• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Finding a Holiday Balance

December 13, 2011 | Uncategorized

 

I don’t know about you, but in my house, December may as well be renamed “the month of indulgence.” I eat everything in the name of “it’s only available during Christmas” or “I worked hard all year I deserved this” or “I will start over in January” and before I know it, I feel tired, sluggish, puffy, and heavier than usual.

I believe it is important to find balance during the holidays so you don’t end December feeling frustrated, guilt and defeated. So what can you do? Here are five tips that have helped me survive December:

Don’t make any one food “off limits”

In my experience, when you make a food “off limits” it makes you want it that much more, and if/when you do happen to get your hands on it, you are very likely to binge and eat way more of said food than if you would have allowed yourself to eat it in the first place.

Write workouts into your schedule

This is a good year round practice, but it is even more imperative during the holidays when Christmas party’s, school plays, and Christmas shopping demand your time. Do not let your workout be the first thing to go. Stay strong and you will feel better physically and feel better ABOUT yourself.

 

Make time to enjoy yourself and your loved ones

I don’t mean stressful Christmas day with 35 of your closest family members. I mean take some time to chill by the fire and the Christmas tree, reading books to your kids, or watching Home Alone, or baking cookies with your spouse while you listen to Christmas music. Something relaxing and enjoyable, you deserve it!

Get in the “good stuff”

It’s tempting to ONLY eat junk during the holidays especially if it’s free. I don’t know about you, but I jump at free food all the time even if it’s unhealthy. Why do we do this? Please tell me I’m not the only one. The worst was Christmas time when I was a teacher. Baked good in the teachers lounge every. single. day. It’s ok to indulge, but balance it out with some veggies, fruit, etc. you know, the REAL food!

Remember to do what’s best for your family

Just because grandma makes five pies and aunt Linda gives three gifts to each child does NOT mean you have to follow suit or keep pace with anyone. It’s Christmas! It’s a season of love, joy, and hope. Start your own traditions, drop ones you feel obligated to do but don’t like. It’s NOT worth you losing your mind to have the most beautiful wrapping paper or the most lights on you house if you sacrifice your sanity.

QOTD: What is your best tip for achieving balance during the Holidays?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jude says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Balance???? Maybe in 2013…

  2. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:13 am

    some great tips. I do think that it’s important to try to maintain some sort of regular routine too.

  3. Tina @ Best Body Fitness says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:41 am

    Great tips! I definitely agree on not making anything off limits. that’s always dangerous for me.

  4. Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Everything in moderation… including moderation! But in all seriousness, scheduling workouts has never been so important!

  5. Carly D. @ CarlyBananas says

    December 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Just trying to be conscious of what I’m eating. There’s no way I’m going to make pie or cake off limits at this time of year but I should pay attention so I don’t give myself a stomach ache (or if I do, at least know where it came from).

  6. Sam says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Love the tips!

  7. Karolina says

    December 13, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    These are really fantastic tips. Today I posted part 3 of my 3 part series on reducing stress during the holidays, and I mentioned aspects of some of the things you have mentioned here. Thanks for posting these:)

    • Heather says

      December 16, 2011 at 8:58 am

      oh I need to go check that out!

  8. irunthere4iam says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:33 am

    Great advice! I think getting sleep and having a little bit of quiet time is important to stay balanced.

  9. Vanessa says

    December 16, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    I agree with not making anything off limits. I also think pick what you want and eat it, just don’t eat a ton of it! Also, don’t eat it just because, pick the things that you enjoy most. I am a 1st grade teacher and I sooooo agree that their is always tons of treats in teachers lounge. Today I got a box of cookies, a loaf of banana nut bread, a ziploc bag of no bake cookies, and a ziploc bag of “puppy chow.” It was our last day of school so the kids brougt me presents and most was food!!! I’m glad I have an obsession with running because that’s a lot of treats!

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
8–12 arrival = my whole day gone. 🆘 👀Sen 8–12 arrival = my whole day gone. 🆘 

👀Send to someone who understands! 

#momlifeunfiltered #momlifeproblems #funnymoms #relatablememe
What a weekend! 👀 🏐 Volleyball win on Satur What a weekend! 👀

🏐 Volleyball win on Saturday 
🌙 EK’s slumber party for her birthday was also Saturday, and we used @modernmomentstn for her adorable set up! They did a great job and they set up and clean up all the tents and things. The girls had a blast! Be sure to check out her page for all the different themes she rents out! 
🌺 Sunday we went to Dollywood with friends
😕 Monday I had surgery (I’m ok just sleepy!)

Make sure you scroll all the way across, there are some cute videos in there! 

#slumberparty #birthdaysleepover #birthdaypartydecor #knoxvillesmallbusiness
Who says the magic ends when you leave the parks?✨ (ad)

At Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, the fun keeps going with a resort-style pool, splash pad, free shuttles to the parks, and a hot breakfast every morning. 🎢🏰 

Plus, their 5:30 Kickback® is the perfect nightcap—snacks for the whole family and 3 free drinks for guests 21+. 🎉

#DruryHotels #OfficialWaltDisneyWorldHotel #OrlandoVacation #DisneyMagic #FamilyTravel
✨ Cooking together, laughing together, and makin ✨ Cooking together, laughing together, and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. 💖 (ad)

The Pampered Chef Kids Club Box has been a total game-changer for us! 🌮 It’s more than just a box of ingredients — it’s an experience that brings us closer while building valuable kitchen skills, confidence, and even a little STEM learning along the way! 🔬

The best part? NO auto-renewals! 🙌 You can try it when you’re ready, no strings attached.

💌 Comment the word “kids” for the link to start cooking up some fun with your family!

#PamperedChefKidsClub @PamperedChef
🍹✨ Checking into Margaritaville Resort Gatlin 🍹✨ Checking into Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg feels like stepping into vacation mode the second you arrive! (Ad)

From the laid-back tropical vibes in the lobby, to cozy rooms with mountain views, steps from downtown Gatlinburg, a pool made for relaxing, and even a fitness center — this resort has everything you need for the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway. 🏔️🌴

Would you stay here on your next trip to Gatlinburg?

#MargaritavilleResort #GatlinburgTN #SmokyMountains #ResortLife #MargaritavilleVibes #GatlinburgVacation #TravelTennessee #MountainGetaway #ResortTour
A peek behind the scenes of what a school morning A peek behind the scenes of what a school morning looks like around here. (Spoiler alert, it’s not as glamorous as some people think!)

Just a mom trying to get her kid out the door followed by procrastinating about work. Then I end up working late into the night instead. 😵‍💫🫣

🚨 If you would like a 🔗 to the lights in my laundry room just comment with the word LINK and I will DM it to you! 

#adayinthelife #momlifebelike #behindthescene #contentcreatorlife
Some days I feel strong. Other days, I feel like I Some days I feel strong. Other days, I feel like I’m sprinting to catch up with a finish line that keeps moving.

Turning 40 has me reflecting a lot — where I thought I’d be, where I actually am, and what “success” really means. Who is in charge of making those rules anyway? 👀

I don’t have it all figured out. But I’m learning that I’m not behind. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
And if you’re struggling with this too… you’re not alone. 💛

#thisis40 #confessiontime #enneagram3 #whatissuccess #momconfessions

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d