Holiday Baking; I can't quit you!

Less than a week until Christmas and I've been baking up a frenzy!  Oh, how I love making all of these holiday treats, but now what to do with them.  I don't want to eat them and  it doesn't feel right to pass them on to others who probably don't need/want to eat them either.  So, the dilemma, why do I feel compelled to make them?  These holiday traditions are powerful.  I make them because I have "always" made them.  

I am known for my caramels - they really are the best caramels in the world.  The recipe came from a friend of my Mom who used to make them for us when I was little.  Then, she stopped making them for us (they take a lot of time and are kind of a pain to make) so I got the recipe and took over the annual tradition.  It took a few years to perfect them - they either turned out too hard and had the potential to break a tooth or too soft and stuck to the wrapper.  Now, thanks to years of practice and with the help of a digital candy thermometer - they are perfect.  My friends and family love them and the list of recipients has grown over the years.  This year, I gave them to over 60 people - that was a record.  But healthy?  Not so much...

So, what is my point you ask?  It is frickin' hard to eat healthily during the holidays!  We combat traditions, emotions, stress, busy schedules, parties, treats from co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, and did I mention family and all the weird dynamics they come with??  Sure I love fruits and vegetables, but they aren't exactly calling my name when I have fudge in the refrigerator!!!  It isn't the apple in my fruit bowl that is asking me to eat it at 10pm!  Come on January 1, get here!  Good luck y'all, we're almost there!  Stay strong-ish!!