If you’re reading this, you’re more than likely preparing for a holiday celebration of some sort. Take a deep breath, friend. You can do this.

The holiday season that happens between October 31 – Jan 2 is honestly the fastest time of the year. One day you wake up and there are Halloween decorations all through aisles of your local store, and then before you can blink *WHAM* it’s Christmas. We all start singing Mariah Carey, and for a few brief weeks people are polite at the check out counter.

The holiday season can also be a time of immense sadness. Sadness because it’s our first holiday withouts someone. Sadness because we’re not close to our family. Sadness because bad things happened to us around this time of year. If that is you, I’m sending you warm electronic hugs. I’m holding space for you sadness. You are not required to be cheerful right now. You sadness is valid.

For many of us recovering from diet culture and the disordered eating (DE) spectrum, the holiday season really just means one things: FOOD. And lots of comments about our body. 103% of which are unwarranted and unwelcome. Nevertheless, we will prevail.

If this is your first holiday season in recovery, I have so much compassion for you. Feelings are still raw, senses are heightened, and you can do this. I’m going to give you my most practical tips for thriving this holiday season. Because you deserve to have a joyous time (however that looks for you), regardless of the size of your body.

Elastic.

I talk about this all the time, but this COULD NOT be more important on a day where we may be eating foods that are challenging, and having multiple meals more closely together than usual.

Whatever you’re going to wear for the big day, or several days depending on what you’re celebrating, should be comfortable. Something that stretches and moves with you is essential. Truth be told, I opt for skirts of dresses that are flowy. If that’s not your style, pants that have an elastic waistband (aka, no snaps, buttons, or zippers). This is a form of self-care to wear clothes that are comfortable for your here and now body. This is also going to minimize any body checking that could arise during the day. It’s much easier to stay present in the moment, and in conversation, when you’re not hyper-focused on you clothes digging into your skin.

Take a lap.

I’m actually not referring to movement here. You don’t need to earn your food. You don’t have to engage in movement to eat during the holidays. You don’t need to engage in movement afterwards to make up for anything. That’s not joyful or life-giving. That’s punishment.

I’m referring to the food landscape. Before you put anything on you plate, look at all your options. Then decide what sounds satisfying, will provide a gentle challenge, and is nourishing (and meets your meal plan if that’s where you are). I also, highly, HIGHLY, recommend making a to-go plate either before or concurrently with your for now plate. We’re much less likely to eat past the point of comfortable fullness, when we know that we can have more later if we desire.

Follow your usual schedule.

Now, I make no secrets about the fact that I am a black woman. This shows up a “saving room” for holiday meals (aka skipping meals). Yeah… We’re not doing that anymore. If you have all of your meals like usual, you are much less likely to eat past a point of comfortable fullness. You are also much more likely to pick foods that sound satisfying because you’re not overly hungry. I have no problem having a snack in the car on the way to Thanksgiving dinner, because I don’t want to be uncomfortably hungry. And some times we start linner (lunch dinner, my family eats Thanksgiving dinner at 3 pm) later than we anticipated. No need for my blood glucose to go too low.

Remember the reason.

Regardless of what holiday you’re celebrating this season, it’s about so much more than you. It has nothing to do with the size of your body, and everything to do with gratitude and new beginnings.

So, remember your values: quality time with those you love. Your faith (if you a person of faith). Celebrating life. Creating memories and traditions.

I hope this helps you thrive this holiday season. I believe that you can do this. Make a plan, have a back up, and know that there is no perfect with this. It’s all a learning experience.

Happy Holidays,