Weathering the Storm Known as 'The Holidays'

     Why does every holiday seem to boil down to excess food being served? Whether it is a one day holiday such as Thanksgiving or an entire season like Christmas...food food food and sweets and candy! Enough already! Why does everyone automatically associate tons of food with holidays?
     I am having to relearn how I interpret family celebrations. For example, my entire adult life, our family birthdays were spent going out to restaurants with family and friends, having a hearty dinner followed by our favorite desserts. I am now trying to change the focus from food to an activity that we might enjoy. For example going to the Holcomb Planetarium at Butler University or some activity like a go-cart track!
     Something else that has also helped...I have had long talks with my family so that they are aware of what I am doing and have an idea of my new eating habits. This recently helped with Easter Dinner....My mother actually called and discussed the menu to ensure that there would be enough healthy options for me. That meant a great deal to me!
     I am aware that there will be endless holidays to endure and much more food to resist...but I am hoping that the habits I am working on now will assist me in redirecting my focus.