Staying Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished memories with loved ones. However, staying healthy during the holidays can be a challenging time for maintaining good health. Between indulgent meals, shorter days, and the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to let healthy habits slide. Add in the cold and flu season, and staying healthy becomes even more critical. By being intentional about our choices, families can embrace the festive season while prioritizing their well-being.

In this guide, we’ll explore simple yet effective strategies to keep both adults and children healthy during the holidays. From staying active and eating mindfully to protecting against winter germs and staying safe, these tips will help make the holidays enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Holiday feasts and treats abound, but smart eating habits can keep you from overindulging.

Avoid Overeating

• Position yourself away from the snack tables to minimize the temptation of mindless snacking.
• Before going back for seconds, pause for 10 minutes to allow your body to register whether it’s full.
• Scan all the options ahead of time to plan your plate and avoid piling on unnecessary extras.

Add Color to the Plate

Make sure fruits and vegetables are a significant part of your meals to ensure balanced nutrition.

Stick to Normal Eating Patterns

Skipping meals to “save up” for a big holiday dinner can lead to overeating. Keep your eating schedule consistent.

Shop Smart

Grocery shopping on an empty stomach increases the temptation to buy sugary and unnecessary items. Have a snack before heading to the store.

Focus on Loved Ones

Engage in conversations, games, or other activities at gatherings to keep your attention on people rather than food.

Control Portions

Take small servings of each dish to enjoy variety without overloading your plate.

Ensure Handwashing is Frequent

Making sure you and your children are keeping up with frequent hand washing is crucial to keep from getting sick. Especially if there’s food being prepared. Remember that proper hand washing includes lathering for 20 seconds before rinsing.

Get Vaccinated

Cold and flu season has been more intense these past few years. Now COVID-19 cases are expected to rise during the winter season too. Keeping up to date on vaccinations and boosters will provide the antibodies kids and adults need to fight off these illnesses. With more illnesses at play, it’s especially important to make sure your body is prepared to fight off these viruses.

Sharing isn’t Always Caring

Avoid sharing utensils and other objects that go near the face to reduce the spread of germs.

Encourage Kids to Stay Active

New toys and games to play can encourage kids and teens to sit in one place for extended periods of time. Encourage them to stay active with planned family outings to walk through the snowy landscape, go sledding, or go visit a local gym for a game of basketball.
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Make a Point to Move

Many can set a good example by taking the initiative to move. Announcing you’re going for a walk at a family event may encourage others to join you. Either way, it will feel good to move and can set a positive example for children.

Wear the Proper Gear

• On the Road. The brisk winter weather is something to be prepared for. If you’re traveling, bring along warm clothes even if you don’t need to wear them. In the case of a breakdown, you won’t be able to rely on the vehicle’s heating system.
• Going Outdoors. It’s better to be prepared. Make sure you have a coat and accessories like a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm.
• Being Active Outdoors. When going outdoors to be active, it can get too hot from a lot of activity and quickly too cold when not being active. These are the cases where it’s important to dress in layers. Layers can easily be removed and re-worn as needed.

Reduce Stress

The holidays and dark days can bring stress and the winter blues. Make an effort to reduce stress and take care of yourself. Sunlight and exercise are great for boosting mood. Taking deep breaths or meditating in times of stress can reduce the holiday drama.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Feeling stressed or unwell? Getting lots of sleep can do great things for the body. It can strengthen your immune system, give you more energy, and make you less vulnerable to stress.

Fire Safety

Residential fires occur most frequently in the colder months. Don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, candles, or stovetop cooking left unattended.

Car Safety

Snow and ice make road conditions dangerous. Make sure seat belts are being worn and you have a winter weather emergency kit on hand.
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Wrapping Up – Staying Healthy for the Holidays

Staying healthy during the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of the season—it means making intentional choices to ensure you and your family can celebrate fully. By adopting these tips, you can enjoy the festive spirit while keeping your well-being a priority. Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Harvard Medical School, Nemours Kids Health, Children’s Health.