by Deb Silverthorn
As we prepare to celebrate the season, whether it’s tuning in to festive carols or gathering candles for the Chanukah menorah, it’s the time to unite and spread joy. This busy period sees us navigating crowded shopping aisles, bustling through grocery stores, visiting malls, and even rummaging through the attic for decorations! And that’s merely the tip of the holiday iceberg. In our efforts to create the perfect celebration, we often overlook the importance of living in the moment.
“Keep in mind the purpose of our togetherness and strive to embrace that sentiment,” advises Suzy Harmon, author of Hungry for Health, Starved for Time.
With her children—a high school senior, a college junior, and another who is now in the workforce—Harmon emphasizes the importance of taking a deep breath and modeling this attitude for your family as a way to enhance the holiday experience. “Remember, ‘good enough’ truly is sufficient, and any ‘this or that’ missing from the meal or decoration that isn’t up in time is likely only noticed by you.”
If your young adults are coming home for the holidays, they’re probably eager to reconnect with friends during their visit. Harmon encourages parents to transform their home into a gathering spot. Prepare beloved childhood recipes, fill the refrigerator with their favorite snacks, and open your doors to friends and family alike.
Balancing time with extended family while cherishing special moments with your kids—without the weight of daily chores or extensive “To Do” lists—can be challenging. Robert and Melissa Chaiken, along with their two teenagers, view the festive period as a wonderful time to create memorable experiences with relatives while also enjoying quality family time.
“We always find some time for holiday cheer at our grandparents’ homes or join our extended family for meals, but we also relish our quiet family moments,” shares Robert. “We like to escape…be it to London, Mexico, Disney World, or the slopes—it’s not about the destination, but the fact that we are together that we cherish, and any time spent together deserves gratitude.”
Healthy Holiday Recipe Suggestions
“Much of our holiday culinary traditions revolve around delicious meals steeped in childhood memories, but there’s a chance to make those dishes healthier,” notes Harmon.
Check out some of the tips from her book, Hungry for Health, Starved for Time, available on Amazon.com:
• Incorporate pureed cauliflower into your mashed potatoes
• Substitute pureed dates for sugar for added sweetness
• Opt for Himalayan pink salt or sea salt instead of regular iodized salt
• Try spiralizing vegetables like zucchini as a pasta substitute
• Cook with care, take your time, and involve the family in the cooking process
