Healthy Holiday Choices
By Holly Pommett
December 10, 2025
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The holiday season is a great time to spend with family, relax with friends, and pick hobbies back up with the extra downtime. It’s a time to enjoy celebrating the year with good company and indulgence, but it can also be a time when it’s harder to maintain previously built healthy routines. With busy schedules, special treats, and social gatherings, it’s completely normal to feel off track.
A great way to stay active and maintain healthy routines is to use the extra free time to explore activities like workout classes and hikes. Sophomore environmental science and policy and journalism student Erin Cuddy said she uses downtime for exactly that. “Over the holidays, I feel like I have a lot more free time, so I do a lot of workout classes and just like to walk to get around more.” Cuddy also stated that having her own kitchen when home allows her to make more balanced meal choices when not at holiday celebrations.
Sophomore kinesiology student Lola Rocci echoed that point, saying, “Having my own schedule for eating helps a lot when I’m at home,” which helps her stay in touch with her routine. She also said it’s good to take a break from socializing during the holidays in order to get back on her own time and recharge.
While celebrating with others, it can also be encouraging to find active people to share the festivities with. A group run, gym session, or bike ride are easy ways to get outside with friends and family. These can also become fun traditions, similar to holiday 5Ks.
Sophomore accounting student Rose MacDermott said that these activities really help her hold herself accountable while enjoying the festivities. “During the holidays, I like spending time with my family because they push me to be healthy and active, and it’s a way that we spend time together,” said MacDermott.
Enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up festive foods or fun traditions. While taking advantage of the last days of the year, it’s important to practice moderation while considering the hard work put into maintaining healthy routines. Routines can be fulfilling, providing the off days with structure and something to do during the day.
Ultimately, the key to the holidays is embracing balance. It’s a great opportunity to savor the joys, flavors, and traditions of this time of year while still caring for the body and mind. Staying intentional with habits is the perfect way to enter a new year and leave the old one feeling refreshed and nourished, prepared for what’s to come.
A great way to stay active and maintain healthy routines is to use the extra free time to explore activities like workout classes and hikes. Sophomore environmental science and policy and journalism student Erin Cuddy said she uses downtime for exactly that. “Over the holidays, I feel like I have a lot more free time, so I do a lot of workout classes and just like to walk to get around more.” Cuddy also stated that having her own kitchen when home allows her to make more balanced meal choices when not at holiday celebrations.
Sophomore kinesiology student Lola Rocci echoed that point, saying, “Having my own schedule for eating helps a lot when I’m at home,” which helps her stay in touch with her routine. She also said it’s good to take a break from socializing during the holidays in order to get back on her own time and recharge.
While celebrating with others, it can also be encouraging to find active people to share the festivities with. A group run, gym session, or bike ride are easy ways to get outside with friends and family. These can also become fun traditions, similar to holiday 5Ks.
Sophomore accounting student Rose MacDermott said that these activities really help her hold herself accountable while enjoying the festivities. “During the holidays, I like spending time with my family because they push me to be healthy and active, and it’s a way that we spend time together,” said MacDermott.
Enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up festive foods or fun traditions. While taking advantage of the last days of the year, it’s important to practice moderation while considering the hard work put into maintaining healthy routines. Routines can be fulfilling, providing the off days with structure and something to do during the day.
Ultimately, the key to the holidays is embracing balance. It’s a great opportunity to savor the joys, flavors, and traditions of this time of year while still caring for the body and mind. Staying intentional with habits is the perfect way to enter a new year and leave the old one feeling refreshed and nourished, prepared for what’s to come.