Moving Through the Holidays 🎄

Published: Sat, 12/13/25

A health newsletter for adults over 60 who want to live fully, stay engaged in life, and continue doing what they love!

Moving Through the Holidays: Simple Ways to Stay Active When Life Gets Busy

The holidays are a wonderful time of year — full of family, fun, and a lot of unexpected schedule changes. But let’s be honest, this season can also make it difficult to stay active! Routines shift, travel happens, visitors come and go, and suddenly even our best intentions for exercise get pushed aside.

The good news? Staying active during the holidays doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, you can weave movement into your days in a way that feels good, reduces stress, and supports your health all season long.

Why Holiday Movement Matters

Even small amounts of daily movement can help:

Maintain strength and balance
Keep joints comfortable
Reduce stiffness from extra sitting
Boost energy and mood
Support better sleep
Counteract stress and holiday overwhelm

Think of movement as a gift you give yourself — one that helps you feel better as you enjoy the people and traditions you care about.

1. Lower the Bar — But Keep It Consistent

During busy seasons, consistency is more important than intensity.

Instead of aiming for a full workout, try this:

5 minutes of marching or stepping in place
10 sit-to-stands from a sturdy chair
A short walk around the house or driveway

A small daily routine is easier to maintain than a big one, and it keeps your body feeling steady and strong.

2. Turn Holiday Activities Into Movement Opportunities

You don’t need a gym to stay active. Try:

Walking a few extra laps while shopping
Doing heel raises while waiting for something to finish cooking
Stretching your arms overhead every time you get up from a chair
Light balance practice (like standing with feet together) during TV commercials

These small habits add up quickly.

3. Create an “Anchor Moment”

Pick one daily activity you always do — morning coffee, brushing your teeth, or getting ready for bed — and attach a simple movement routine to it.

For example:

After I pour my morning coffee, I do 10 chair squats.
After I brush my teeth, I do 30 seconds of balance practice.

Anchor moments turn movement into something automatic, even when your schedule is unpredictable.

5. Prioritize Joy Over Perfection

If your usual routine doesn’t happen, that’s okay. The goal is not perfection — it’s continuing to do what you can with the day you have.

Ask yourself:
“What’s one thing I can do to move my body today?”

A Simple Holiday Movement Plan

Here’s a 5-minute routine to use anytime you feel off track:

March in place – 30 seconds
Sit-to-stand – 8–10 repetitions
Heel raises – 10–15 repetitions
Seated or standing torso twist – 10 per side
Deep breathing – 5 slow breaths

Short, doable, and effective.

Your Health Is a Gift

Staying active during the holidays doesn’t require perfect discipline — just small, meaningful choices. Every little bit of movement keeps you stronger, steadier, and more energized for the moments that matter most.

Enjoy this season — keep moving, keep shining, and keep bringing joy to the people in your life! 🎁💙

Have a wonderful week!

Kristen Nielsen

Here's a fun holiday recipe to make with the grandchildren!

Ingredients (makes 8–10 pops)

3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 tbsp butter
Pretzel twists (for antlers)
Small candy eyes
Red M&M’s or Skittles (for noses)
Lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until coated.
Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then scoop handfuls and shape into small ovals or circles.
Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each.
Add pretzel antlers on top.
Press on candy eyes and a red candy nose.
Let set on a parchment-lined tray.

Why This Recipe Works Well

Quick: ready in under 20 minutes
Kid-friendly: shaping, decorating, and assembling are easy jobs for little hands
Customizable: kids can make silly faces, different antlers, and their own designs
Low mess: only one pot and a tray

Do you have a tasty, healthy recipe to contribute? If so, I'd love to hear from you!!! Email me at kristen@togetherwon.com

Start Your Freedom Journey

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TogetherWON offers personalized, in-home fitness training tailored to your unique needs.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 719-387-8883

Are you caring for a loved-one? Click below to learn how we can support you:

Email: Kristen@TogetherWon.com

Phone: 719-243-2877

Website: www.TogetherWon.com

Caregiver Program: www.Strong.TogetherWon.com

Kristen Nielsen
Functional Aging Specialist

2021 Walnut Creek Court
Colorado Springs Colorado 80921
US

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