Sparkling, happy, and lots and lots of stress is typically what the holiday season brings. This year, here’s what I’m giving up in exchange for a stress-free holiday.
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What I’m Giving Up to Make This a Stress-Free Holiday
Magic. Sparkling lights. Christmas carols. Cookies. The list goes on and on (and on) with all of the components that make up a memorable holiday season. My mom has been jokingly saying that she is Scrooge and bah-humbug about everything from decor to gift-giving to dragging the kids to go sit on Santa’s lap. And I get it. I really do. How could she not feel this way after pretty much single-handedly being the one creating all the Christmas spirit behind the scenes while I and my three siblings were growing up? It’s SO much work. And I feel it now as a mom myself.
Then there’s the stress of it all….which we all know is so unhealthy. So I made a promise to not only myself this year, but my family that I was going to give up a few things to alleviate some of that stress. Don’t get me wrong: I’m holiday obsessed and love every part of Christmas, but giving up these things will help take a load off my shoulder and dare I say, enjoy the holiday season more? I encourage you all to take on this healthy challenge with me in partnership with my friends at Health Warrior.
3 things worth giving up for a healthier holiday season
Two weeks ago, you read my partnered post with Health Warrior discussing how it’s actually very possible to stay healthy during the holiday season if you work on finding a good balance – this is all part of that. In fact, this is all a huge part of your self-care strategy and will help you be a calmer mom during one of the most stressful times of the year. You’ve got this mama!
1. The need to be everywhere and do everything.
At the end of November, we actually sat down and planned out a handful of activities and put them on the calendar for which weekend days we would do them. Instead of trying to squeeze in all the Christmas things, we’re making better use of our time. Especially with things like holiday chorus concerts sprinkled through, who has time to do it all? Not us, and we’re not even trying to this year. And the thing that makes this a choice we’re so happy with is that we’re all getting really excited and talking about our 5 Christmas activities planned during December instead of 10 small things where we are rushing.
2. Days with loaded sugar and all food memories.
Don’t get me wrong: indulging is a necessary part of the holidays. BUT, it can’t be everything. Sticking with a healthy routine through the holidays will help you feel better on the inside and filled with enough energy to get through your day. I promised myself that I would give up days that were built around meals loaded with sugar. Days filled to the brim with memories that revolve around food. We will bake cookies once, but that’s it. I’ll be starting each day with my favorite Health Warrior Protein Mug Muffins that are filled with plant-based protein, super low in sugar and give you the healthiest start to your, through the holiay season and beyond.
3. Gifts for every single person (and their mom)
We sat down as a family this year – our WHOLE family – and collectively decided to eliminate the bulk of the gifts for the adults. This is huge because not only does it save everyone money during a time of year that also causes financial stress, but it eliminate all the time spent running around or buying gifts online. Pure bliss.
Looking for more healthy tips? I’ve got you covered!
- 5 Self Care Strategies for Busy Moms
- How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
- Steps I’m Taking to Be a Calmer Mom
- How to Protect Your Social Media Privacy – Even If You Post Pictures Online
- Why HIIT Workouts Are Amazing For Moms
- DIY Peppermint Lip Scrub – Perfect for Gift Giving!
- DIY Hot Chocolate Christmas Ornaments
Whenever we think of our health as we approach the holiday season, I think we all immediately focus on what we’re eating, but we have to think about the unhealthy lifestyle we lead if we’re stressed all the time. I know it’s not easy to eliminate it all, but if you’re willing to let a few things go, I promise that your holiday season will be smooth sailing!
XOXO,
Allison
I did these things you mention in the article for years and years. My children,especially as they grew older, also chose for themselves…to do things with families and with others. Works out way better
The less commercialized the better, the less hectic, the better
Mindful and meanngful is the way to be
I couldn’t agree more! We get too caught up in gifts and activities that we forget the meaning of the season!