Dear readers,

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

The holidays are upon us, and that means greater opportunities to spend time with family and friends. It also means more food (most of it decadent!) and more time spent indoors, which can lead to a more lethargic lifestyle. That’s why this issue of Family Energy is loaded with more than 120 ways to make your holidays as healthy as can be!

Kicking off the season is what many kids refer to as “turkey day.” The true meaning of Thanksgiving can get lost amidst frantic trips to the grocery store for sweet potatoes, stuffing and other feast fixings. We may spend more of our time worrying about the presentation of the event rather than its significance.

This year, try to spend more time showing your kids the meaning of giving thanks rather than running around the kitchen stressed out. Enlist kids to help with food preparation, which will give you the opportunity to create wonderful memories. While you’re preparing the meal or setting the table, ask your kids what they are thankful for. There may be many things, or just one. It can be as big as their house or as small as a hug from you after school. Tell them what you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s that the family is healthy, or it could be the way Grandpa’s eyes light up at the sight of his grandchild or the way no one can make pumpkin pie like your mom. As permanent or as fleeting as it is, hold it close to your heart and help your kids do the same.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or something else, most everyone can relate to the mad rush of finding just the right presents for their loved ones. Researching the right gifts and shopping for them take a lot of time and energy. That’s why we’ve filled this issue with amazing gift ideas for adults and gifts alike.

And don’t forget to enter your child’s school into our America’s Healthiest School Contest. Thousands of dollars in fantastic prizes are up for grabs for a first-, second- and third-place school!

Don’t forget, we want to hear from you: Send your feedback to us at letters@familyenergy.com.

From our family to yours, experience the energy this holiday season!

Elisa Ast All, MSJ
Editor-in-Chief