This time of year, something strange happens to time itself.
Days blur together. Your calendar fills faster than you can keep up. Between work, shopping, family, and social commitments, it can feel like December took off like a rocket ship.
And when it comes to eating? The narrative is already written: “The holidays are impossible. Everyone gains 5-7 pounds. I’ll just start fresh in January.”
It can feel pointless to try…and guilty to not.
Today I want to share the exercise I use with my clients to help them break this holiday mindset. The result: enjoying the holiday cheer AND feel proud heading into the new year.
(I know, it sounds as mythical as Rudolf but stick with me)
The Time Collapse Illusion
When everything accelerates, our brains do something unhelpful – they collapse time. Suddenly, the entire holiday season feels like one continuous event. One long stretch of temptation where you’re either “on track” or completely derailed.
Here’s something I do with my clients that consistently creates an “aha” moment:
I have them print out a blank December calendar. Then I ask them to write down every single social eating event they anticipate: office parties, family dinners, happy hours, book club gift exchange, holiday brunches, all of it.
What they discover surprises them every time.
There’s a lot of white space on that calendar.
THAT’s where I want you to put your focus, on the white space. I’m really not worried about the special occasions. Please enjoy every bite. I want you to think about everything in between.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you’re eating well over 100 meals. Even if you are the most popular person and have something every other day, you’re looking at 85+ fairly decent eating opportunities. 85+ meals that can leave you feeling pretty great!
What This Actually Means
This isn’t about being perfect at every single one of those 85+ meals. It’s about recognizing that sometimes overwhelm can paralyze our brain.
When you shift your focus to the white space – to the regular Tuesday lunch, the quiet breakfast before work, the dinner at home on a random Wednesday – suddenly the holidays stop feeling impossible.
You’re not trying to survive one long cookie filled blur. You’re just eating one meal at a time.
The Real Goal
Let’s be honest: The holidays are different and our expectations should be as well. Even if you plan things perfectly and try to do all the things it will be wonderful and chaotic. This isn’t about perfecting those 85+ meals (yes, I know my Type A’s just turned this into a test to ace!).
It’s about enjoying the small moments AND not losing sight of the big picture.
What Do You Do With This Information?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try this:
Print out a December calendar. Mark every social eating event you know about. Then look at all that white space.
That’s your opportunity. That’s where you focus.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to skip the celebrations. You just need to show up for the majority of your meals—the quiet, unglamorous ones that actually move the needle.
And if you want support figuring out exactly how to do that – how to navigate this season without feeling like you’re either restricting or spiraling book a consult.
This is what I help clients do: cut through the noise, focus on what actually works, and build a system that supports their life instead of controlling it.
I know, that can also feel as mythical as Rudolf! But maybe 2026 is the year we let go of those old patterns and find a little magic together.
