5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Holiday Season

The holidays can be tons of fun with Christmas parties, gift swaps, decadent meals, festive cocktails and cookies-- lots and lots of cookies!

But they can also be stressful (think: preparing for parties, buying gifts, baking cookies and squeezing in all of those social and family commitments).

Our indulgences have us waking up with a fat head the day after a party, and often patting a spare tire by January, vowing to start anew with a gym membership, better sleep, and clean eating habits.

Instead of letting the season spin us up with over-commitments, over-spending, over-eating, over-drinking and under-sleeping, here are a few ways you can avoid the usual pitfalls and truly make the most of your holiday season.

1) Do what you really want to do by practicing a selective, "Yes."

You don't have to go to every party, volunteer for every event, or participate in every school function. Ask yourself what really matters to you and choose what you'll do, selectively, based on what's most meaningful to you and your family. There will be events every year and time is limited. Make your choices count.

2) Make simple holiday foods that nourish and please.

Instead of letting it all go over the holidays, take a minute to plan meals that are as nurturing as they are tasty. Be sure to keep vegetables front and center with options such as delicious roasted root vegetables, salads bejeweled with beets and pomegranates, and rich and tangy braised greens. Choose high quality meats --organic, pastured and/or grass-fed--seasoned and cooked simply, and eaten more as a complementing side. Let fruits shine as your desserts and feature berries, cherries, apples and pears in crumbles, tarts and galettes. You'll not only feel better after eating, but you'll also start your January without the signature tight waistband, sallow skin, achy joints, and low mood.

3) Build in a little downtime.

You know how your body changes over the winter, like when the time changes and your reach for your PJs only to realize it's just 7pm...or when you need that extra sleep in the morning because the bed is soooooo warm and cozy? Winter is a slow down time. There are fewer hours of daylight, it's colder and we naturally want to do less. So, listen to your body. Do less. Build in time to read a book, play games, do puzzles and relax. Use your selective, "Yes" (also a selective, "No," by the way) to buy this time for yourself. Then, kick back and enjoy every minute of it!

4) Give from the ❤️.

Finding the gift that's just right is a lot of pressure. While I, too, love to hit the mark with the perfect find, it's just not realistic to expect that everyone will love your every gift. Caring enough to want to give to someone is a gift in and of itself. Don't get caught up in the commercialism of the season. Ask yourself what is meaningful about your relationship and buy or make a gift that aligns. Better than having, in my book, is doing. When possible, find an activity you can enjoy together and give the gift of your time.

5) Do what matters most.

If you're struggling to fit it all in-- decorations, cards, gifts, gatherings, meals, cookies-- take something off the list. Don't make yourself crazy. Ask yourself what matters most. Remember, stress is not harmless. It takes a real physical and mental toll on your body. And, are decorations really worth it? Prioritize and do what's most important to you. Then, be kind to yourself, and let the rest go!

The holidays can be a mixed bag of fun activities, great food, obligations, and sometimes strained family relationships. It can be messy and complicated and beautiful all at the same time.

Self-care is not just about getting saunas and massages, but also making wise decisions for your well-being day in and day out. Whatever your circumstances, I hope you focus on what's truly important to you.

If it's fitting, enjoy both the glitz and glitter as well as the fire and flannels this holiday season. Just don't forget to eat well, sleep well, and make each moment count!

Wishing you a most warm and wonderful holiday.

XO