December done right: Enjoy the festive season without burning out

December done right: Enjoy the festive season without burning out (Photo: iStock)

The festive year-end month is already with us. December often arrives with packed schedules, social events, rich meals, and long travel days. Festivities can strain the routines that support good health. Beginning the festive season with a clear and balanced approach helps maintain energy, prevent burnout, and keep well-being at the centre of all celebrations. With a few intentional choices, December can also be a month of good health and steady well-being. Starting the month with mindful habits ensures you enjoy the festivities fully while entering the coming new year refreshed and resilient.

Aim to balance indulgence with intention as the festivities unfold. Festive meals and treats are part of the charm of December. Rather than avoiding certain foods entirely, aim for a mindful approach to what is on the menu. Start gatherings with water, include plenty of plant-based foods, choose lean animal proteins, and pace alcohol consumption. Ensure safe food handling—proper washing, cooking, and refrigeration—to avoid food-borne illnesses. These small steps will keep you and your family healthily fed during the festivities.