By David Tepera, December 15, 2025

Listen, it’s the holiday season, so enjoy all the festivities. Gather with family, friends, co-workers, and indulge all the benefits of great food and drinks. Don’t beat yourself up on the following day to regret the extra calories of throwing down some delicious food and extra cocktails. This is what the holidays are all about.

Throughout the year, there are times to enjoy life without the guilt. This pertains to holidays and vacations. I’ve written about before, but Tina and I always get a kick out of the times we vacation at a resort. The person behind the desk takes a good look at us, then gives instructions to the location of the hotel gym. We always laugh because discipline of diet and exercise is not what vacation is about for us. I just ask what time the bar opens.

What I’m trying to tell you, it’s the Christmas holidays, so don’t beat yourself up. Enjoy the rest of the year, and wait until January to set new goals.

So, what, you gain a few pounds over the next few weeks. Who cares? What it comes down to is “did you have fun?”

This past weekend, Tina and I went to watch White Christmas at the Hobby Center in Houston. We got in the line of people taking pictures at the photo booth. Everyone was standing there all serious like it was for their Christmas card or social media. When it was our turn, we got down and gave the silliest pose we could think of. People were cracking up and started having fun with their own pictures.

What I’m trying to relay to you is that the year is coming to an end, so stop being hard on yourself. There are times to get serious to conquer the world, but there are also times to take a step back and enjoy the moment. That time is today, so give yourself a break.

We are so hard on ourselves for lack of discipline, but don’t worry about that through the holidays season.

Now, give yourself a break, look in the mirror and see that beautiful amazing person starring back at you, and start enjoying the Christmas holidays.