We all get busy during this time of year. There just seems to be too few hours in the day. In addition, we are encouraged to overindulge; the 8 pounds of sugar I purchased for Christmas candy-making is testimony to this phenomenon. The temptations are great, and we’re tired and stressed. This is not an ideal combination. But what’s a body to do?

During this holiday season, consider enjoying a piece of pie with that friend that only visits once a year. You might eat a cookie that is left for Santa. (Note: this might put you on the naughty list!) Contemplate enjoying an adult beverage to ring in the new year. Consider all these and your many other options. However, you can be healthy through the holidays by continuing to do those healthy things that you do every other day of the year and being selective with your indulgence.

For example, continue to floss daily, wake up at your normal time each morning, and walk the dog. If you normally take a 20 minute walk each day, keep it up because there’s nothing better for stress than movement. (If you have hips like mine, there’s no other way to keep that extra cookie from being applied to them either.)

In addition to doing what you normally do, plan out some of your indulgence. Nothing will wreck your attempt to be healthy more than not having a plan to deal with the temptations. Those peanut butter balls, peppermint patties, and French cremes often cry out from my freezer just begging to be eaten. However, all of them are going in various gifts or to different parties and gatherings. I made scant extras, so I can’t eat them or I’ll come up short (and wide, going back to my hips). Storing the goodies in the freezer is another good way to avoid the temptations. (Please note though, that contrary to one of my friend’s claim, storing cookies in the refrigerator in the garage does not allow you to eat more cookies simply because you have to walk all the way out to the garage, thereby exercising before and after snagging a cookie.)

Take the steps that you need to this holiday season to hang onto some of your healthy habits and minimize some of your temptations. It is a time of celebration though, whether you say “Merry” Christmas, “Happy” Hanukkah, “Cheery” Axial Tilt, or any of the like. Happy celebrating to you, and may your new year be happy and healthy.