Holiday Health: The Good, the Grinch, and the “Wait… Did I Eat All Those Cookies?”
Between airport hugs, office potlucks, and that one relative who insists eggnog is a food group, the Holiday season does a number on our bodies and our brains. Here’s what actually happens—and how to keep your peace (and your pants) intact.
The (Mostly Modest) Weight Thing
Let’s clear up the biggest holiday myth first: most people don’t gain 7–10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Studies in the U.S. find the average gain is closer to about 0.5–1.0 kg (roughly 1–2 lb)—small, but it often sticks around into spring if we don’t course-correct. PMC+2New England Journal of Medicine+2
How to help: Aim for movement you’ll actually do—walk the neighborhood lights, dance while you decorate, or play keep-away with the leftovers. Adults should target 150+ minutes of weekly activity (quick walks count). CDC
Sleep, Sips, and “Why Is My Smartwatch Yelling at Me?”
Holidays tend to shuffle our routines: later bedtimes, earlier alarms, and, yes, more toasting. Data shows alcohol use and sleep disruption spike around Christmas and New Year’s, which can tank mood, immunity, and next-day energy. Pair that with the fact that alcohol-related health risks climb when we overdo it, and your future self will thank you for alternating drinks with water and setting a “party curfew.” PMC+1
Viruses Love a Full House
Festive gatherings mean close quarters, which means more opportunities for respiratory viruses to spread. Simple moves—staying home if you’re sick, covering coughs, washing hands, and improving airflow—cut risk and keep Grandma’s famous pie from becoming a group project (in the worst way). CDC
The Feelings Are Real (and Common)
The season can be joyful and heavy. National surveys show many Americans feel more stressed during the holidays, often from money worries, grief, and family dynamics. Loneliness can flare too—even in a crowded room. If that’s you, you’re in good company, and small connection rituals (walks with a friend, quick calls, volunteering) help more than you’d think. American Psychological Association+2American Psychiatric Association+2
Quick mental health toolkit:
Declutter expectations. Gift lists don’t need boss-level Gantt charts.
Schedule buffer time between events (yes, you’re allowed to leave early).
Micro-recoveries: 60 seconds of box breathing before you ring the doorbell.
Name it. “I’m feeling stretched” is not a complaint—it’s data your brain can use.
Holiday Health Game Plan (you can actually follow)
Pick your “defaults.” Example: sparkling water between drinks, salad first pass at the buffet, 10-minute walk after meals. These tiny habits protect mood, sleep, and weight without stealing the fun. PMC+1
Protect sleep like a present. Set a non-negotiable wind-down time, dim lights, and keep the room cool. (Your morning self is already applauding.) PMC
Germ-smart hosting. Crack a window, set out hand sanitizer by the cookies, and give sniffly guests a guilt-free rain check. CDC
Money sanity. Agree on price caps, do family “experiences” over stuff, and remember: you don’t need to out-gift Santa to be loved. American Psychological Association
Where We Fit In (besides cheering you on)
Feeling prepared is half the battle. If your current health insurance plan isn’t pulling its weight—or you’re comparing family plans before the New Year—we can help you get coverage that supports both living health and your budget. From individual health insurance plans and health insurance coverage with dental insurance options to supplemental health insurance for life’s “plot twists,” we’ll walk you through choices in plain English (no jargon stockings). We serve multiple states—including health insurance plans Florida and Arizona—so you can explore affordable health insurance options without the maze.
Curious about dental insurance coverage or want a quick dental insurance quote before cookie season peaks? We’ve got health and dental bundles and supplemental health plans that pair well with your real life (and your calendar).
Bottom line
Holidays are a mix of sparkle and stress. A few smart guardrails—move a bit, sleep a bit, sip smarter, wash hands, and phone a friend—go a long way. And if your coverage isn’t supporting your healthiest season, our team is here with health solutions that make sense now and in the new year. Consider this your permission slip to enjoy the traditions and protect your well-being.
P.S. If you want plan comparisons or quotes (medical, dental, or supplemental), we’ll keep it simple and pressure-free—just the facts, the options, and help choosing what fits.
