Ahh, here we are, less than a week away from Christmas. It’s the silly season, that time of year we’re all meant to be celebrating, being grateful for all that we have and spending happy time with the folks in our lives, be they friend or family. You know, being merry.
So why am I hearing SO much heartache from so many people right now? Or should I say, again this year.
I can’t count the number of times over the past few weeks that I’ve heard someone say something like “Ugh, Christmas – the time of year my family declares open season on criticising me for my weight.” Or agonising over people judging them at the office Christmas party for whatever they eat. Or perhaps saying that they can’t enjoy Christmas because they are on a diet and can’t have all the things other people are having. Not to mention the merry remorse – the whole “Oh I’ve eaten so much tonight, I’m going to have to be so good after this!”
And then there is this malarkey about Santa being a global ambassador for obesity. Pardon my frankness… but oh for fuck’s sake!
Christmas means a lot to me. Not only because I am Christian and it has spiritual significance, but also because I believe it is a time where goodwill is actively encouraged (rather than the usual sense of “me entitlement” that is flourishing in our current culture) and where I make even more effort to spend some time with the people that matter to me.
I say give yourself a Christmas present. Relax. Be kind to yourself. Do not accept anyone criticising your body, your eating, your exercise regime (or lack of one). Enjoy the treats of Christmas time, listen to your body and when it tells you it’s had enough, believe it. For those of us in the Southern hemisphere, go easy on yourself in the hot weather, have a swim if you enjoy it. For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, stay warm. Indulge a bit. Laugh with people you care about. Don’t sweat over what to buy people for gifts, buy what you know will make them feel good.
Spend the most time with people who make you feel good about yourself, and try to avoid those who don’t. If you have to endure people who don’t make you feel good, remember that their shitty comments and attitudes are worth nothing. What matters are the people who you love and who love you.
Let go of the guilt. It accomplishes absolutely nothing good for you, and prevents you from getting anything constructive done. So what, you ate too much. You now have a belly ache and know not to do it again!
Leave Santa a treat. Not a diet treat. The poor bugger has so much to do in 24 hours, he needs all the fuel he can get. If he is in a hurry and doesn’t have time to eat the treat you leave for him, eat it yourself on his behalf. Santa hates waste.
I know what I’m doing this Christmas. Spending time with friends whose company I enjoy, talking, laughing and enjoying good food and drinks. Then cranking up my air conditioning, plugging in my shiny new Wii and playing some Wii tennis!
Fat Heffalump 