As a mom with two young daughters, I look forward to the holidays all year long. Family gatherings, festive decorations, scrumptious food, and holiday traditions make the season enjoyable. Still, I can’t help but think about the pressure that comes with this busy yet merry time of year.
From parties to shopping to traveling, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and stress can crush your joyous mood. When I start to feel the holiday pressure, I like to take a moment to think about my favorite feel-good holiday memories with my family—baking and decorating sugar cookies with cutouts I’ve had since I was a kid, hanging homemade ornaments on the tree we just brought home from the tree farm, and screaming “bingo” (a Christmas Eve favorite game around this household) when you’ve been holding out for B11 for what seems like an hour.
All of these family memories, for me, tie back to one thing – real dairy. Freshly decorated sugar cookies wouldn’t be the same without a complimentary glass of real milk to wash them down. Warm white peppermint hot chocolate made with real milk (with added peppermint schnapps for the adults) in our mugs after returning home from the Christmas tree farm. And our Christmas Eve game night wouldn’t be the same without my sister’s spinach artichoke dip.
This holiday season, take a moment to think about not only what brings you joy but how to reset yourself when you start to feel stressed. For some, this may be enjoying simple, delicious food with family and friends, and for others, this could be taking some time to yourself. Real dairy foods are the perfect combination for these reset moments.
Create a moment of calm in the morning with Ginger-Pumpkin Oatmeal. It is a delicious and natural way to get the protein you need to start off your day on the right foot.
Give yourself an afternoon boost with a latte. A latte is more than just a caffeinated pick-me-up; by incorporating real dairy, it can be a way to supply your body with essential nutrients that support your well-being.
Wind down in the evening with a cup of warm milk or try one of these “moon milk” recipes.
This season, when the pressure starts to sink in, reset yourself with dairy—simple nutrition that is good for your body. And remind yourself, real enjoyment comes from special moments with real dairy.
