by Deb Silverthorn
As the time approaches to hear the angels sing or prepare the menorah for Chanukah, the holiday season invites us to come together and spread joy. We find ourselves bustling through shopping centers, grocery stores, malls, and even rummaging through the attic for festive decorations. This flurry of activity can sometimes overshadow the true essence of the season, leaving us caught up in the chaos rather than savoring each moment.
“Let’s not forget the purpose of our gathering and strive to hold on to that,” advises Suzy Harmon, author of Hungry for Health, Starved for Time.
Harmon, a mother with a high school senior, a college junior, and an adult son, emphasizes the importance of exhaling and modeling that behavior for family. She reminds us that “good enough” is truly sufficient and any dish or decoration that doesn’t make it this year is likely missed only by ourselves.
If your older children are returning home for the festivities, they’ll probably want to reconnect with friends. Harmon recommends turning your home into a social hub for them. Bring out beloved recipes from the past, stock the fridge with their favorite foods, and open your doors to friends.
Finding a balance between time spent with extended family and cherishing moments with your own kids—while sidestepping the daunting “To Do” list—can be a challenge. For Robert and Melissa Chaiken, the holiday season is an ideal opportunity to create lasting memories with their extended family while also enjoying intimate time with just their four-member crew.
“We always find time to gather around our grandparents’ tables or dine out with our extended family, but it’s the rare moments of just the four of us that we truly treasure,” Robert shares. “Whether we escape to London, Mexico, Disney World, or the ski slopes, it doesn’t really matter where we go, but rather that we are together, and each moment spent together is one we appreciate.”
Healthy Holiday Recipe Tips for a Harmonious Season
“So many holiday traditions revolve around meals that evoke memories of our childhood, but we can refresh those recipes to make them healthier,” explains Harmon.
Here are several suggestions from her book, Hungry for Health, Starved for Time, available on Amazon.com:
• Blend pureed cauliflower into your mashed potatoes
• Replace sugar with pureed dates for natural sweetness
• Choose Himalayan pink salt or sea salt over regular table salt
• Spiralize vegetables like zucchini to substitute for traditional pasta
• Cook with care, slow down, and include family in the cooking experience
