As we move further into November, holiday traditions and gatherings are beginning to fill our calendars. And, of course, many of those traditions revolve around food. Special recipes come out, favorite treats make their annual appearance, and before long, we're surrounded by more tempting options than we know what to do with.
But I've been thinking about how often the food is just one small part of what makes these traditions special.
In our family, we make certain treats every single year, and honestly, the making and baking are more important than the eating. We always make sugar cookies, and my girls go all out with their incredible artistic abilities. The cookies are almost too pretty to eat! In fact, they're more for show than anything else. See's candy is another tradition, and someone always sends a box. Now those are a little harder to resist. I've never met a piece I didn't like, but I do try to limit myself to one or two of my all-time favorites rather than sampling my way through the entire box.
Even our Thanksgiving dinner has changed over the years. We've gone from the traditional turkey and old-school sides to steaks, baked potatoes, Caesar salad, and good sourdough bread. This year, we're trying something different: everyone gets to pick one of their favorite dishes to contribute. The menu may change, but the best part has always been the same—family being together.
I know food can be a big part of the holiday experience, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying it. In fact, I hope you do! But I also think we sometimes put too much pressure on ourselves this time of year. We worry about eating too much, feel guilty when we indulge, or decide that since we've already gone off track, we might as well throw in the towel until January.
It doesn't have to be that way.
You can enjoy your favorite holiday foods and still take care of your health. You don't have to pass up Grandma's special recipe or skip dessert to prove you're committed to your goals. At the same time, you don't have to eat something simply because it's sitting in front of you or because everyone else is having it.
A few things worth remembering as the celebrations begin:
- Make room for the foods you genuinely look forward to. Have a taste, savor it, and enjoy it without guilt.
- Don't skip meals to save up for a big dinner. Arriving overly hungry rarely helps us make thoughtful choices.
- Keep up with your usual habits as much as possible. A walk, a little movement, regular meals, hydration, and adequate sleep still matter during the busy season.
- When the celebration is over, simply return to your normal routine. No punishment, no making up for what you ate, and no waiting until Monday or January to start taking care of yourself again.
Our health is shaped by the things we do consistently, not by one holiday meal or a few days of celebrating. We don't need to approach every gathering as a test of willpower, and we certainly don't need to let food become the main focus of a day that's meant to be about so much more.
My suggestion? Have a taste of all of your favorites, enjoy yourself, and then shift your attention back to what really matters. Be grateful for the food, the traditions, the memories being made, and most importantly, the people gathered around your table.
After all, the best part of the holidays usually isn't what we ate. It's who we shared it with.
So this year, make room at the table for the foods you love, but make even more space for gratitude, laughter, and time with people who matter most.