We might hold some ideal holiday season in our minds, full of joy and happy families. But the reality isn’t quite like a greeting card. It can be a stressful and emotionally difficult period for many. “Holidays aren’t always happy times for people,” says Cara Fraser, LCSW-R, MPA, administrative director of Behavioral Health at UHS Binghamton General Hospital. “In winter, people withdraw and isolate—the human version of hibernation, really—and because of it, people often report increased loneliness, sadness and depression during the winter months and even more so during the holidays.”
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the stress. Fraser advises the following:
- Try to get outside no matter how cold it is during sunlight hours, even if for just 10 to 15 minutes.
- Find a new indoor hobby to keep your mind occupied.
- Maintain social connections or find new ones.
- Reduce social media time. What you see is not always reality.
- Focus on the basics—eating well, sleeping well, exercising.
Another possible stressor can come in the form of parental concern for holiday dangers. Mary DeGuardi, MD, a UHS pediatrician, wants parents to be aware of these ways to reduce risk to kids when it comes to holiday gifts and toys:
- Stick to the recommended age for safety and developmental reasons.
- For kids under 2, avoid electronics.
- Watch out for broken toys with sharp edges.
- Avoid toys with small parts, such as marbles, buttons, or batteries.
- Toys that have shooting or flying objects should be used only outdoors.
- If a child gets a scooter or bike, include a helmet.
Holiday decorations can also pose a hazard. Shiny glass balls on a tree can easily injure a child. And trees should be properly secured to keep curious kids and pets from knocking them over.
“I advise parents that ‘less is more.’ If there is less around that your child can get into and potentially get hurt, then your holiday is less stressful,” Dr. DeGuardi says. “And all parents could use a little less of that around the holidays.”
Pumpkin Custard
Holiday desserts should feel indulgent, but they don’t have to be loaded with sugar or fat to be something special. This pumpkin custard from UHS clinical nutrition coordinator Jaclyn Zindell, MHA, RD, CDN, is flavorful and festive without being excessive.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs, separated
Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚F.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together canned pumpkin, yogurt, and ricotta cheese until blended. Stir in honey and spices.
Separate egg yolks from whites and stir egg yolks into pumpkin mixture. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold into mixture.
Pour into six ramekins and bake at 350˚F for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and rounded. Serve immediately.
Nutrient analysis per serving:
Calories: 103; Protein: 5g; Total carbohydrates: 14g; Sodium: 40mg
