Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Now that Thanksgiving weekend is behind us, I want to talk about recipes…
But not the kind you might expect.

Not for the perfect pie.
Not for the crispiest latkes or the juiciest turkey.

I want to talk about the recipe for a holiday season you’ll actually want to remember. One where you end the year saying:

“Yep. That was it. That was the kind of holiday I want to repeat.”

One without burnout.
One without unnecessary battles.
One with peace, connection, joy, and just enough tradition to feel meaningful.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make that kind of season possible.

Ingredient #1: Shared Responsibility

I'm hosting a Hanukkah potluck this year. But here’s the twist:
Guests aren’t just bringing dishes, they’re helping set up and clean up.

Because the holidays shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders.

Inviting people to participate in the full experience helps everyone feel involved, appreciated, and more connected.

Takeaway: Stop doing it all yourself. Hosting can be joyful and shared.

Ingredient #2: Meaningful Gifting

I'm skipping the gift-buying frenzy this year.

Instead, I’m leaning into experiences—things we can enjoy together.
So when the gift is unwrapped, the joy doesn’t end. It just begins.

Another favorite tradition?
✨ Something you want
✨ Something you need
✨ Something to read

Simple. Thoughtful. Enough.

Takeaway: Gifts don’t need to be extravagant to be valuable. Let meaning lead.

Ingredient #3: Intentional Planning

I'm building my 2026 content calendar right now, using seasonal themes as a base.

Will it be exactly like 2025? Of course not.
Because life changes, and so should our plans.

But having a flexible system in place gives me more ease, more clarity, and more time for what actually matters.

Takeaway: Systems support freedom. Plan with purpose so you can live with joy.

The Final Step: Ditch What Doesn’t Matter

You don’t have to do everything.

In fact, the more you try to do, the less room you leave for the things that actually matter—like time with your family, quiet moments for yourself, or space to just be.

So here’s your invitation:
Before the season ramps up, take a deep breath.
Decide what stays. Let go of the rest.

This year, let your holiday recipe be one of presence, peace, and purpose.