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- November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024
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HEALTH
Guilt-free holiday fun.
Staying fit through the holiday season can feel like trying to resist a second helping of grandma’s stuffing—but it’s not impossible. Here’s how to enjoy the festivities without feeling the January regret.
Stick to Your Routine (as Best You Can)
If you’ve got a workout routine, keep it going! Plan around holiday events—this might mean an early morning sweat session or a quick lunchtime stroll. And if it feels tough to squeeze it in, remember: something is always better than nothing.
Plan for Smart Indulgences
Let’s be real: no one wants to skip holiday treats. So pick your battles—enjoy your favorites in moderation. If you’re headed to a party, offer to bring a healthier dish you enjoy, like a veggie platter with hummus. Having options you’re excited about will help you skip the mindless munching.
Move More, Festive-Style
Who says staying active can’t be social? Get your loved ones involved! Take a post-dinner stroll, organize a holiday hike, or crank up the tunes and have a living room dance-off. Calories don’t stand a chance!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Water’s your best friend this season—aim for 8 to 10 glasses daily. Staying hydrated can curb those sneaky sugar cravings and keep you feeling fuller (aka, you’re less likely to reach for that third cookie).
Eat Smarter, Not Less
Instead of skipping meals, go for balanced, lighter options. A healthy breakfast can set the tone for the day, and filling up on veggies and lean proteins before diving into the holiday spread will help keep you on track.
PARENTING
Unwrapping holiday joy.
🎄 It’s barely November, yet Christmas ads are everywhere, and your kids are already compiling those “Dear Santa” lists. As much as you’d love to deliver all their holiday wishes, it’s not always realistic (or budget-friendly!). Here’s how to help kids enjoy the holiday spirit without focusing solely on gifts.
🎁 Talk It Out Early
Set the stage by having an honest (and positive!) chat about budgeting. You can explain that Christmas magic doesn’t mean unlimited gifts, and the family budget helps make things like vacations and birthday surprises possible year-round.
✨ Focus on Traditions & Experiences
Kids remember moments more than things—especially when you make traditions around them! Baking cookies, watching holiday movies, and going on light tours can be just as exciting as opening presents. Bonus: after a few years, these traditions might even become more anticipated than the gifts.
🤲 Volunteer as a Family
Nothing builds gratitude like giving back. Volunteer at a local food pantry, wrap gifts for families in need, or make care packages. These activities let kids see the holiday season as a time of giving, not just receiving.
🎄Emphasize the Meaning of the Season
Whether religious or not, talk about the holiday spirit as a time of love, gratitude, and generosity. This bigger-picture focus makes Christmas about connection and kindness, rather than “stuff.”
🎅 Set Gift Limits
Define a clear limit on how many gifts they’ll get (say, three to five) and stick to it. Kids love the structure of a countdown, so framing it this way can be both fun and practical.
💝 Encourage Giving
Get kids excited about gifting to others—like making a present for grandparents or siblings, or picking out a toy for charity. Shifting their focus from “What am I getting?” to “What can I give?” can help build empathy and excitement for the season.
The holidays can be meaningful and magical, without going overboard on gifts. Here’s to a Christmas that’s rich in memories and love—no matter what’s under the tree.
TRENDING
 | DIY baby formula is on the rise, but a new study is serving up a cautionary tale for parents. While some are turning to homemade recipes amid formula shortages, a study found that many Pinterest-sourced recipes include unsafe ingredients, like raw milk, which could pose a danger to your little one. Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn against making your own formula, emphasizing that babies need precise nutrients for proper growth. So, as tempting as a DIY approach may be, it’s safer to stick to store-bought formula when it comes to your baby’s health. |
SNIPPETS
Real ID deadline approaching. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a state-issued ID with the Real ID seal to fly domestically or access federal buildings. If you don't have one yet, now’s the time to get it to avoid travel delays.
NFL teams love Uncrustables. NFL players consume up to 80,000 Uncrustables per year, with teams going through 3,600 to 4,300 a week. The prepackaged sandwiches are a favorite for their convenience and help with maintaining the ideal playing weight.
Australia's social media ban for kids. Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from most social media platforms to protect their mental health and safety. This national initiative has gained unanimous support across the country.
DID YOU KNOW? Car seats have an expiration date. They typically expire after 6 to 10 years due to wear and environmental factors that can compromise their safety. Check the base or user manual for the expiration date, and avoid buying secondhand seats from strangers, as you may not know their history. For safety’s sake, it’s best to get a used seat from a trusted friend or family member.
INFLUENCER HIGHLIGHT
 | @lindseygurk |
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🛍 Black Friday steals. 50 top early deals from Graco, Apple, and more.
👯♀️ Get closer to your sibling. 35 questions you’ve never thought to ask.
Pause, breathe, reset.
We’ve all been there: kids having a meltdown, and you're this close to joining them. But don’t panic—parenting expert Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta has some quick fixes to reset your mindset, even in the heat of the moment.
According to Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta, kids rely on you to literally regulate their nervous system during tough moments. They don’t just hear your words; they absorb your tone, body language, and even the speed of your speech. So, when you're feeling like you're about to lose it, here are five super simple tricks to get back on track:
Lay on the floor (yep, you read that right). It helps calm the nervous system.
Wash your hands with cold water to shock your senses.
Walk like you’re in quicksand—it activates calming proprioception.
Chew ice to ground yourself.
Sing a happy song—sometimes a power ballad is all you need.
Remember: calm is contagious.
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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨
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