The holiday season is here — a time for laughter, joy, and time with loved ones. With all the gatherings and celebrations, it’s important to keep our health a priority. As we prepare for the festivities, let’s double-check our wellness habits so we can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.
This post is sponsored by I Vaccinate. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Healthy Holiday Checklist:
Hand Hygiene
Teach the whole family to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after being in public. Make washing up a routine when you come home from errands or school. When you’re out, keep hand sanitizer handy and use it as soon as you get back in the car.
Vaccine Check-Up
Make time to see your healthcare provider or visit a clinic to make sure everyone’s vaccines are up to date, including any boosters. Don’t forget the flu shot — it’s especially important in colder months. National Influenza Vaccination Week runs December 4–8, a reminder that anyone 6 months and older can still get a flu vaccine this season.
Keeping vaccinations current is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent illness. Recent MDHHS data shows only 66.1% of children aged 19 to 36 months have finished the recommended primary vaccine series — the lowest rate in Michigan since 2020. That leaves many children at risk and weakens community protection (public health experts generally say a 70% vaccination rate is the minimum for basic community protection).
Protecting my children and loved ones is my top priority. Staying on the CDC-recommended immunization schedule helps protect kids and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases. This schedule has been carefully tested and reviewed by medical experts, and vaccines are safe and effective at preventing disease and outbreaks. For more on vaccine safety and importance, visit iVaccinate.org.
Healthy Eating Habits
Enjoy holiday treats, but try to keep meals balanced. Alongside desserts, include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Keep healthy snacks ready — like cut fruit, veggies with dip, nuts, or jerky — so you can fill up on nutrient-rich foods as well as seasonal favorites.
Stay Active, Stay Merry
Keep moving together! Add physical activities to your holiday plans: a post-dinner walk, a family game, sledding, hiking, or a dance-off to holiday music. Staying active supports physical and mental well-being, and fresh air is a natural mood booster.
Mindful Moderation
Enjoy treats mindfully. Encourage smaller portions and savor each bite. It’s not about denying yourself, but finding balance and enjoying the season’s flavors.
Enough Rest and Relaxation
Amid the busyness, make sleep and downtime a priority. Keep a bedtime routine so everyone gets the rest they need. Good sleep helps your body and mind recover and feel their best.
Holiday Stress-Busters
Find ways to manage stress with deep breathing, short meditations, or activities that relax you. Talk openly with family about worries, take breaks when needed, and delegate tasks to lighten the load.
Prioritize Mental Health
Support each other and keep communication open. If holiday stress or emotional challenges become too much, consider professional help or counseling.
Spread Cheer, Not Germs
Practice good respiratory etiquette: cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. If you’re sick, please stay home — no one wants the gift of germs this season.
The holidays are a time for celebration and gratitude, and for taking care of ourselves and those we love. By putting health and wellness first, everyone can enjoy the season safely. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season!
Spread the love