The holiday season is quickly approaching, and you may be thinking . . .

Sweets are EVERYWHERE!! I mean, seriously? We walk through giant gingerbread houses at the mall, the scent of peppermint mocha's on every corner, our children are even supposed to have 'visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.'

Besides, Christmas is about all things confections, sweet and delectable, right? How can I possibly implement healthy eating and not be Scrooge this holiday season?

Dreading the holidays is exactly what the enemy wants you to do and he will go to great lengths to steal your joy, derail your disciplines and keep your focus from the true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus.

Here are few helpful tips on how to keep your children healthy and happy so you can focus on the real reason for the season.

Have a plan:

• The key to healthy eating in the home is having a plan! Whether, it is planning a long road trip to grandma's or your family is snowed in for a weekend, having a plan in place will prevent poor choices and sugary impulse purchases.
• Try and stick to 3 meals a day and 2 snacks, always eating a healthy option first before a sweet. Limit sugary snacks and desserts. Children thrive in routine, so when you implement healthy routine they will grow to expect it and enjoy it as well.
• Having healthy snack options on hand is always important. Fruit, veggie sticks, yogurt, nuts, cheeses, granola, and raisins are good just to name a few. Come up with a list of fun fruits that are holiday colors and have your little ones use Christmas cookie cutters to help cut out fun shapes. Always have healthy options in your bag or pack a small cooler for long road trips.
• Be careful with juice as they are high in sugar. Invest in fun water bottles and drink water. This could even be a fun stocking stuffer.
• When your kiddos are clamoring for snacks, remember, thirst can be similar to hunger, give your child a glass of water and wait 10-15 minutes to see if the hunger subsides. They may just be thirsty. This is a good rule of thumb for moms and dads too.
• If you have a party or event to attend, eat a healthy meal before you leave, this guarantees that your child will get the nutrition they need and then a candy cane or cookie will be a sufficient treat at the party instead of 2 or 3.
• If you have a full day of Christmas shopping planned, eat a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal is a great option that will fill them so you are not tempted to buy a sugary treat on the go.

All of these ideas require some planning, but are much healthier options for your child.

Create new fun traditions:

Create new fun traditions.

• Have a pajama night and drive around to look at lights while singing Christmas carols.
• Make and frost cookie ornaments this year and give as gifts, instead of having hundreds of cookies on hand to eat.
• Do some research on older traditions and learn early history. Sugar was a luxury hundreds of years ago, so many children enjoyed dried fruits during the winter holidays.
• Find a recipe on stuffed dates.
• Listen to "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" and roast chestnuts and then watch the Nut Cracker together.
• String popcorn and put it on your tree or make a wreath to put outside for the birds and squirrels.
• Try to find or create new traditions that promote healthy choices and support a healthy lifestyle, and which don't revolve around sugar.

Get Moving:

Get moving, bundle up (depending on where you live) and get fresh air, this is important for your health.

• Go sledding or ice skating. Dust off the exercise DVD's, kids LOVE doing what mom and dad are doing and this will benefit you as well.
• Find local activities in your area, check out your park district or community centers, many are focused on physical activity this time of year.
• Play Christmas music and dance as you do the dishes.
• Whatever it is you choose to do, do it together and get moving~

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So "Tis the season" to continue healthy habits as you reflect on the real reason for the season. May you rest in the joy that you can implement a healthy and happy home that is glorying to God during your holiday season.

What are you doing this holiday season to keep your kids healthy? Tell us about it!

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* Individual results may vary.