Nice job on the steps @frankwbrown and @Pupowl, as usual for you but impressive to me!

@SavageMrsMoose - Gorgeous view! Thanks for sharing the picture— what a nice clear day, too.

@LaurieWrobo - I hope the blizzard doesn’t cause too much damage. Batten down the hatches and enjoy the white Christmas!

@Pupowl - I tend to eat more during the winter when it’s cold here and I stay home more. So, I can’t blame all of my trouble maintaining my target weight on the holidays, but it’s the only time of year I feel the urge to drink egg nog and have other sugary, high-calorie seasonal foods. I think it’s fine to fluctuate a bit throughout the year as long as my clothes still fit. Right now, things are starting to feel tighter, but I’m optimistic that I’ll get back on track once I can return to my usual schedule. For now, I’m going to enjoy visiting with my sons and try to manage some minimum level of nutrition standards.

To better describe what I mean by approaching the holidays with a ‘minimum’ level of maintenance, I’m including a link below. I’ve posted this link before but I’ve found it helpful to revisit the examples. So, I hope some of the newer ShapeShifter members can benefit from this MFP-recommended thread:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10787818/minimum-basic-and-preferred-habits#latest

AC204
Sunday
PW: 189.4
CW: 187.7

Flu bug got us 🤧 I started feeling under the weather last week. Tried to rest, eat well and fight it but lost and been in bed for the last few days. Feeling better today but have a horrible cough and low energy still.

@Jessicakrall8, I'll post my steps in next day or two when I'm up and using my computer again. Unfortunately steps will be low. I tried getting out a little but it was tough.

I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling well @ac204. I hope you feel better soon ❤️‍🩹. My husband has had a cough since he returned from traveling and he’s been miserable. He feels miserable, so I’m trying to do more for him, but he’s treating us all so miserably that it’s taking a lot of effort for me to keep going out of my way to give him extra support while he’s sick. 🤷‍♀️

Nice picture @TexanMom8152. I’m glad to hear about your travels and special family time while Jason is home. I guess you liked the series you binge watched? Would you recommend it?

Congratulations on accomplishing all the monthly challenges, @CasandraW! That’s quite an achievement.

@Nataliewr0403 - I hope you survived your last few days before the break and now have time to relax!

@Armygirlarmyof1 and other ShapeShifters with time off from usual responsibilities, ENJOY!

And, for anyone experiencing a ‘blue Christmas’ or winter holiday season, we’re here for you. The longest day of the year is behind us now so the days should be getting brighter. Take care and feel free to reach out via the direct message section if you want to ‘talk.’

I’m enjoying the time with my sons - and it’s been fun planning and preparing the things they like - but I’ve also been remembering all the people we’ll miss seeing - my cousin and uncle, and my friends’ sweet 19-year old, who died - are especially on my mind. The holidays are a great time to reflect on who and what is important to us. So, for me, the holidays make grief easier because it can be a natural time to think about memories of loved ones and smile.

Of course, not all memories bring smiles so I hope we can continue to spread more kindness, generosity, compassion, love, and general goodwill into the world. I think our own positive thoughts and actions can affect the local culture and make life easier for those who are suffering. I appreciate the Shape Shifter space for all the care and support everyone brings to one another.

As we set our intentions for the coming year, I wish you all the best. Peace and love to all — 💕