Holiday Grace

Holiday Grace

The holidays are upon us, bringing joy, celebration, and, often, an abundance of food and drink that we wouldn’t typically consume. Yet, the stress and pressure of the season often lead to overindulgence, followed by guilt and shame. This vicious cycle is all too familiar for many of us. But here’s the thing—strictly adhering to a rigid diet, especially during the holidays, isn’t always the answer. Let’s be honest, that approach often borders on orthorexic or martyr-like behavior. Instead, the solution lies in mindset and granting yourself the grace to enjoy this time fully. We like to call it mindful holiday feasting.

Breaking the Cycle

Does this sound familiar?

In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, you make a firm resolution: This year will be different. You vow to stick to your diet no matter what. During the feast, you plan to limit yourself to a cheese and meat plate for appetizers, a small portion of turkey for the main course, skip dessert entirely, and sip only seltzer water. You’ll smile through it all and convince yourself that you’re enjoying the celebration.

But then, Thanksgiving Day arrives. You get swept up in the festivities—the laughter, the flowing wine, the sense of togetherness. A few crackers make their way onto your plate alongside the cheese and salami. Then come the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Before you know it, you’re going back for seconds. And by dessert, you’re indulging in a slice (or two) of pie, some ice cream, and maybe even a cookie.

By the end of the night, you’re stuffed and weighed down—not just by food but also by shame.

The proximity of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s only adds to the challenge. The morning after Thanksgiving, you might vow to “get back on track.” But with Christmas around the corner and all those holiday treats beckoning, you strike a new deal with yourself: I’ll start fresh in the New Year. The indulgence continues through December, culminating in a week of unchecked hedonism between Christmas and New Year’s.

By January 1st, you’re left feeling depleted—physically, emotionally, and nutritionally. Climbing out of this hole takes weeks, sometimes months, leaving you frustrated and drained.

There has to be a better way.

Feast, Don’t Cheat

The key to escaping this annual trap lies in a simple mindset shift: focus on feasting instead of cheating. I learned this transformative lesson from my good friend, Dr. Mindy Pelz, and it changed everything for me.

The word cheating is steeped in negativity, evoking feelings of guilt and failure. Feasting, on the other hand, is celebratory and positive. It’s about nourishment, joy, and connection. This subtle shift can change how you experience the holidays—and how you approach the day after.

Feasting doesn’t mean eating with reckless abandon. It means giving yourself the grace to nourish not just your body, but also your emotional, cultural, and traditional needs. Your nutritional goals don’t have to take a backseat; they just share the stage with the other aspects of what makes the holidays meaningful.

Thanksgiving Best Practices

The Morning After

What you do the morning after Thanksgiving sets the tone for the rest of the season.

If you wake up riddled with guilt, you risk falling into a spiral of poor choices that can last until January 1st. Instead, focus on the joy of the previous day—the delicious food, the laughter, and the connections you shared. Acknowledge the grace you gave yourself to enjoy the moment and commit to returning to your normal routine with confidence and ease.

The “walk of shame” in this context doesn’t come from indulging during the holidays—it comes from letting that indulgence steer you off course long-term.

Celebrate Fully

This holiday season, strive for balance. Nourish your body, yes, but also your emotional, cultural, traditional, and even spiritual needs. When you allow yourself to feast with grace and intention, you’ll find the holidays more enjoyable—and healthier—than ever before.