You may have heard the following maxims: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” and “If you succeed in planning, you plan to succeed.” To lift these ideas to a joy-filled holiday, consider the words of a friend who expressed the following: “Creativity is the opposite of anxiety.” Why fear the future when you can create it? Taking time to plan healthy holiday traditions and being creative about them can fill your holiday with that festive cheer that lasts. Hopefully, these traditions will carry you through your New Year’s celebration with some pizzazz left for the next big holiday! So let’s create a holiday you will want to remember and repeat for years to come. 

First, slow down and take time to plan healthy, colorful food for those upcoming celebrations. If this feels like drudgery, ask yourself an engaging question: “How can I make the meal colorful, satisfying, and fun?” I once took a veggie tray that looked like a Christmas tree to a Christmas party. Rows of broccoli, cucumber, and green bell peppers formed the branches of my “tree.” I topped it with strips of yellow bell peppers for the garland and sprinkled on red cherry tomatoes and olives for the ornaments. Lastly, I used crackers for the base with a pineapple star on top. It was amazing how so many children wanted to try a sample of my tree. When it comes to children, every small taste of fresh veggies helps! 

Second, consider a staple holiday salad that is unique for the season, something you could enjoy two or more times a week. We all need something easy and quick to prepare during the holidays. One year, when pomegranates came on heavy, our family discovered how to use them on a green salad. We started with a base of green leaf lettuce and spinach and topped it with pomegranates, pears, and pecans. The final touch was a drizzle of homemade raspberry vinaigrette. It was the most tasty and beautiful holiday treat. We snapped the photo of a family member, who professed to never eat greens, not only sampling the salad but actually finishing it. Now we have evidence!

Third, prepare the traditional holiday foods your family enjoys but bump up its health quotient and ease up on the calories a bit. For example, when preparing mashed potatoes, use half potatoes, half cauliflower, and season with broth and spices to cut back on the butter. It is still tasty and satisfying, but it contains a smaller portion of carb calories and saturated fat. It might help you save room for that favorite planned dessert. 

Fourth, remember that moderation is key. To strive for a perfectly healthy, all-or-nothing holiday season can sometimes leave cravings on high alert. Consider your truly favorite “must-have” foods and plan ahead to have them. If a table of treats is glowing before you, slow down before you fill your plate. Look at everything, and ask yourself, “What is my favorite? What have I already tasted before and don’t really need to try again? How do I want to feel after sampling?” Then, make your decision. Look at you, planning on the fly! 

I hope these four suggestions will help spark some of your own creative ideas. Have a truly festive holiday season!