Published at 01 December, 2025 09:10.
Enjoy a fantastic smoke free December and look forward to a healthier Christmas and New Year with these daily quit tips from Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield Advisor, Carrie.
1st Dec: Download a copy of our smokefree action plan to help you through the month. On day one without a cigarette your blood pressure and pulse has lowered and has returned to normal within 20 minutes and your hands and feet are feeling warmer as your circulation improves.
2nd Dec: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels fall and oxygen in your blood is starting to return to normal. Your lungs are already starting to work better.
3rd Dec: You’re noticing your taste and smell improving. Look forward to your Christmas dinner with your renewed tastebuds.
4th Dec: Wow, your energy levels seem to have increased, and your breathing is better.
5th Dec: Tell all your friends and family that you have quit smoking so they can support you by not offering you cigarettes.
6th Dec: If you are using nicotine replacement products think ahead and stock up on these now and have them to hand when you need them on the run up to Christmas and on the day.
7th Dec: A whole week smoke free and you have saved lots of money already. Start making that shopping list and don`t forget to add a treat for you as a reward for staying smoke-free.
8th Dec: If alcohol is a trigger to smoking think about stocking up on non-alcoholic drinks now. How about making an alcohol-free punch or mocktail that everyone will enjoy.
9th Dec: You are keeping busy which helps you keep your mind off smoking, and making your own Christmas decorations would be a great way to keep your hands busy too.
10th Dec: Clean the house eliminating any tobacco smell, get rid of ash trays and make your home a smoke free zone if smokers are visiting. You may be an influencer, and they’ll quit too!
11th Dec: Think about how you will manage any stress if you are cooking for everyone, and what you can do if things do not go exactly to plan. Have some coping mechanisms in place so you do not reach for cigarettes if you feel stressed. Going for a walk, taking some time to breathe in a different room or simply making a cup of tea. Many smokers believe cigarettes help with stress, but smoking increases anxiety. Christmas time can be overwhelming, and quitting smoking leads to a calmer, more relaxed mindset which will help.
12th Dec: If you are helping your children or grandchildren with their letters to Santa, be happy knowing they do not have to ask for their parents or grandparents to stop smoking this year! Stopping smoking is one of the best presents you can give them and yourself.
13th Dec: Your noticing day to day tasks becoming easier. The Christmas “to do” list seems more manageable now.
14th Dec: Reward yourself with some time out for you, after all you have been smoke free for 2 weeks. May be listening to some music, reading that book you have been meaning to finish, going for a walk in your favourite place or taking a long soak in the bath.
15th Dec: You’ve more time to put the Christmas tree and decorations up now that you are not thinking about going out for a cigarette.
16th Dec: Visiting family and friends who do not smoke is so much easier now you are not thinking about your next cigarette.
17th Dec: Dig out your old board games for when family and friends are round. This is a great way to have fun and keep your mind off smoking and keeps everyone entertained.
18th Dec: With a week to go to the big day you notice a glow in the bathroom mirror. You'll look better as more oxygen will be getting to your skin, making it brighter, and your teeth will no longer be getting stained with tar. Get that party outfit ready!
19th Dec: You’ve been invited to the local carol concert and singing is so much easier now your breathing is better, and singing can be a great stress reliever too.
20th Dec: Those last-minute shopping trips used to feel a drag but now you’re skipping past the cigarette counter thinking how much cash you are saving.
21st Dec: A kiss under the mistletoe is on your mind with that special someone now your breath doesn’t smell or taste of smoke.
22nd Dec: A family member has come down with the flu and cannot help you cook Christmas dinner as arranged. This would usually upset you, straight away reaching for a cigarette as a coping mechanism to feeling stressed. You take some deep breaths and form a new cooking rota involving the rest of the family and friends who will be there instead.
23rd Dec: The family have arrived, and the children or grandchildren notice you smell lovely, not smokey! You might even get a hug now and you’ll feel so much better knowing they are not being exposed to chemicals and toxins. When friends and family breathe in your second- hand smoke it isn't just unpleasant for them, it can damage their health too.
24th Dec: How about a Christmas Eve movie marathon with homemade popcorn whilst wrapping up the last of the presents. Keep your motivation going.
25th Dec: Enjoy a fantastic smoke free Christmas and look forward to a healthier New Year.
Written by Carrie from Yorkshire Smokefree
