Celebrating the holiday season doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet, running yourself ragged, or spending lots of money.
“It’s that time of year…” Ok, you’ve heard that a million times, but it’s one of my favorites. The holiday season can be tough for many people – diets are difficult to keep, there are too many things to do and not enough time, and don’t forget that not everyone finds this a “happy” time.
So let’s focus on a few suggestions to help us have a pleasant, healthy holiday season.
ENTERTAINING AND FOOD
First, let’s talk about food. There are so many tempting goodies around right now, all kinds of sweets and baked goods – tough to handle if you’re watching your diet. And how do you entertain guests without all these temptations?
Let me first suggest that if treats in your home or office are too tempting, get rid of them (or at least move them to where it’s not convenient for you to get at them). Always have lots of healthy snacks on hand – and remember not to skip meals – so it will be easier for you to resist the treats.
As far as entertaining, everyone will be pleasantly surprised when you offer different fare at your gathering. When guests arrive, offer whole-grain crackers and fresh fruit. Then, when it’s time for dinner, how about serving warm fresh bread and rolls with a healthy soup and green salad? If that doesn’t interest you, how about serving grilled chicken with some roasted potatoes or vegetables?
For dessert I’d suggest more fresh fruit; or if you must have sweets, get the richest brownies, fudge or cheesecake you can find and cut them into small pieces. A small serving of a very rich dessert is often all it takes to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Another thing to do is to move the focus away from food as much as possible. You can play games, take a walk to look at the holiday lights in the neighborhood, or go caroling instead of sitting around nibbling on treats as you chat.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
Do you find yourself running around more during the holidays and enjoying them less? We all run that risk, I think. When you feel that way, the important thing to remember is that you can only do so much and you should enjoy the holidays too. So consider making some changes in the way you do things.
First, you don’t have to find the “perfect” gift for everyone… try to shop with your heart and don’t feel obligated to base your gifts on price or some competition to be the “best.”
Also make time for yourself during the holiday season. And remember to eat right, get your normal amount of rest, and to exercise as you usually do. You won’t enjoy the season if you change your routine too much and feel tired or out-of-sorts.
NOT ALWAYS A “HAPPY” TIME
We all know that the holiday season isn’t pleasant for everyone Sure, it’s a time for friends and family, but some people are alone and lonely even at this time of year. So open your hearts and remember others. Invite your neighbors to visit, especially those who live alone, or visit them with a little gift.
When I first moved into my home, many years ago, a neighbor stopped by a few days before Christmas with a small basket that held a lovely plant. I’d never met her before that day. But it made me feel wonderful and welcome, and I’ve never forgotten the gesture or her.
How about inviting a few neighbors over or having an open house? This is the time to get to know those folks you’ve never met. You don’t have to do anything elaborate, a holiday-decorated house is always warm and inviting, so you don’t need much more. Have some holiday music playing in the background. For food put out some crackers, fruit and cheese, punch and coffee or tea. That’s all you need.
If you tend to feel depressed or lonely yourself during this season, there are some other things you can do to help lift your spirits. First, keep your expectations reasonable. If you set you expectations to high, you’re asking for disappointment.
You should also consider volunteering with a local group or church. So many programs, especially for children and the elderly, need volunteers. You’ll feel connected to others and a part of something special. Sharing in the happiness of others, especially seeing the joy you can bring just by being there, is a wonderful way to brighten your holidays.
These are, I’ll admit, simple ideas. But they’re meant to help show that celebrating the holiday season doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet, running yourself ragged, or spending lots of money.
Enjoy the simple pleasures, share your holidays with others, and remember to make time for yourself.
“It’s that time of year…” Ok, you’ve heard that a million times, but it’s one of my favorites. The holiday season can be tough for many people – diets are difficult to keep, there are too many things to do and not enough time, and don’t forget that not everyone finds this a “happy” time.
So let’s focus on a few suggestions to help us have a pleasant, healthy holiday season.
ENTERTAINING AND FOOD
First, let’s talk about food. There are so many tempting goodies around right now, all kinds of sweets and baked goods – tough to handle if you’re watching your diet. And how do you entertain guests without all these temptations?
Let me first suggest that if treats in your home or office are too tempting, get rid of them (or at least move them to where it’s not convenient for you to get at them). Always have lots of healthy snacks on hand – and remember not to skip meals – so it will be easier for you to resist the treats.
As far as entertaining, everyone will be pleasantly surprised when you offer different fare at your gathering. When guests arrive, offer whole-grain crackers and fresh fruit. Then, when it’s time for dinner, how about serving warm fresh bread and rolls with a healthy soup and green salad? If that doesn’t interest you, how about serving grilled chicken with some roasted potatoes or vegetables?
For dessert I’d suggest more fresh fruit; or if you must have sweets, get the richest brownies, fudge or cheesecake you can find and cut them into small pieces. A small serving of a very rich dessert is often all it takes to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Another thing to do is to move the focus away from food as much as possible. You can play games, take a walk to look at the holiday lights in the neighborhood, or go caroling instead of sitting around nibbling on treats as you chat.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
Do you find yourself running around more during the holidays and enjoying them less? We all run that risk, I think. When you feel that way, the important thing to remember is that you can only do so much and you should enjoy the holidays too. So consider making some changes in the way you do things.
First, you don’t have to find the “perfect” gift for everyone… try to shop with your heart and don’t feel obligated to base your gifts on price or some competition to be the “best.”
Also make time for yourself during the holiday season. And remember to eat right, get your normal amount of rest, and to exercise as you usually do. You won’t enjoy the season if you change your routine too much and feel tired or out-of-sorts.
NOT ALWAYS A “HAPPY” TIME
We all know that the holiday season isn’t pleasant for everyone Sure, it’s a time for friends and family, but some people are alone and lonely even at this time of year. So open your hearts and remember others. Invite your neighbors to visit, especially those who live alone, or visit them with a little gift.
When I first moved into my home, many years ago, a neighbor stopped by a few days before Christmas with a small basket that held a lovely plant. I’d never met her before that day. But it made me feel wonderful and welcome, and I’ve never forgotten the gesture or her.
How about inviting a few neighbors over or having an open house? This is the time to get to know those folks you’ve never met. You don’t have to do anything elaborate, a holiday-decorated house is always warm and inviting, so you don’t need much more. Have some holiday music playing in the background. For food put out some crackers, fruit and cheese, punch and coffee or tea. That’s all you need.
If you tend to feel depressed or lonely yourself during this season, there are some other things you can do to help lift your spirits. First, keep your expectations reasonable. If you set you expectations to high, you’re asking for disappointment.
You should also consider volunteering with a local group or church. So many programs, especially for children and the elderly, need volunteers. You’ll feel connected to others and a part of something special. Sharing in the happiness of others, especially seeing the joy you can bring just by being there, is a wonderful way to brighten your holidays.
These are, I’ll admit, simple ideas. But they’re meant to help show that celebrating the holiday season doesn’t have to mean breaking your diet, running yourself ragged, or spending lots of money.
Enjoy the simple pleasures, share your holidays with others, and remember to make time for yourself.
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