9 Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays

The holidays are amazing—lights everywhere, yummy treats, and lots of family time. But let’s face it, all that sitting around eating cookies can make you feel like a sleepy sloth. Staying active doesn’t have to be boring or hard, though. I’ve learned some fun ways to keep moving while still enjoying every single holiday moment. Let me share them with you!

1. Make Small, Easy Goals

Don’t go overboard trying to be a superhero. You don’t need to work out for hours every day. Start tiny. Even 15 minutes is enough to keep your body happy.

My tip: I set my alarm just 30 minutes earlier than everyone else. It’s so quiet in the morning, and I can sneak in a quick jog or a short workout without interruptions. By the time everyone else wakes up, I’m ready to dive into the day.

2. Get Moving With Your Family

Who says family time has to be all sitting and chatting? Turn it into something fun and active. Play tag, have a snowball fight, or try a holiday dance-off to your favorite songs. You’ll laugh a lot and sneak in some exercise too.

Idea: Grab everyone and head to the park for a walk or a game of catch. Bonus points if you wear silly holiday hats!

3. Use Every Chance to Move

Busy day? No problem! Find sneaky ways to fit in little bursts of activity. Take the stairs, park farther away at the store, or do jumping jacks while waiting for cookies to bake.

Pro tip: I like to do quick squats or stretches while wrapping presents. It keeps me moving and makes the job more fun.

4. Turn Fun Outings Into Workouts

Holiday events don’t have to be all about sitting and eating. Go ice skating, take a walk through the Christmas lights, or join a holiday fun run. These things are exciting and keep you on your feet.

My favorite: Walking through outdoor holiday markets. It’s exercise that doesn’t even feel like exercise. Plus, hot cocoa breaks make it even better!

5. Morning Moves Are the Best

The mornings are quiet and peaceful. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in a little exercise before the chaos begins. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, or a quick 10-minute workout, it’ll wake you up and make you feel awesome all day.

What I do: That early alarm I set? I use it to get outside for a run, or if it’s too cold, I do a home workout. It’s my “me time,” and it sets me up for success.

6. Start a Fun Holiday Tradition

Make staying active part of your holiday traditions. Maybe it’s a family walk after dinner, a holiday-themed workout, or a goofy obstacle course in the backyard. Traditions like these are easy to stick to year after year.

Fun idea: Host a “12 Days of Fitness” challenge. Do a small workout each day leading up to Christmas, like 12 jumping jacks on Day 1, then add another move each day.

7. Keep Workouts Short and Sweet

No time? No problem! Quick workouts are just as good as long ones. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for this. Push hard for a few minutes, take a break, and repeat.

Example: I do a 10-minute HIIT circuit when I’m short on time—things like burpees, mountain climbers, and squats. It’s fast and gets my heart pumping.

8. Listen to Your Body

Holidays are busy, and you might feel extra tired. That’s okay. If you’re feeling sluggish, take it slow. Go for a gentle walk, stretch, or even just rest.

What I’ve learned: One year, I pushed myself too hard and ended up feeling grumpy and sore. Now, I listen to what my body needs. Some days that means skipping the workout and just enjoying the day.

9. Have Fun While Moving

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, so keep it fun! Dance around the kitchen, build a snowman, or chase the dog in the yard. The more you enjoy it, the easier it is to stay active.

Personal tip: I love blasting Christmas music and dancing while cleaning or cooking. It makes boring chores so much more exciting. Plus, it counts as cardio!

Final Thoughts

Staying active during the holidays doesn’t mean saying no to fun or spending hours sweating. It’s about adding little bursts of movement into your day and finding joy in staying on your feet. Whether it’s playing outside, sneaking in a morning workout, or simply walking more, every bit adds up.

And remember, holidays aren’t about being perfect. Move when you can, rest when you need to, and most importantly, enjoy the season!