4 Tips for Healthier Holidays

THE HOLIDAYS IN BOSTON are magical. For me, the magic is in the white lights along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Nutcracker at the Opera House, skaters gliding on Frog Pond, and the beautiful window decorations of the Charles Street shops. And it just so happens that our family celebrates two birthdays this time of year: that of my daughter, Holly (hello December baby name), and my own. But to be totally honest, as joyful as the season can be, it also can feel totally overwhelming! There have been years that I’m actually relieved when January rolls around and then immediately regret that I didn’t savor my favorite time of year more.

Over time, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the best way to actually enjoy the holidays is to take care of myself, set boundaries, and remember what matters most. Here are four strategies that help me de-stress. They include simple, doable “mindset” and “actionable” shifts that can make a big difference.

1.MOVE YOUR BODY

When the calendar is jam-packed, exercise is often the first thing to get cut. But research shows that moving your body is one of the best ways to manage stress. You don’t need a gym or an hour-long workout. Even a brisk ten-minute walk through the Public Garden or up and down the Esplanade can lift your mood and clear your mind.

I like to call these “exercise snacks.” They are little bites of movement that fit into a busy day: a stretch while the cookies are in the oven, a few squats while the coffee brews, or a post-dinner walk to admire the holiday lights on Mount Vernon Street. Movement resets your body and brain, giving you more energy to tackle whatever is next.

2.SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

I admit I’m a “recovering” perfectionist who used to think the holidays had to be flawless. The perfect tree, the perfect meal, the perfect gifts. And let’s not get started on all the holiday cards I used to send. Spoiler: I’ve learned that chasing perfection is the fastest way to drain your joy. No one remembers if the napkins matched or the pie crust was slightly overbaked. What they remember is how they felt.

Now I set more realistic expectations. That might mean alternating busy days with slower ones. If Saturday is for shopping at Copley Place, wrapping, and decorating, then Sunday is leftovers, pajamas, and maybe a walk along the Esplanade. I also prioritize. Do I really need to send 300 holiday cards now that my daughter is 21? No.

Try this: When you feel a perfectionist voice creeping in, pause and ask yourself: Will this matter in a week? In a month? If the answer is No, then let it go. Choosing good enough often brings more peace than pushing for perfect.

3.STAY CONNECTED ON YOUR TERMS

The holidays are about togetherness, but too much togetherness or the wrong kind can quickly tip into stress. Staying connected should feel good, not draining.

I love this quote by Jane Fonda: “’No’ is a complete sentence.” You don’t have to attend every cocktail party on Marlborough Street or say Yes to every dinner invitation. A simple, “Thank you for including me, but I can’t make it this time” is enough. I stopped overexplaining only a few years ago, and that’s a tip that’s good all year long! Protecting your energy is not selfish, it is necessary.

At the same time, don’t isolate yourself if you are feeling lonely. Connection does not always mean a big gathering. A quick call to a friend, a handwritten note, or meeting someone for a stroll down Charles Street can lift your spirits. I personally need to do this more of this all year.

4.BALANCE TREATS WITH SELF CARE

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without indulgences. Who doesn’t love all the special meals, cookies, and festive drinks? I never want to skip those moments, but I have learned I feel my best when I balance them with self-care.

That means drinking water (yes, even between glasses of champagne), making time for vegetables among the cheese boards, and getting enough sleep when I can. It’s about nourishment rather than restriction. Balance helps your body and mind feel supported, so you can fully enjoy the treats that make the season special.

The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. By moving your body, setting realistic expectations, staying connected on your terms, and balancing celebration with care, you can protect your energy and actually enjoy the season. At the end of the day, the best holiday memories aren’t about flawless tablescapes or perfectly timed dinners. They’re about laughter, connection, and being present (not presents). Letting go of perfect leaves more room for peace and joy, and isn’t that the whole point?

BY CINDY SULLIVAN