Holidays are a time for gathering of family and friends, and can easily become the most stressful time of the year. Maintaining regular self management takes extra effort. Event preparation at the same pace of past years can be exasperating and being confronted with those traditional foods of the season can test the best of intentions. But don’t despair, with a little advanced planning, delegating and negotiating, you can enjoy any party.

Take time to write a menu and list the things you will need. (This saves some anxiety and stress).
Give consideration to your diabetes meal plan when deciding what you will serve and stick to it.
Remember to eat before you shop.
If possible pre - prepare dishes and refrigerate them.
Delegate the chores when possible.

If you are invited to a party, it is perfectly all right to ask what will be on the menu, and then volunteer to bring a dish you can enjoy without guilt.
If it is a “pot luck’, you’re in luck.
Take something with you (crackers with cheese or peanut butter or trail mix) in case the meal is much later than you had planned.

Always survey the table before you put anything on your plate.
Use a small plate if possible.
Use the “portion control” of knowing what your plate should look like, then try to serve yourself accordingly.
Leave space around each portion.
Don’t refill if you can help it.

Schedule your exercise with holiday activities which may include season home decorating and walks throughout a mall that doesn’t include shopping.
Attend or plan active parties when possible.
Never drink alcohol without approval from your doctor. (Over 100 medications interact with alcohol, check your medication bottle label).
Don’t drink on an empty stomach. (No more than 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men. If you are counting exchanges- alcohol = 2 fats)

Maintain consistent meal times
Traditional recipes can be used but substitute alternative ingredients such as splenda for sugar, egg beaters for eggs, and applesauce for margarine. Baked sweet potato is usually a better choice than mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole.
Have snacks available such as nuts, fruit, or vegetable plate with low fat dip.
Fruit is the best dessert. If a temptation is a must have dessert, consider reducing the amount of carbohydrate in the main meal.