How to be Healthy for The Holidays (and it’s not what you think!)
Rediscovering the Magic: A Holistic Approach to Health During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and wonder—but somewhere along the way, many of us (myself included) have lost the essence of what makes it so magical. We get caught up in the busyness, the perfection, and the pressure, forgetting to simply be. This year, let’s approach the holidays not as a checklist to conquer, but as an invitation to immerse ourselves in the experience, to reconnect with the childlike wonder we once knew. Join me in this journey.
Savor the Present Moment
The holidays are fleeting, a shimmering moment in time that we too often rush through. We’re consumed by the tasks: shopping lists, travel plans, perfect tablescapes. But what if we slowed down enough to notice the twinkle of the lights, the laughter echoing through the room, or the warmth of a hot chocolate in our hands?
Mindfulness is not just a practice; it’s a way of living. It’s tasting the sweetness of the cookie - without guilt. It’s hearing the crunch of snow underfoot and feeling gratitude for the moment. When we anchor ourselves to these small, precious details, the season transforms. It becomes richer, fuller, and far more nourishing than any rigid plan could ever be.
Let Go of the “Shoulds”
The holidays whisper to us: You should bake more, buy more, be more. But this voice comes from the ego, not the heart. Your worth is not measured by how perfectly you host a dinner or how many holiday parties you attend.
To truly enjoy the holidays, we must shed the burden of expectation and embrace the freedom of authenticity. Maybe this means saying no to an event that drains your energy or reimagining traditions to fit your current reality. When we let go of what we think we should do, we create space for what genuinely brings us joy.
Reclaim Childlike Joy
Remember what the holidays felt like when you were a child? The thrill of seeing a snowflake land on your glove, the excitement of an unexpected gift, or the way time seemed to stretch endlessly on Christmas morning? Revisit those moments. Make space to be in those memories. Maybe your experience was unlike this and you wish to reimagine that time of your life. Create that for the child within. Heal those wounds. Come face to face with your 6 year old self, embrace the spirit of that child - how the spirit of the holiday was then or reimagine how you wished it would be and live through that imagination.
That magic is still there. It’s in the spontaneous snowball fight, the midnight dance party, or the crackle of the fireplace. But to find it, we have to let ourselves feel it. We have to be willing to play, to laugh, to let go of the rules that say adults must be serious and composed. Be free, be wild, be the joy.
Joy is health. Laughter, connection, and awe can heal us in ways no diet or workout ever could. This season, let yourself be silly. Be amazed. Be fully alive.
Nourish Your Spirit
Holistic health is about more than the body; it’s about feeding your soul. The holidays offer countless opportunities to do just that:
Listen to stories from loved ones, really listen, and let their words remind you of the richness of life.
Volunteer your time or resources to those in need, letting compassion guide your actions.
Spend time in nature, whether it’s walking through a snow-covered forest or simply stepping outside to breathe the crisp winter air.
These moments of connection—with others, with yourself, with the world around you—are where true health resides.
Find Grace in Imperfection
Not every moment will be picture-perfect, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s the imperfections that often hold the most beauty: the lopsided gingerbread house, the laugh that turns into a snort, the heartfelt toast that doesn’t quite come out right.
When we let go of perfection, we make room for authenticity, and it’s in authenticity that we find the deepest joy. So, if the cookies burn or the tree topples over, laugh. These are the moments you’ll remember and cherish.
Create Space for Reflection
As the year winds down, it’s natural to look back. Instead of focusing on what didn’t go as planned, reflect on what brought you peace, joy, and growth. Honor your journey—messy, beautiful, and utterly unique—and carry those lessons into the new year.
A Season of Presence
The greatest gift you can give yourself this holiday season is your presence. Be there for the twinkling lights, the hugs, the quiet moments of gratitude. Be there for the messy kitchen, the off-key carols, and the snow angels that leave you laughing like a child.
When we approach the holidays with mindfulness and an open heart, we rediscover the magic we thought we had lost. This season, let yourself feel. Let yourself be. Because the holidays aren’t about what we do—they’re about how deeply we live.
Here’s to a season of wonder, connection, and love.
Share with the people you love and comment below your favorite Holiday memories. Or share how you are going to live this season for and as the child within YOU.
With Love & Light,
Mandy Hunter