By Kelly Bonner

It’s my favorite time of year! You know how the snowman Olaf sings about summer in the hit movie Frozen? Well, that’s how I feel about fall! Too bad fall isn’t a two syllable word so that I can just change the words and sing my own song! Fall is so fabulous to me because the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are dropping, which means the holidays are just around the corner! And that means it’s time for THANKSGIVING.

Thanksgiving is full of family traditions I love. I remember as a child every Thanksgiving we would drive down to my great grandparents’ house and my grandfather would spend hours making German dumplings. They were a staple at every Thanksgiving Day meal.

I also love to make new traditions. For example, since my husband and I have taken over hosting the family Thanksgiving Day festivities, it may have actually become my favorite holiday. For the two of us, it is much less stressful than others. We don’t travel as far, our days off are not full of activity, and we don’t have to worry about whether we got someone the perfect gift. This leaves us plenty of time for family. But if I am not careful, “family time” can become code for “lazy time.” I don’t visit the gym, I certainly eat more than normal and it is much more tempting to sit on the porch and read a good book than to lace up my sneakers and go for a run.

If this sounds way too familiar to you, then I have a new family tradition challenge for you! Just like Olaf, think of all the things you like to do and enjoy during fall, such as warm drinks, cuddling by the fireplace, and eating homemade pies. The list could go on and on, but if you are like me none of my favorite things to do in fall actually involve anything healthy or active. So this year, my challenge to you is to change that! Make a healthy habit or new fun family tradition that involves activity.  Maybe that new healthy habit could be not drinking your calories, or initiating a family walk around the neighborhood after Thanksgiving dinner. The possibilities are truly endless, but if you get stuck, check out our recommendations on the next few pages.