Enjoying a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season

posted by Darlene DeWitt, MS, RD, LD on Thursday, December 18, 2025

The holidays are here, bringing family gatherings, office potlucks, and plenty of delicious food. While it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a season when foodborne illness and overeating can sneak in. With a few simple strategies, we can enjoy the season without compromising our health. 

Keeping Holiday Meals Safe 

When hosting, temperature control is key. Bacteria grow fastest between 40° and 140° Fahrenheit, so hot foods need to stay hot and cold foods need to stay cold. For buffets or party spreads, warming trays, slow cookers, or chafing dishes can keep hot foods at a safe temperature. Cold items like fruit trays, shrimp cocktail, or dips should be placed on ice or in small, refillable bowls to avoid sitting out for too long. 

Preparation is just as important. Cross-contamination is a common culprit for foodborne illness. To prevent it: 

• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. 
• Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water. 
• Cook all meat, especially turkey, to the correct internal temperature (165° in the thickest part). 
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving. 

Being a Safe and Mindful Guest 

As guests, we can protect ourselves by paying attention to what’s on the table. Foods that have been sitting out too long, look or smell off, or aren’t kept at safe temperatures should be skipped. Common red flags include: 

• Dairy or mayo-based dishes left at room temperature for more than two hours 
• Deli meats or cheeses that look dry around the edges 
• Seafood that isn’t kept on ice 
• Buffet items that aren’t replenished or stirred occasionally 

It’s always okay to politely pass on questionable items. And if we have food allergies or sensitivities, asking about ingredients is a smart and safe choice. 

When contributing dishes, we can help keep everyone safe by bringing foods that are easy to maintain at the right temperature, like baked goods, roasted vegetables, or items in insulated containers. Transporting food in coolers is especially important if traveling for more than an hour. 

Staying Healthy Amid Holiday Treats 

The holidays are full of tempting foods, and maintaining balance is more realistic than aiming for perfection. A few strategies can help us enjoy treats without overindulging: 

• Don’t skip meals to “save” calories; instead, have a healthy snack with protein and fiber before the party. 
• Use smaller plates to naturally reduce portion sizes. 
• Focus on favorite foods – choose a couple of treats we truly enjoy rather than filling the plate with everything available. 
• Stay hydrated, as thirst can be mistaken for hunger, and holiday drinks can add extra calories. 
• Add fresh items to our plates, like salads, vegetables, or fruit, whether hosting or attending. 

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. By keeping food safe and listening to our bodies, we can celebrate without worry and savor the season fully. 

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