My family and I drove to Canada to spend Thanksgiving with my family (Canadian Thanksgiving, that is). I love the years when we get to celebrate Thanksgiving twice. Who would turn down all of that amazing food? My mom never disappoints and I always look forward to her classic recipes. We had an amazing trip and it always makes me feel like the holidays have officially begun! Halloween will be upon us in just a couple of short weeks. American Thanksgiving will be next, which we will spend with my husband’s family, and then Christmas always seems to sneak up on me. Because I am due on December 31st with baby girl #3, the holidays will be a bit different for us this year — more quiet, at-home time and less running around. I have already started some of my Christmas shopping and that’s a miracle in itself. I am usually a last-minute shopper, but I fear I won’t want to walk the stores at 38 weeks pregnant.
With all of these holidays and all of the food about to appear on our tables, I know it’s difficult to eat well. Unless your entire family (extended family) is committed to eating well, you are likely to find yourself in front of many delicious and tempting treats. I’m not here to tell you not to enjoy yourself. On the contrary, I think that part of the joy of the holidays is enjoying good food, lots of laughter, and family. However, there are some tips I have that may help you to not feel so guilty as the holidays come upon us and up first is Halloween!
Take your kids trick-or-treating. Part of the fun of this holiday is just getting dressed up and going door to door anyway. When you return home and your children have bags full of candy (most of which is disgusting anyway), go through it with them. Let them pick out their favorites for the next day, and throw the rest away. I know it sounds wasteful, but I don’t think the world will miss a few tiny candy bars, gum that sticks to your teeth, or gross suckers.
Another idea is to have them pick out a certain number of items (for our 4 year old I let her have 10, which is PLENTY) then leave the rest out for the Halloween witch who comes during the night to trade their candy for a present, movie, money, etc. Here is a cute poem I found about the Switch Witch:
Noah told me he doesn't want to go out for candy this year because it's “too much sugar.” I'm sure he'll still go, but I'm so glad he's somewhat aware of it at such a young age. I like the idea of the switch witch, and we might have to try that this year!
P.S. Please do post about the ranch dressing! I hate the taste of bottled ranch and would love to find a good recipe for homemade.
great idea Kelsey.
As always.
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