Cranberry sauce is often an afterthought at holiday meals, but cranberries are chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Cranberry sauce is typically loaded with refined sugar, but here’s a flavorful alternative you can try this season that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Naturally-Sweetened Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Adapted from Cookie and Kate)1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh cranberries½ cup honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan)½ cup waterZest of 1 medium orange (about 1 teaspoon)Optional add-ins: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and/or ¼ cup fresh orange juice

1. Rinse the cranberries well and drain the excess water. Pick through them and discard any squishy ones.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened to your liking, about five to 10 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest. If you’d like to add cinnamon or orange juice, do so now. Taste and, if the mixture is too tart (keeping in mind that cranberry sauce is supposed to be a little tart), add more orange juice, honey or maple syrup to taste.

Nutritional Info (per 1/4 cup): 7 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 18 g sugars

WEEK ONE: Invite more laughter into your life. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, cleaning up after one, or en route to your next gathering, you might try listening to a comedy radio station or podcast, or playing a funny TV show or movie in the background. A good belly laugh not only improves circulation, it can help you enjoy and experience the moment.

WEEK TWO: Watch the sunrise (or sunset). Day-to-day life can be fast-paced, especially during the holidays. But, when we make an effort to enjoy the little things, life doesn’t seem so rushed. Even if you’re in traffic, enjoying the sunrise through the car window can help start your day off on the right path. Or, taking a few moments to view the sunset at the end of the day can serve as a time for reflection to help you process the day’s happenings and future memories.

WEEK THREE: Celebrate with conversation. Practice being an interested observer today. The holidays often mean you’ll be with friends and family who you might not see regularly. Step back to watch what’s going on, observe people’s reactions and listen to what they say. Let someone know you are paying close attention through eye contact, body language and occasional verbal feedback. At the end of the day, you might also spend a few minutes discussing deeper or more personal subjects to stay connected with your partner.

WEEK FOUR: Give thanks. Gratitude is powerful. When you are truly grateful in the moment, it’s more difficult to feel fear, stress, anxiety, or any of those negative emotions that keep us from reaching our potential or living in the moment – which is especially important this time of year. Try tuning in to gratitude at your holiday mealtime. Have each person say what they are grateful for before they eat – have them think about something, someone, some place or a sense (smell, sight, touch) they are grateful for. The responses may inspire you!

4 MINI CHALLENGES for a Healthy Holiday Season

December 2017

FOR KIDS

Consider the “Rule of Four”:

• One “Want”— Examples include craft supplies or an educational gift in an area of their interest.

• One “Experience”— A pottery class, a special lunch date, movie tickets, or a game night

• One “Wear”— Choose one clothing item, such as a winter coat or hiking boots.

• One “Read” — Select a book they might want to escape with.

For Younger Kids

• A beginner musical instrument, such as a piano keyboard

• An art kit with natural, non-toxic paints

• Wooden people or doll house

• A new game (non-electronic)

• A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity

GIFTS FOR BABIES (OR EXPECTING PARENTS)

• Family zoo pass

• Prenatal massage for the expecting mom

• Wooden toys

• An organic baby carrier

• Amber teething necklace

FOR YOUR PARENTS

• A healthy recipe with all the ingredients

• A local farm share for next year’s produce (Think of it as Christmas in July!)

• Fitness-related gear: yoga mat, workout clothes, headphones, fitness tracker, etc.

• A soothing Himalayan salt lamp

• Favorite natural beauty or grooming product(s)

• A “day off” or pampering experience, such as a massage

• Outdoor gear: fire-starting kit, a tent or hammock for camping, a multi-use knife, heat-proof BBQ gloves, etc.

• Blue blocking glasses

• Comfy wool socks or slippers

• An insulated water bottle that keeps drinks hot or cold

FOR GRANDPARENTS

• A spot in a community garden

• A digital photo frame

• A plant in a decorative planter

• A subscription to their favorite magazine or a new book

• A moisturizing face oil

• A day out with the kids

• A homemade craft from your kids

FOR THE FOODIE

• A new high-power blender or food processor

• Stainless steel or glass straws

• A spiralizer for making veggie noodles

• Kombucha brewing supplies

• Stainless steel or ceramic pan or baking dish

• A meal at a new restaurant

• A cooking course in town

• A home-delivery meal kit

FOR THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE

• A museum or science center membership

• Orchestra or theater tickets

• Nature center or national park passes

• A fun family adventure for a picnic, camping or hiking in a new spot

• A family road trip or vacation

• A yoga class or series at a local studio

“60 Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Budget,” Wellness Today Editors, wellnesstoday.com, Nov. 24, 2013.

“2017 Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide (For Everyone on Your List!),” Katie, Wellness Mama, wellnessmama.com, Oct. 23, 2017.

“46 Ways to Give Experiences Instead of Stuff This Year,” Katie, Wellness Mama, wellnessmama.com, Aug. 2, 2017.

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for the Whole Family

GIFTSWellness