Healthy Holiday Recipes

Here are some healthy holiday recipes to make this season, plus festive family actives and seasonal decor ideas!

Ho.. ho.. ho.. happy December!

While I might proclaim Halloween as my favorite holiday, I really do cherish the holiday season.

I enjoy the extra time with friends and family (so many gatherings again = so much fun!), turning on the gas fireplace and lighting the Solo Stove, and slowing down with lots of R&R time with Christmas music playing.

Both Mazen and Birch are at really fun ages where Christmas time is just pure magic. While Santa has faded for one of them, the other is very much in the spirit!

Now that the rush of Christmas shopping is over (you’re not done with your shopping!?), I’m here to enjoy the gingerbread cookies, hot cups of spicy tea, and cheesy Christmas movies.

Veritas Illuminated

If you’re local to Charlottesville or coming to visit for the holidays, get tickets for Veritas Illuminated! It’s a beautiful lights tour through the woods and vineyard with all kinds of cool features!

They had Emily, Lauren, and me for a visit on opening night and it was so much fun!

After you see the lights, head into the tasting room for a charcuterie board and vino.

As you head back to Cville, stop into Flying Fox Vineyards and visit the National Lampoon’s themed tasting room! They have a menu full of festive cocktails and all the tacky Christmas decor you could imagine. You’ll be in the holiday spirit all night!

1. CHRISTMAS CHARCUTERIE BOARD

This Christmas Charcuterie Board has a red, white, and green theme for a festive spread! Follow the step-by-step instructions to learn exactly how to put together a beautiful board for your holiday events.

2. 5 INGREDIENT BOURBON BALLS

When I think of Christmas, I think of bourbon (probably because my grandparents loved Manhattans). This easy 5-ingredient bourbon balls recipe I shared is a family favorite and makes a great addition to any holiday cookie swap or party dessert spread!

3. CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES WITH EGGNOG GLAZE

These whole-grain chocolate chip scones made with bits of chips and drizzled with an eggnog glaze are so easy to make! Perfect with a cup of fresh fruit, coffee or… more eggnog!

4. SPICED CRANBERRY PUNCH via Half Baked Harvest

This Spiced Cranberry Punch is something special! Homemade spiced cranberry jam with warming mulling spices, sweet honey, fresh citrus, and plenty of vodka. Mix everything together to create an easy, festive, pitcher-style cocktail that’s simple, warming, and delicious.

5. CHEWY GINGER MOLASSES COOKIES via Making Thyme For Health

I LOVE molasses cookies! These Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are soft and chewy, spiced with hints of ground cinnamon and ginger. So perfect that no one will be able to tell that they’re vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free!

6. ALMOND FLOUR SUGAR COOKIES via Fit Foodie Finds

These Almond Flour Sugar Cookies are both grain-free and sugar-free, and are such a fun way to enjoy a healthier yet classic holiday tradition.

FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Read Christmas books with the kids. I keep ours hidden in the attic so when they come down they get their time to shine at bedtime.
Sip (spiked) egg nog. (I like bourbon in mine!).
Bake cookies and deliver to your neighbors.
Go on a drive to see Christmas lights or visit the Boar’s Head or Veritas Vineyards’ holiday lights tours.
Get a group of friends together and sing Christmas carols with neighbors or a community center.
Get crafty with KiwiCo Christmas crafts. We’ve enjoyed Santa’s Workshop and the Christmas Carousel. KiwiCo is now on Amazon, so it’s easier than ever to order a la carte.
Watch a classic Christmas movie. Home Alone is my favorite!! Followed by ELF.
Build a snowman or go sledding, weather permitting of course.
Check out 10 Holiday Tips For Parents for more ideas.

HOLIDAY HOME DECOR FINDS

If you love decorating for the holiday season, but aren’t into a sea of Santas and bright red and green, I’ve found a few more neutral holiday items that are classy, subtle, yet cozy and festive. I’ve learned that simple holiday decorating with natural elements is the perfect blend of festive and calm for me.