If you are anything like I am, you become a stress case around the holidays. Holiday parties & get togethers, buying gifts, managing your finances so that you can buy gifts, short days, cold weather - it all adds up to me getting frazzled right around now. But, it doesn’t have to be like this!
So, the question is, how do we change this cycle? So that we can actually relax and enjoy the festivities, spending time with friends and family, get into the spirit of giving? Below are some ideas I’m trying out this year. Won’t you join me? Wouldn’t it be nice to really enjoy and savor the holiday and the winter months?
Exercise Outdoors. No Matter How Cold it is.
There is something about being out in the fresh air, in nature, that grounds and calms me. No matter what climate you live in, you feel more connected to nature when you’re in it every day. Stay warm by dressing in layers. Wear appropriate footwear (snowboots or rainboots if necessary). I share more tips in this blog post.
Don’t go into Debt.
Make a budget per person for gifting and stick to it. Consider making gifts like homemade bath salts or granola. I stay far away from malls & shopping centers where there is a shopping frenzy. *Look out for my blog post next week on gifting & homemade gift ideas*
Prepare for Parties.
You may going to holiday parties where there is going to be a lot of alcohol, sugary treats, and all kinds of other things you may want to avoid, especially if you eat gluten-free and/or vegan. I like to have a big green smoothie before a party. That way I am less likely to go crazy on eating stuff I know will not make me feel good. A little indulgence is ok, but anything that makes you feel not so great later on is not cool in my book. And, if you are a good cook, bring something yummy & healthy for everyone to enjoy!
Let Go of Some Traditions.
If there is a holiday tradition that causes you stress, consider not doing it this year. A few years ago I let go of sending Christmas cards. This was hard for me at first, since I used to design & sell Christmas cards! But, it felt good to get it off my to do list. And guess what? No one noticed. If there is something you dread doing around the holidays, maybe its time to consider letting it go.
Stay Warm & Cozy.
This one seems obvious, but it’s the one I struggle with the most! Wear comfortable layers that keep you warm. Have slippers for around the house. Drink lots of warm beverages and eat foods that are warm & nourishing. Love oatmeal for breakfast, and homemade soups for lunch or dinner.
Lately I’ve been making a lot of winter squash soups, my recipe is below. I used acorn squash, but you could use any winter squash here.
Roasted Winter Veg Soup
Gather:
1 acorn squash
1 large sweet potato
2 carrots
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp sea salt
black pepper to taste
Topping:
4 kale leaves - cut into ribbons
4 shitake mushrooms - thinly sliced
1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon dried cranberries
1 tsp coconut oil
Preheat oven to 425 F. Get out 2 baking sheets and line with parchment paper.
Cut the acorn squash in half & scoop out the seeds. Put the 2 halves cut side down on one of the baking sheets.
Peel and chop the sweet potato and carrots into large chunks. Spread on the other baking sheet with the garlic cloves.
By now your oven is heated. Roast the veggies until tender - about 40 minutes.
While the veggies are roasting, you can make the topping. Saute the mushrooms in the coconut oil for about 5 minutes. Add the kale ribbons and cook, stirring, until the kale has reduced and is tender. Stir in the pumpkin seeds and cranberries. Let this sit until the soup is done.
When the veggies are done roasting, put them into your blender - I use a Vitamix. The acorn squash can be scooped out of it’s peel. Add water to cover the veggies, salt & pepper, and coconut oil. Blend to whatever consistency you like - I did more of a thick puree. If the soup isn’t hot enough, run it in your Vitamix for a few minutes until heated.
Serve with topping... yum!
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