What to bring to the holidays
November 12th, 2009
This year, my husband and I are doing the holidays a little differently. We’re still going to see the family and eat pumpkin pie, but we’ve decided to do it all in a different frame of mind.
Specifically, without guilt.
Do you ever feel guilty around the holidays? The first thing that comes to mind is food – we eat more than we should or the ‘wrong’ types of food and then beat ourselves up for it. Or maybe it’s guilt that you aren’t doing enough, aren’t throwing the most lavish party or buying the most perfect gifts.
Maybe it has to do with family. I know people who trek around on snowy holidays visiting 4 sets of parents! Do you feel you have to see everyone, make an appearance? Maybe this year you say, “See you next week” or “Let’s have dinner in February.” Would that be even remotely possible? Consider it.
One year we drove home from the holidays in our rental car, drank a bottle of wine and fell asleep on the couch. We were emotionally spent and mentally shaken. We left the car outside and totally forgot to return it on time. (Luckily, the car company didn’t charge us the hundreds of dollars in overage fees they could have – happy holidays to us! Whew.)
That is not how I want this season to end! It’s all about making choices that are right for us, drawing boundaries, and taking care of ourselves physicaly and mentally. Maybe one or two relatives will get annoyed. Maybe our front door will go without a festive holiday wreath. And maybe we’ll decline a party or two. Who cares?
My intention for the season is to bring happiness and joy into my life and the lives of those around me. How can I bring happiness? I’ll have to create it, and spread it. I will eat things that make my body happy, I will sleep until I am well rested, and I will spend time with people who make the holidays a celebration. I will not feel guilty about the choices I make.
What about you? What will you bring to the holidays?
Of course, one thing you’ll probably need to bring is something to eat! Here’s a super easy dip that everyone will love:
Holiday Hummus
1 15 oz. can chickpeas or white navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup roasted squash puree (any kind will do, I used Delicata)
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup olive oil
small handful fresh thyme leaves
S+P, to taste
Everything goes in the food processor – just blend it up. Try whole wheat pita or pumpernickel bread for dipping. It’s also great as a spread. Remember – it’s sweeter than hummus so it may not taste great on some vegetables. Experiment, and enjoy!
This post is part of Food Renegade’s Fight Back Fridays.
That Holiday Hummus looks YUMMY. We’re not big drinkers or eaters – so I expect our holidays to be a little more indulgent than usual, but not crazily so.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:38 pmLove this post! I think you just have to make the holidays as special for yourself as you do for those you love and care about. I know guilt is a huge thing for so many of us and we just have to do as you said, sit back and breathe and really prioitize whats important and what can get passed by!
November 12th, 2009 at 1:39 pmThanks for posting and reminding us all
“They’ll get over it.”
Words to live by.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:28 pmAs much as a wintry Christmas sounds lovely, I love that our Aussie Christmas coincides with the summer holidays. Most people have at least the week off and if you’re school aged you have a six week break. Imagine cocktails, warm night BBQ’s, prawns on Christmas day, lots and lots of swimming and that’s what Christmas means to me!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:21 pmGoing guilt-free sounds like a great resolution to make. I am cursed with having middle-child guilt syndrome. My family knows how to work that to their advantage most of the time…but I think this year I’ll try the guilt-free approach. I can’t wait to try this hummus – yum!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:23 pmDrawing those boundaries…
November 12th, 2009 at 7:59 pmYou’re the best, Michelle. Thanks for keeping me inspired!
I’m envisioning a guilt free holiday as well. I’m envisioning what my plate will look like, remembering how awful bloated belly syndrome is and practicing enjoying others more than my food
November 12th, 2009 at 8:27 pm@vered – thanks, let me know if you try the recipe!
@Chelsea – thank you! you sounds like you’re right onboard with shaping your holidays how you want ‘em. Nice!
@Craig – “They’ll get over it” Absolutely.
@Em – Can i come spend the holidays with you???
@Sara – Middle child guilt…I’m not familiar with that one! Only child guilt – THAT I know.
@Leigh – Ready, set, draw.
@Tanya – bloated belly…nooooo!
November 12th, 2009 at 9:22 pmThanksgiving is my favorite holiday–we host it every year with any where between 35 and 50 people (the more the merrier). Last year was stressful (for the first time) because my sister and her family stayed with us for 10 days—way too long. They got a hotel this year! Even before I knew about the hotel, I was prepared to tell her they they couldn’t stay here as we are excited about having a NO stress, all fun holiday! Bring on the food. Im always ready.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:02 amI think I am going to try this…maybe it will be tasty on some gluten-free crackers. I love to experiment! Love your crafty ways.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:45 amWe tend to feel the stress of having to see everyone over the holidays. Our parents live in the same town so each visit is a equal balance with each family. It stresses me out at times, but I’ve changed my focus over the past few years to the positive. Since my husband and I aren’t from different cities we don’t have to choose one place over the other meaning I don’t have to miss an entire holiday not seeing my brother’s and parents. That is a blessing to me and what I think of when I’m feeling incredibly full and tired. Ha, ha!
I love that hummus! And your millet bake in the previous post is amazing. I will be making them both!
November 13th, 2009 at 12:38 pmThe beauty of being Aussie expats living a 35-hour journey away from home is that we can do whatever we please for the holidays. Like take our dear little boy on the mother of all train trips to Canada. Looking forward to it so much!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pmHi, Michelle!
I followed over from Vered’s blog. I’m SO glad I did!
I read around a little and I see that you’re big on yoga. Yay! I’m trying to bring my focus back to yoga. It helped me soooooooo much. I don’t know why I let it slide… But it’s time to start practicing yoga again!
Your hummus recipe sounds YUM!
*smiles*
November 14th, 2009 at 1:54 amMichele
Yum yum! Excellent winter twist to hummus! I’ll have to try this.
November 14th, 2009 at 3:28 pmI usually stick to seasonal fruit, raw vegan deserts (the only kind of deserts I can eat) and/or poultry of some sort. I try to keep it as simple (to me) as I can!
November 15th, 2009 at 1:34 amAMMMMMMMMEN! We’re splitting the holidays- Thanksgiving with Josh’s, Christmas with my family. We’re also making plans to stick with our workout routines throughout both holidays. Next year, we’re proposing one of the holidays at our house!
November 15th, 2009 at 6:21 pm