How to Handle the Holidays

Remember how magical the holidays were when you were a kid? Making sugar cookies, going to see Santa Claus, opening presents? It doesn’t take long for reality to set in when you become an adult. December suddenly becomes about writing out cards, slaving away in the kitchen to host a holiday meal, and trying to squeeze shopping and wrapping into days that are already too busy. The season can become even more challenging for those of us on a limited diet. Party food can be difficult to pass up, but may lead to some ugly consequences in the days following for those who are highly sensitive.
Here are some tips to help manage the “magic” month of December:

• Prioritize. What has to get done today? What is important, and what can slide by? We had a family get-together last week, and time was short. I wrapped presents, because we were exchanging gifts that afternoon. I did not get around to making the Paleo pumpkin pie…but we survived. (Really, did we need the pie? Probably not.) The point is that you can’t do it all…start with what is most important.
• Stop for a minute. Or better yet, an hour. Easier said than done, but that short break may make you more efficient in the long run.
• Do something “holiday” that is special for you. Do you like driving around to look at holiday lights? Or watching a holiday movie? There are certain traditions that make the holidays special. Make the most of them.
• Downsize where you can. I am sure your family enjoys 20 varieties of cookies, but maybe pick a few that are favorites. Instead of buying gifts for everyone in the extended family, how about picking a name out of a hat? Shaving a little responsibility off here and there can make a big difference.
• Try to take care of yourself. For those of us with food restrictions, that means sticking to the eating plan. The holidays are so busy as it is, adding food drama doesn’t help. Take something to holiday parties that you can eat. If you are hosting, don’t apologize for cooking healthy. (I come from an Italian family, and my dad may as well have been Willy Wonka. My gluten-free, dairy-free parties took some adjustment for the family, but we are getting there.) Try to get some exercise in and plenty of rest. 
  

I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season!