6 holiday health myths you should stop believing

The festive season is a time for joy, food, family, and—unfortunately—some old wives’ tales. Each year, the same health myths resurface and make their way into holiday dinner conversations, social media feeds, and casual chats over mulled wine. But how much truth is there behind these popular beliefs?

Let’s break down six of the most common holiday health myths, look at the science behind them, and find out what you should actually be mindful of during Christmas and New Year’s.

1. Bananas can cure a hangover

You’ve probably heard it before: “Eat a banana the morning after and you’ll be fine.” This idea comes from the belief that bananas, being rich in potassium, help restore what alcohol depletes.

While bananas are good for you—they’re rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and carbs—they won’t magically erase a hangover. Hangovers are caused by dehydration, poor sleep, and the toxic effects of acetaldehyde, a compound your liver produces when breaking down alcohol. And while some amino acids (like L-cysteine in eggs) may help reduce symptoms, there’s no research proving bananas offer a reliable cure.

So, what actually helps with a hangover?

• Hydration with water or electrolyte drinks

• Eating a balanced meal

• Rest

• Avoiding excessive alcohol in the first place

Next time, pace your drinks and snack smartly throughout the evening. Bananas can be part of your recovery breakfast, but they’re not a miracle fix.

2. Suicide rates increase during the holidays

It’s a somber myth that gets repeated each year: that suicide rates rise during the festive season. However, this belief is not supported by data.

Several studies have consistently shown that suicide rates tend to decrease during the holidays, likely due to increased social interactions, family gatherings, and a general sense of community connection during this time. A 2010 analysis published in Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention found that December consistently had the lowest suicide rates of the year across several countries, including Australia, the United States, and parts of Europe.

Interestingly, suicide rates often peak after the holidays, particularly in January, when the emotional high of the season fades and financial or personal stress may set in.

Of course, mental health challenges can still be present during the holidays. For some, this time may amplify feelings of grief, loneliness, or anxiety.

If someone you know seems withdrawn or overwhelmed, reaching out could make a real difference. Even a short message or check-in call can help someone feel seen and supported.

3. Eating turkey makes you sleepy

Feeling drowsy after your big Christmas meal? Don’t blame the turkey. While it’s true that turkey contains tryptophan—an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, both of which are linked to sleep—it’s not the only food that does. Chicken, beef, cheese, eggs, nuts, and even tofu also contain tryptophan in similar amounts.

What really causes that sleepy feeling is a mix of factors: overeating, high-fat foods, alcohol, and carbohydrate-heavy meals. These can spike your blood sugar and then cause it to crash. Add to that a warm, relaxing setting and a full stomach, and it’s no surprise you feel like dozing off.

If you’d prefer to stay alert and enjoy the rest of the festivities, try the following:

• Eat slowly and mindfully

• Balance your plate with vegetables, lean proteins, and fewer starchy carbs

• Limit your alcohol intake

• Step outside for some fresh air after your meal

Staying energised during the holidays isn’t about avoiding one food—it’s about how you pace your meals, manage your portions, and stay active.

4. Sugar makes kids hyper

This is one of the most persistent myths of all time—and parents everywhere still fall for it. Many believe that sugary treats make kids bounce off the walls, especially during birthday parties or holiday gatherings.

But multiple studies over the past few decades have shown no direct link between sugar and hyperactivity in children. In fact, in one classic study, parents were told their children had been given sugar (even though they hadn’t), and those parents still perceived their kids as being more energetic.

So what’s really happening? It’s the context—exciting events, games, loud music, and social stimulation—that gets children hyped up, not just the lollies or cookies.

That doesn’t mean sugar is harmless. Too much of it can still lead to long-term health concerns like:

• Tooth decay

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Liver issues

Moderation is key. Let kids enjoy their Christmas sweets, but balance it with nutritious meals and physical activity.

5. Poinsettias are poisonous

Poinsettias are beautiful, festive, and often misunderstood. Many people believe they are toxic and even fatal if ingested—especially for children or pets. This has led to households banning the plant altogether during the holidays.

The truth? Poinsettias are not deadly. According to studies and poison control data, ingesting a leaf or two may cause a mild stomach upset or skin irritation, but it’s not life-threatening. You’d have to eat a very large quantity for it to be dangerous.

For pets, the same applies. Cats and dogs may experience mild symptoms like drooling or vomiting if they nibble on the plant, but serious poisoning is rare.

Still, it’s good practice to:

• Keep all plants out of reach of young children and animals

• Call your vet or local poison control if ingestion occurs, just to be safe

When it comes to holiday safety, being informed helps you enjoy the season without unnecessary worry.

6. You lose most of your body heat through your head

You’ve likely been told that going outside without a hat in winter will cause you to lose most of your body heat. This idea stems from outdated research and has since been shown to be misleading.

A 2008 article in The Guardian explored the myth and traced it back to military experiments where subjects wore arctic survival suits that only left their heads exposed. Naturally, the exposed area lost the most heat—but that doesn’t mean the head is where the majority of body heat escapes under normal conditions.

In truth, heat escapes from any part of the body left uncovered—whether that’s your head, hands, arms, or feet. When it’s cold, your body prioritises protecting your core temperature, often redirecting blood away from the extremities.

Wearing a beanie is helpful, but it won’t keep you warm on its own. Full-body coverage is key in cold weather.

Bundle up wisely:

• Layer with insulating and windproof materials

• Wear gloves, socks, and thermal footwear

• Cover your head and neck for extra warmth

Knowing how your body conserves heat can help you dress more effectively and stay comfortable through the colder holiday months.

While some of these myths might seem harmless or even funny, believing them can lead to misinformation and poor health choices. Understanding what’s fact and what’s fiction can help you stay safer, healthier, and better prepared to enjoy the holidays.

More importantly, it opens the door for meaningful, informed conversations—whether it’s at the Christmas table, around the BBQ, or during New Year’s brunch.

Wrap-up: a healthier, happier holiday season

With these myths debunked, you can now celebrate with a clearer perspective. From hangover cures to sugar hype, not everything you hear during the holidays is grounded in truth. Take care of your body, stay mindful of your mental health, and share evidence-based knowledge with loved ones.

A little myth-busting can go a long way toward making your holidays more enjoyable—and more grounded in reality.