Growing up, one of my favorite parts of the holidays was indulging in the delightful treats and sweets that everyone brought to gatherings. My mom was a passionate baker, crafting every Christmas cookie you could imagine. At parties, her large platters of goodies were the star attraction. Neighbors would flock to our home, eager to snag loaves of pumpkin bread and those scrumptious oversized molasses cookies. I still cherish those moments, especially the joy it brought to my teachers when we gifted them with homemade treats on the last day of school before the holiday break.
During those early years, I never felt guilty for enjoying these delights. My parents encouraged us to indulge without restrictions. However, once I turned 12, the narrative shifted. I started hearing about getting fit for summer and how to lose those holiday pounds. Suddenly, those once-beloved treats began to feel like forbidden fruits that would lead to weight gain. The message was clear: even a small amount of holiday weight gain could label you as less worthy.
This societal pressure to criticize women for gaining weight and the urgency to “bounce back” is pervasive and damaging. We hear it frequently after having a baby, where we’re advised to eat healthy before social events to avoid overindulging. The constant reminders to drink water, count calories, and track macros create a culture of fear around weight gain, especially as the holidays approach.
Like many, I tend to gain a few pounds during the holiday season, but I no longer care. I’ve decided not to let society dictate how I feel about myself. If it weren’t for the incessant chatter, we might not even think about our weight at all. In fact, I’d rather enjoy those cherished meals with loved ones than deprive myself of the comforting foods that bring us together.
I chose to get rid of my scale, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I understand that this approach may not work for everyone; some find comfort in weighing themselves. But if you tend to struggle with holiday weight gain, I encourage you to give your scale a break. If friends or family comment on your food choices, consider distancing yourself from them. Nobody needs the “food police” around during the festive season.
Avoid content—be it magazines, ads, or social media—that makes you feel inadequate or pressures you to shed those holiday pounds. Unfollow or ignore those sources, and instead, shift your focus. Rather than committing to a strict diet or lifestyle change—which often leads to failure—concentrate on nourishing your body and making choices that feel good throughout the year, including the occasional indulgence.
Diet culture promotes a toxic narrative that suggests we must punish ourselves after enjoying the holidays. This mindset is fundamentally flawed, and I refuse to subscribe to it any longer. If losing weight makes you feel good, that’s fantastic, but the societal obsession with maintaining a slim figure is out of control. The scale does not define our worth, and until we acknowledge this and reject the harmful messages surrounding holiday weight gain, nothing will change. It’s time for a shift in perspective.
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In summary, it’s essential to remember that your value as a person isn’t determined by your weight or the number on a scale. Embracing joy and connection during the holidays is what truly matters. Let go of societal pressures, focus on what makes you feel good, and cherish the moments spent with loved ones.