For many families, celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa involves preparing and enjoying special foods with family and friends. Whether it is turkey, gravy and stuffing; latkes and chocolate gelt; tamales and cookies for Santa or the Karamu, food is as much of our holiday celebration as the historical, religious or cultural tradition. 
Since holidays only happen once a year, it is important to make the most of this special time. Now more than ever, regularly-scheduled balanced family meals can—and should—be part of your healthy holiday strategy.
Make time to eat balanced meals together as a family, even during the busy holiday season. Plan a quick family meal of sandwiches or wraps with carrot sticks, applesauce and glasses of milk before holiday parties.
On those nights when there is just no time for a complete meal, plan a family snack with
food-group foods like low-fat milk and fruit that are often in short supply at seasonal events.
As long as you've had a balanced meal, or at least a healthy snack, don't worry too much about an extra cookie or sweet here or there. By keeping the focus on balanced meals, you'll be less likely to fill up on holiday sweets.
During meals, make time to talk to each other. By making time for conversation, you're also giving your brain time to register the feeling of fullness.
Giving yourself permission to choose enjoyable foods and eating them in satisfying amounts along with regular and reliable family meals is the core of registered dietitian Ellyn Satter's healthy eating model. Learn more about Satter's approach in this article aptly named The Joy of Eating.
How will you Eat Better, Eat Together to make the most of this holiday season?