One of my favorite memories from childhood during the holidays was all the delicious treats that friends and family would share. My mom was a phenomenal baker, and she always came through with a mountain of Christmas cookies that made every gathering extra special. We’d attend parties, and everyone would expect her to bring a platter overflowing with sweets. Neighbors would drop by hoping to snag some of her famous pumpkin bread or giant molasses cookies. I can still remember the joy of gifting plates of goodies to my teachers right before winter break.
Growing up, I never once felt guilty about indulging in these holiday delights; my parents let us enjoy everything without restrictions. But everything changed when I hit 12. That’s when I started to hear about getting fit for summer, losing those holiday pounds, and even dressing to hide any extra weight. What once was a source of joy became a source of anxiety. Suddenly, I was told that even a slight weight gain—like five or ten pounds—could make me feel like a failure.
The pressure on women to lose weight is everywhere. It’s especially loud after having a baby, or when we’re told to eat healthy before parties to avoid overindulging on snacks. We’re bombarded with advice to drink water and track our calories. The diet culture has us feeling like we’re less than if we gain weight during the holidays.
Like many, I tend to gain a few pounds during this festive season, but I’ve reached a point where I just don’t care anymore. I refuse to let society dictate how I feel about myself. Honestly, if we didn’t talk about weight so much, we wouldn’t stress about it nearly as much. I’d much rather enjoy my favorite comfort foods with loved ones than worry about a few extra pounds.
I recently decided to ditch my scale, and let me tell you, it was the best choice I’ve made. I know that this approach won’t resonate with everyone—some people like to keep track of their weight. But if you find yourself feeling guilty about holiday weight gain, maybe it’s time to give your scale a break. If your friends or family make comments about your food choices this time of year, it might be best to avoid those gatherings. Nobody needs a food police around, especially if it brings you down.
Also, if you come across ads or social media posts that make you feel inadequate or focused on shedding those holiday pounds, just scroll past. Instead of vowing to go on a diet or make a drastic lifestyle change, try focusing on nourishing your body with choices that feel good all year round—and yes, that includes enjoying treats every now and then.
It’s a twisted idea that once the holidays are over, we should punish ourselves for enjoying them. I’m not playing that game anymore, and you shouldn’t either. If you feel great losing weight, that’s fantastic! But let’s stop placing so much emphasis on weight gain and unrealistic body standards.
The truth is, your worth is not determined by the scale. Until we recognize this and stop listening to the negativity surrounding holiday weight, nothing will change. And honestly, things need to change—like, yesterday.
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And if you want to dive deeper into this topic, take a moment to read this blog post that touches on similar themes.
Summary
As we navigate the holiday season, it’s crucial to remember that gaining weight doesn’t define who we are. Embrace the joy of indulgence without guilt, and consider taking a break from the scale. Focus on nourishing your body and finding supportive communities, like Make A Mom, to help you on your journey.
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