This is one of the hardest times of the year for those of us that want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are traditions that have been there for many years, candy at the office, holiday parties, you name it. And don’t forget that secret santa that just gave you a milk chocolate santa and a tin can of caramel popcorn, oh yeah, there will temptations around every corner. It’s this time of year that we have to pull of our britches and tell those candy coated cookies whose boss!
Traditions
Every year since I was 4 we have had a cookie making day a few weeks before Christmas. This tradition started out with my grandma and when I started having children of my own, I started it with them. As I understand nutrition more and more, it kills me to dump load after load of sugar into the mixer, along with fats, and other mis-have-yous. My goal this year is to start some new traditions with my kids. Here are some ideas I came up with to do, other than cookie making. I want this holiday to be centered more around people and reason for the season, more than food and treats.
1. Making ornaments or presents-instead of spending the day baking cookies, we can spend the day making ornaments or assembling some homemade gifts for teachers, daycare providers, mailman, etc. You can find some great recipes for ornament dough. Still the same concept as cookie making, you are just using paint instead of frosting! AND you aren’t tempted to eat the dough.
2. Take them to the store and have them pick a mitten off the tree to help kids in need. They can help pick out the gift. (I would give them a $ limit)
3. Make strands of popcorn for the tree-This is an old tradition that is really pretty fun and looks really neat on the tree. All you need is some plain popped popcorn, a threading needle and some thread.
4. Go caroling-There are lots of places in town to hook up with someone to go caroling. If not, start your own group of people. Your kids will love it!
5. Talk to a nursing home and sing songs for the elderly-They love to see little ones and would love a song or two! If you don’t have a musical bone in your body, just go for a visit. They are lonely this time of year, and would love someone to visit with.
6. Go sledding-When is the last time you went sledding? Take a day and bring a couple sleds and act like a kid again! Just be sure to pick a nice day, or a good idea can quickly become miserable.
7. Go ice skating-This takes a little more talent, but hey, it can be fun, even if you look silly.
8. Make Jerky-Making healthy snacks can be just as fun! Our kids love jerky and it is pretty easy to make. Buy some seasonings and some meat. Your local meat department will even slice it up for you for free.
9. Operation Shoebox-Take your kids to an event where they stuff shoeboxes for those in need. They will love doing this knowing they are helping someone in need.
10. Make homemade dog treats-You can find awesome recipes on Pinterest for making homemade dog treats. Find a dog bone cookie cutter and make some treats for the puppies in the neighborhood. Again, you won’t be tempted to eat the dough.
I’m sure you can find many more ideas and things that suit your neighborhood and where you live. Just remember to have fun this Christmas and make the focus about people and the ones you love, rather than the food that you more than likely will be surrounded by. When you are tempted, just remember why you started and keep your goals near. Keep ahead of the game by being prepared, and ready for whatever comes your way. Remember how for you have come, don’t let those bad habits sneak back in. You can make it through if you keep your feet moving and your focus on your goals. I wish you all the best with your families and hope you have a joyous holiday filled with love and peace.