The holiday season is about to begin — Halloween is right around the corner. Before the Halloween candy is even gone, it will be Thanksgiving. As you are still enjoying the leftover stuffing and pumpkin pie, the circuit of holiday parties will commence. Cue Hanukkah and Christmas, then cruise right into the New Year… phew! I’m exhausted and stuffed just thinking about it!
From Halloween candy and pumpkin pie, to eggnog, fudge, and champagne. There are so many seasonal goodies that pop up each year. We all know the usual tricks to minimizing the temptations — eat before you go to the party, be mindful of portions, keep a food log, only eat your absolutely favorite foods, give away the leftovers, and so on.
It’s impossible to ignore the fact that so much of the holiday season is focused on food. Is this really what the holidays are all about? Ok, maybe Halloween is really all about the candy. But Thanksgiving is about acknowledging the things we are thankful for. Then we think about giving rather than receiving. And the New Year is about saying goodbye to the past and looking to the future with enthusiasm about the exciting things that are to come. Let’s not forget the time we plan to spend with family and friends during this season.
How can you shift the holiday seasonal focus from tempting foods to the beautiful and meaningful time with your loved ones? Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Stick with Your Priorities
What are your priorities for the holidays? Take a minute to define them. Write them down. Say them out loud. Commit to them. Once you acknowledge your holiday priorities, it will be easy to eliminate the less-important things that come up, and you will have the time to enjoy the people and events that mean the most to you.
Just Say No
While we are talking about the “less-important” things, don’t be afraid to say no. You don’t have to do everything and go everywhere. Stick to the things on your list of priorities, and you will find so much more meaning and value in the things you are doing. Not to mention, you won't be completely exhausted from running around attending every event under the sun. You will have more energy to enjoy the people you are with and the events that you desire.
Fix Your Focus
If you’re the person planning an event, choose an activity that is not focused on food. Maybe a trip to the spa with your girlfriends, rather than dinner and drinks at a restaurant? Or a hike followed by lunch with your co-workers? There are so many options that will allow you to celebrate the season, enjoy your people, but avoid negative temptations.
It’s not about the foods you eat, the parties you attend, or the gifts you receive. It’s about the moments you share and the memories you make. Live it up this year!