I still was in weight-loss mode last year, but finally was at a decent bmi. I didn't want to gain, but wanted to have traditional foods. Just now, looking back at those food and exercise diaries, I see I did have the treats, in proper proportions. I kept the calorie intake around 1200 by having lots of veg and small samples of the sweets. The other meals were just small, small snacks like 7 almonds or a serving of fruit or veg so I had calories for the celebratory meals.
The days that were most challenging were the ones when we ate out. The salt and fat and sugar in food prepared by the restaurants were astonishingly high. On those days, I went to the small snack method for the other meals to keep calories under control.
By cooking at home, I can control the way things are prepared. Also, I can break away from my side of the family's tradition of having 20 or more dishes, and the sides I choose are low cal, low fat, such as a vegetable. I send the lion's share of leftovers home with the others.
For buffets, I'd take a tiny sample of intriguing things, but they are a challenge. I hate buffets. No--I resent buffets. They cost so much, and the restaurant makes money off DH and me, as we just don't do the pig out thing.
I did not slack on exercise during the 2014 holidays, either. I used doing challenging calisthenics to help clear my head, as it was our first holiday without Mom.

Buffets are wasted on my DH and me too, and when we dine out we inevitably leave with leftovers. Honestly, since we retired and no longer live in the NY/NJ metro area within driving distance of relatives, we've minimized holiday eating and stress.

My plan is portion control and logging everything. And not eating between meals. But we don't do a lot of celebrating like going to parties and such, mostly I will just have to be watchful of dinners at cousin Jan's house. She feels personally responsible for providing tons of gluten free products just for me! I try telling her not to bother to no avail.

low carb pumpkin pie question was asked. can't find the question now.
I'm experimenting with recipes. until we can get to Nevada, we aren't buying large quantities of anything.
however I've found that adding instant no sugar pudding mix (1/2 small package) and nonfat milk powder (1/3 cup but no water) and spices to a small can of pumpkin duplicates the taste and texture of traditional southern style pumpkin pie filling. Once we're back to where I can buy ingredients, I'm going to get guar gum and Truvia to make it more healthful. The instant pudding mixes have maltodextrin and aspartame. if you prefer fluffy pie filling, add water to the pudding, or substitute a milk if you're not on low fat.

Self-defense: I take food with me that I can eat. Enough to share, of course. For our upcoming family Hanukkah party I am taking salmon salad (canned salmon, mayonnaise, green olives) garnished with cherry tomatoes and served on lettuce greens. I am also contemplating making some walnut-cheese balls that I used to make years ago - if I can find my recipe. If not, I'll fake it.

I am also taking my accordion, so I can keep myself occupied and entertain the 6 great-nieces and nephews age 7 and under. Planning on a songfest instead of a food fest!

You play the accordian! That's lovely. I took lessons for a while when I was a kid, also took piano lessons. Unfortunately I have no musical ability whatsoever. The only two things I ever stuck with were painting and riding horses. And the horses are long gone now! I'm sure the kids will love it!