Melissa,

I love the idea of a snugglefest! How gratifying!

It must be really hard to be suddenly without so many
of the foods you associate with happy holiday times.
When I have had to make changes in my diet I usually
came up with some affirming and direct verbal
statement to myself about what I am choosing (or not)
and why. And I invoke the statement whenever the
emotional pressure is greatest. You might want to
rehearse it ahead of time so you remember it on the
spot--maybe something like "i am making healthy
choices for myself" or "i am really happy to be in the
company of people who are enjoyign themselves" or even
"oh yuck" if you want to reduce the temptation for
something you can't have (complete with subtle
wrinkling of the nose LOL!). And you can also, on the
spot and under duress (ie the smell is really making
you salivate!) actively recall the itching or whatever
your unpleasant reaction has been to that particular
food. Makes the yearning lessen.

Other traditions...Hm. we really enjoyed carolling
from house to house when I was a kid. Doing something
generous for other folks...a meditation ceremony for
the solstice with fire/drumming or other introspective
activities...focussing on the natural beauty of the
season with a walk in the woods, cutting snowflakes
from tissue paper...some ideas for you

good luck! Margaret





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