Miracles In December: 10 Tips To A Healthy And Joyful Holiday

The holidays can be a busy time and is sometimes, a bit stressful. Understatement? I know you can relate!

Somewhere in between braving the crowded malls, finding the right gifts for your loved ones, making your holiday travel plans (even if it’s just simply coming home for the holidays), and wrapping things up at work in preparation for the end of the year, the season can be quite frenzied.

Even so, it can be the most exciting, wonderful time of the year—if you know how to bring the magic your holiday! Here are 5 tips to a healthy, joyful, and magical holiday:

1. Savor The Yummy Treats And Indulgences--Without Overdoing It.

Christmas brings a wonderland of food and that’s awesome! But balance is important. Enjoy the feast but remember to do some walking or riding your bike later to get some exercise in. Don’t forget to load up on your fruits and veggies too!

2. Stay Active.

Squeeze in some physical activity and chores to keep yourself active. Get your family moving with you. This is a great way to bond as well!

3. Have Fun Doing Nothing.

In this age of technology when everybody’s checking their phones every two seconds, this is practically a miracle. But a few restful moments just enjoying the view or relaxing can ease stress, enhance your mood, and allow you to just enjoy the magic of the moment.

4. Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie.

This has become a family tradition for my family! Get everyone in one room in their PJs and play a movie (or two!) that will get you into the holiday spirit. My family’s all-time favorites include A Christmas Story, Sleepless in Seattle, and While You Were Sleeping! What’s yours?

5. Roast Some Chestnuts On An Open Fire

Oh, that song (you know which one, right?)! Just gives me the feels! And while you’re roasting those chestnuts, play some traditional holiday songs that are sure to get you into the spirit.

6. Spend Time Wrapping Presents

This is my favorite thing to do at Christmas! I don’t know why but no other activity makes me feel the warmth and happiness that the holiday brings better than wrapping gifts!

7. Go Christmas Caroling

This one’s really fun to do! Get your friends to practice some Christmas songs with you then go around your neighborhood spreading cheers and caroling. I betcha, they’d be enchanted!

8. Hang Stockings

There are store-bought Christmas stockings and then there are actual socks. I actually like using the latter because I remember when I was a kid, my mom would hang a sock by the window on Christmas eve for each of us kids and stuff them with candies and chocolates when we’re not looking. Happy times!

9. Ice Skate!

Ice skating rinks are everywhere during the holidays. And they pop up even in areas with no snow! Go skating with family or friends and have a fantastic time!

10. Give Thanks.

More than anything else, it’s important to give thanks for all the blessings you received during the year and express appreciation for family and loved ones. Not only will this wash away all the stress and worries of the past year, but it will also improve your perspective and boost your mental health.

The holidays are about family, love, and miracles. Allow yourself to get captivated by the sounds, smell, taste, and feeling the holidays bring. It only comes once a year. Don’t miss the magic. 

And remember, this holiday season, the greatest gift you can give yourself is good health.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!