It’s November—the air is a little crisper, the leaves are bright colors of reds, oranges and yellows, and the national month of gratitude has begun. Now that fall is well underway you may be thinking of all the fun and exciting holidays, gatherings and meals coming up. You may also be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of it all. We understand. This time of year can be hopeful and magical while being equally overwhelming. Our goal is to keep your holiday season as simple and healthy as possible.
One of the biggest concerns people have during this time of year is their budget. Celebrating on a budget doesn’t mean that your season will be bland or look cheap. Instead, it helps you to remain focused on what’s most important during this time of year. Holidays don’t have to be costly. Spending time with loved ones around the table or gift giving doesn’t have to put a hole in our pockets. Follow along for ideas for this holiday season.
Meals for One, Meals for Two
Hosting your family or loved ones? With the costs of food rising you may be hesitant in inviting people over and having a big celebration. You don’t have to do it all though. By asking guests to each prepare a dish for dinner, you help ease the burden of cost and the burden of preparation. Involving others in contributing to dinner allows others to feel valued as member of the celebration and allows them to share their favorite dish with others. This also instills a stronger sense of family, unity, and community. Potlucks are a great way to bring people together and have a variety of foods shared amongst each other. One-pan meals, such as potatoes and chicken or chicken broccoli and cheese skillet, and slow cooker meals like slow cooker beef stew, are also great options since they take less physical work and mostly rely on you keeping an eye on the time. Have kids help out with healthy no cook holiday snacks and keep costs down and everyone involved.
Little Gifts, Big Sentiments
Gift giving is often a big stressor during the holidays. You may have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and a whole list of others that you may want to give gifts to. Many choose to eliminate gift shopping and make gifts instead; others will do a gift swap or secret gift exchange to lessen the gifts they will shop for. Gifts don’t always have to be elaborate. In a world full of consumerism, it is okay to decide to take a step back and gift items that you know will be put to good use. Examples of this are buying mini hand lotions, lip balms, hand sanitizers and pocket tissues. Take a mason jar and add one of each of the items, tie a ribbon around the jar and you have an instant gift. Another great idea is making baked goods in batches such as cinnamon vanilla granola or apple cinnamon bars. These are all great ways to get your hands and kids’ hands in the kitchen and make holiday snacks to pack in a bag or container and tie with a ribbon as a sweet gift.
The Gift of Time
Taking time to spend with others, whether over a cup of coffee, building a snowman with a child, or reading with folks at a home for older adults can make such a difference in a person’s mental and emotional health as well as in you. It may be cold outside but if weather permits, a nice brisk walk can reenergize you. An afternoon of playing in the snow followed by warm soup and warm socks can make such a great day. Stay active with healthy holiday habits and as always, keep your health at the forefront. Keep hydrated, nourished and moving. Keep good company and enjoy the moments of the season.
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