flavour, prevents Father Christmas from being perceived as a spoil sport on Christmas Day! Cost: $3.30. Where from? Down to Earth.

8. Aura Cacia Pocket Aromatherapy Diffuser: I love this! It's a handy, portable aromatherapy diffuser that scents your immediate environment via a battery operated fan. Simply add five to15 drops of your favourite aromatherapy oil to the refill pad and insert into the diffuser. This can be used in the office, at home or when travelling as it's so small and light. It comes with a battery but not with aromatherapy oils, which need to be purchased separately. Extra refill pads are also available. Cost: $25.00. Where from? Rock On, Butterfield Arcade.

9. Jason's Apricot Hand & Body Lotion and Tea Tree Soothing Gel: The Jason brand is fantastic as they use natural ingredients, a high percentage of which are organic. Bear in mind that over 60 percent of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the blood stream so we need to start taking natural, organic skin care seriously. These two products are particularly good. The hand lotion provides long lasting moisture and smells gorgeous. The Tea Tree gel is brilliant for insect bites, shaving nicks and is also helpful for combating Bermuda Rot. Cost: Handy & Body lotion (several scents), $13.00. Tea Tree gel, $6.25. Where from? I got these from Rock On. Down to Earth and Harrington Hundreds also stock the Jason brand.

10. Bug Bites: Organic bite-sized chocolates. Chocolate has a place in even the healthiest of Christmas stockings, but in small doses! These are great individually wrapped bite-sized organic chocolates. They provide just enough to satisfy a chocolate craving whilst also helping to prevent chocolate overload on Christmas Day. The dark version is dairy-free so suitable for those who are vegan, have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant.

Cost: 90 cents each.

Where from? Down to Earth.

The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns is a fully qualified Clinical Nutritionist. She can be contacted at 291-4725 or clinicalnutritiongmail.com.