A Challenge! Healthy 12 Day Goodbye 2025! (and Prep for 2026!)

The Last 12 days of 2025 Challenge — Start Here! Start Now! Say Goodbye 2025, get ready for 2026!

Check in here each day. We'll add 1 healthy action for 12 days (like the "12 days of Christmas" Song).

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Day 1 ~ Say Hello and check in with Friends (Saturday, December 20th.)

Copy & Paste the Day 1 song verse and say hello. (As sung to the song: The 12 days of Christmas...)

Day 1 we sing (and do!) — On the 1st day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ a check-in with my Pals at MFP (here!)

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Day 1 Trivia Question(s) - Which Country do you call home? And, How many of these movies/characters do you know?

That's it - something healthy & fun to do together as we say goodbye 2025 and hello 2026!

Hope you'll join me, Everyone welcome! Cheers!

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Replies

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Hi Hi!

    I'm excited to ring out 2025!

    On the 1st day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ a check-in with my Pals at MFP (here!)

    I'm from the US, West Coast. Love yakking at MFP!

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    Hmmm, I recognize most of these people and movies - some are my holiday favorites!

    I am not sure about number 4 and I don't know number 2 or 6.

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member
    edited December 2025

    On the 1st day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ a check-in with my Pals at MFP 

    👋 Well, most of my MFP pals, what without the personal walls and such these days, actually live in the Larger Losers Group

    ... but I'll bite and post in this scary big and public forum!😎

    I'm up to the north of @yakkystuff and get to see much more rain than she does!😂

    Movies? What's a movie?🤯 I think I remember most of these from way back before this past decade!😂

    Back in 2014 or so, i traded in my movie pass for an MFP yakedy yak pass, plus dog walks in the rain!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member
    edited December 2025

    Happy Sun, Dec 21st, Day 2 (Ok to start today :)

    On the 2nd day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 2 Question? Do you have a favorite Holiday cuppa cheer or seasonal refreshment you enjoy?

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    On the 2nd day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Day 2 Q - Water and hot coffee and teas are my winter "go to" drinks. After snow, or on occasion, a cup of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows or whip cream. Yum!

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    On the 2nd day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP!

    Hmmm..... coffee black as can be is what I want for me! 😜 I suppose I do down my fair share of coke zeros. But lately I've found some weird kind of "Robinson's syrup" that dilutes anywhere from 4:1 to 3:1 to even 5:1 and is mostly sweetened by non sugar based sweeteners. It does have some calories but still in the sub 10 to 20 Cal category. Even though I assign a standard 8.88 Cal per day to my black coffee, I don't actually count the Robinson syrup, even though I should!! It is my go-to for pill swallowing because no caffeine!

    In the past I've found that I could maybe skip the occasional candy bar by substituting in a carnation hot chocolate, especially the no sugar version. Adding some extra unsweetened cocoa and extra water improves it, in my opinion! Maybe I should do more of this moving forward... because it's a good calories trade for me! 🤔

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    There was this very yummy plant based egg nog making the rounds last year… should try to find it again! It wasn't terrible re: calories either! I turned it into creamies too!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Yum! Dear brother himself makes homemade eggnog for the Christmas & New Year's days feast - always have a cup.

    There's a local burger joint that offers hand scooped milkshakes that starts with pumpkin at Halloween, adds eggnog mid-month Nov, and adds Peppermint candy chunked milkshakes Dec 1st.

    I have not found many alternatives yet, but tried a pumpkin mousse instead of pie in Nov that was delish! Still pondering this coming week… thinking an incredible edible charcuterie platter!

    I am open to savoring some traditional foods and new-to-me foods that are both indulgent AND nourishing treats too :)

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Mon, Dec 22nd, Day 3 (Ok to start today :)

    On the 3rd day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 3 smiles shared, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 3 Question? Which face are you feeling today?

    Do you remember Lucille Ball? She was a total crack-up with her comedic faces in her movies and tv shows such as "I Love Lucy."

    Did you know? Smiles are contagious and can enhance feelings of happiness. So, put your smile on and share it freely :))

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Mon Dec 22

    On the 3rd day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 3 smiles shared, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Shared 3 smiles with family and friends, already more!

    Question day 3 - which laugh? probably the first #1 one, it's Monday morning, right? LoL

    Loved all shows Lucille Ball - she was hysterically funny.

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    On the 3rd dayof NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 3 smiles shared, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Does a Monday morning smile... all day long count?

    That's what I'm going with. Let's see what others say!

    So far 1/3 success on the sharing of the 😁 smiles

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Tues, Dec 23rd, Day 4 (Ok to start today :)

    On the 4th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 4 Question? Have you ever used breathing techniques for anything?

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  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    WOW!
    You're hitting this hard today!
    Take time to BREATHE!!!!?
    Smile!?!?!?!
    Isn't today smash cars in parking lots because you're getting the spot no matter what?!?!?!? :)
    I will try!!!!
    On the 4th day of NY's Prep my healthy gift to me ~ 4 deep breaths,3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP!!!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    LoL Pav - parking lot was total zoo! Last minute shoppers... Oh wait, me!! Haha

    On the 4th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Day 4 Question? Have you ever used breathing techniques for anything?

    I use box breathing a lot, and, when feeling stressed, people hear me muttering "breathe, just breathe…"

    Trainer is always reminding me to breathe when I'm trying new moves. Apparently I stop, and stick my tongue out, just a little bit when I am totally concentrating, hahaha

    Major rule of life... Breathe! Keep breathing… our lifelong happy days!!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Wed, Dec 24th, Day 5 (Ok to start today :)

    On the 5th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 5 Question? On super busy days, what is your favorite way to slip in 5 minutes of movement?

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    On the 5th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Day 5 Question? On super busy days, what is your favorite way to slip in 5 minutes of movement?

    It used to be take dog out for walk. Now, in winter, I like to flip on the radio and dance or walk things to where they go - like putting laundry and things away ;)

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    On the 5th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    Rain or shine it is walk walking for me! Was one of my early decisions that I had to increase movement in my life. In fact that came well before "trying one more time to lose some weight" which ended up following a few months later

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Thurs, Dec 25th, Day 6 (as sung to the tune "12 Days of Christmas)

    It's Ok to join and just start with today - no need to go back to prior days. Everyone welcome :)
    On the 6th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 6 nourishing nibbles, 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 6 Question - Do you have a favorite seasonal or holiday food you will enjoy this year?

    Wouldn't you agree? Food can nourish our body and feed the soul. When it does both, that is an incredible edible. Happy Eats! Cheers :)

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    For everyone who celebrates Christmas today, wishing you & yours a Merry Christmas.

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    Nice tree there yakky!

    I'll bite into the nibbles of nurshiment! It's the breathing and -a- smiling I'm having some issues with! 🤔

    Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!🎄☃️🛷🦌🎅🎄🎁

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Hope you had a lovely 6th day there Pav!

    Here, it was a Happy Happy, long & Very Merry day a visiting out & about!

    Enjoyed 6 nourishing nibbles indeed from a charcuterie plate, bowl of nuts & tangerines while waiting for the main feast.

    It was delightful, but home now, enjoying baked apples with a Christmas tea blend (yum cinnamon) and watching The Grinch movie by twinkly lights on the tree with dh.

    Waves g'night, and for those who celebrate, a Merry Christmas wishes to All, and to All, a Good night ♡

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Friday, Dec 26th, Day 7 (as sung to the tune "12 Days of Christmas)

    It's Ok to join and start with today - no need to go back to prior days. Everyone welcome :)

    On the 7th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 7 caring actions (acts of kindness or self-care, positive thoughts, affirmations or gratitudes), 6 nourishing nibbles, 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 7 Question? Do you have any traditions on the 26th of December?

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    Did you know? (from assisted search) - Boxing Day activities often include shopping for post-Christmas sales, spending time with family and friends, attending sports events, and participating in charitable acts. Many people also enjoy relaxing at home with movie marathons or organizing game days.

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    Did you know? (from assisted search) - Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture and heritage, observed from December 26 to January 1. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga to promote unity and cultural pride among African Americans, featuring seven principles that guide the celebration.

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member
    edited December 2025

    Whew! Last week of 2025! Already flying by!

    Day 7 Question? Do you have any traditions on the 26th of December?l

    Our day after Christmas tradition, we stay home and cook a feastly meal to enjoy, enough for weekend leftovers. We enjoy a nice day of rest and evening of movies together.

    Today, we cooked a traditional roast with potatoes & carrots. It is almost ready. Picked up whole grain sourdough for hot beef sandwiches this weekend.

    On the 7th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 7 caring actions (acts of kindness or self-care, positive thoughts, affirmations or gratitudes), 6 nourishing nibbles, 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

    For my 7 acts of caring and self-care today,

    — taking a day of rest with family,

    — back to regular meals,

    — tried a new strength workout,

    — boxed up some donations,

    — touched base with some friends,

    — will watch some sci-fi or comedy movie for fun tonight,

    — then turn off screens, unwind and sleep on time, maybe early!

    How about you? :)

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    You are a tough one ms yakky!

    Have both taken things easy and not so easy today!

    Took dad and his girl friend out for lunch/brunch, fixed her computer mouse and connected new apps to his phone and tablet. And every single person involved made it home intact and with all their feathers still attached and untarred—we are taking a Christmas miracle

    Especially since I didn't just devour ALL the chocolates and cookies I acquired at half price. And i even got some appliances on sale on the way back home ;-)

    I don't know if much of it counts as self care but I've also snuck in an average of almost an extra 45 minutes of sleep per day these past four days. And, even though it was going to make me late, I actually went for a 30 minutes walk and chatted with an old friend before heading out to pick up the brunch mates.

    So whether one or seven there were more than expected acts of self care in the mix!🤯

    In the meanwhile I'm 48 hours into recovering from the involuntary push up I had to perform when the k9 turned over the iced up manhole cover resulting in me performing said involuntary push up! Let's just say that my right boobie is still feeling the stain and I'm massaging it in public!😜

    All quiet beyond that😎🤷‍♂️

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Ooh ooh ouch Pav! What a day & holiday! Sounds like you covered the essence of Boxing day! Hope pup is ok too and you heal up quite right! And, weekend is an easy go.... ♡

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    Happy Sat, Dec 27th, Day 8 (as sung to the tune "12 Days of Christmas)

    It's Ok to join and start with today - no need to go back to prior days. Everyone welcome :)

    On the 8th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 8 hip-to-toes easy-does-it moves & stretches, 7 caring actions (acts of kindness or self-care, positive thoughts, affirmations or gratitudes), 6 nourishing nibbles, 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 8 Question? Have you ever taken a "flexibility/range-of-motion" class or program like Tai Chi or Yoga or ____?

  • SafariGalNYC
    SafariGalNYC Posts: 2,555 Member

    @yakkystuff - just seeing this! I love the idea of a new years prep! ❄️

    I have taken a super stretch class - I love it for how I feel after… during it’s a bit of suffering! But wow it’s taught me how much tension we hold.
    it also helped a lot with joint mobility.

    Foam rollers are medieval torture devices but oooh do they work!


    I do yoga all the time.. All kinds.


    I shall do yoga and stretch today in honor of this thread that has reminded me!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member
    edited December 2025

    @SafariGalNYC - sounds delightfully brutal! Have not tried a foam roller…

    Started strength training, 1st up hip to toes lower body. We used body weight, ankle weights and bands, some overall/upper body too,

    but... yowser day 1, er, ouch day 2! Hence, hip-to-toe recovery, stretches & flexes for mobility, flexibility & range of motion beyond a curled up fetal position with a hot pad, LoL! (only kinda j/k)

    So today, I'ma stretching, soothing & a flexing often to unstiffen and keepa movin'

    I have 2 more weeks focus on lower body, then return for upgrades and next steps.

    On the 8th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 8 hip-to-toes easy-does-it moves & stretches

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 16,143 Member

    Well…. was out and about "self caring" ;-) After a chair snooze I will be seeing about

    On the 8th day  of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 8 hip-to-toes easy-does-it moves & stretches

    Sounds like something I can use together with the breathing! That puppy looks like (s)he is doing a great job with the stretching! :)

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member

    My trainer keeps reminding me to breathe Pav. Stretches and breathing are a natch, LoL Think that pup is onto sumptin there!

  • yakkystuff
    yakkystuff Posts: 3,123 Member
    edited December 2025

    Happy Sun, Dec 28th, Day 9 (as sung to the tune "12 Days of Christmas).

    It's Ok to join and start with today - no need to go back to prior days. Everyone welcome :)

    On the 9th day of NY's Prep, my healthy gift to me ~ 9 healthy "little do's or try its" added on or checked off my list, 8 easy-does-it stretches, 7 caring actions, 6 nourishing nibbles, 5 minutes moving, 4 deep breaths, 3 shared smiles, 2 refreshing drinks and a check-in with my Pals at MFP.

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    Day 9 Question? What is on your bucket list for the last few days of 2025?

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    Twixmas ~ Tis the week between Christmas and New Years and here at MFP, people are stirring, daydreaming their healthy plans and next steps...

    Did you know? (from assisted search) Twixmas is often characterized by relaxation and a break from the festive hustle.... ...and, has historical roots, with celebrations extending for days in medieval times.

    Contemporary ideas (from assisted search):

    • Relaxation and self-care
    • Spending quality time with loved ones
    • Engaging in leisure activities like reading, watching movies, or enjoying outdoor activities.
  • SafariGalNYC
    SafariGalNYC Posts: 2,555 Member
    edited December 2025

    on my list for the next few days - clean up house for New Year, eat well, limit phone and Internet and book a SoulCycle for Jan 1!