Surviving The Silly Season: How To Maintain Your Goals Over Christmas

Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025

In a season filled with endless advice on how to handle holidays, the conversation can feel repetitive and overwhelming.


Yet the
central question remains as relevant as ever:

➡️ Should you stick to your routine during the holidays, or allow yourself to indulge freely and enjoy?


Both approaches have their merits—and understanding your personal mindset is key to choosing what’s right for you.


Two Perspectives on Holiday Health

On one side, many health and nutrition experts advocate for embracing the joy of the season, indulging without guilt, and cherishing time with family and friends.


On the other side,
some advocate for maintaining your progress and habits through the holidays, emphasizing that staying connected to your goals is possible—even amidst the celebrations.


Insights from Rebuild Coaches: What Really Matters

"Those who emerge from the festive season content," notes coach Sean "are generally individuals who've stayed committed to their goals and achievements."

He contrasts this with the “it is what it is” mindset, where individuals often find themselves partially satisfied, but later disheartened after realising how far they've drifted from their hard-earned routines.


For many, losing track can feel like undoing months of dedicated effort—a frustrating and demotivating setback.


Ask Yourself: What Feels Worth It?

Everyone’s relationship with the holidays is deeply personal:

  • For some, it's a time of total relaxation and indulgence.
  • For others, it’s an opportunity to catch up on missed training or build momentum toward new fitness goals.
"Ultimately, it hinges on your personal perception of Christmas," says coach James, "and also on your childhood experiences of celebrating it."

As your life evolves, so might your approach to the festive season.


If every January leaves you with
regrets and disappointment, it may be more rewarding to stay partially connected to your routines during the holidays.


For others, rest and a break are essential.


A week-long pause can
reignite motivation and restore passion for training.


The Real Challenge: Getting Back on Track

Regardless of the approach you take, the hardest part is often the return—picking up your routine once the holidays end.

That’s why the ultimate strategy isn’t about rigid rules or strict diets.


It’s about choosing what
genuinely uplifts you.

"For me, training is non-negotiable because it brings me joy," shares James, "even if my nutrition isn’t perfect during the holidays."

The key is to avoid berating yourself for slip-ups.


The holidays are filled with
delicious foods and celebrations—giving yourself grace can prevent long-term regrets.

"Those who dive into an unbroken two-week holiday binge," adds Sean, "often return to work wishing they had actually taken a break from their break."

Final Thought: Find Your Balance This Holiday Season

This holiday season, choose the approach that will make you feel proud and fulfilled—not one based on guilt or pressure.

✅ Stay connected to your goals if that brings you joy.
✅ Rest and indulge if that truly rejuvenates you.
✅ Above all, be
kind to yourself and embrace the season for what it is: a time for celebration, reflection, and connection.


Whatever path you choose, you’re still progressing—because you’re making conscious decisions about your health, happiness, and well-being.



At Rebuild, we’ll be here to support you—before, during, and after the festivities.

Previous Blogs

By Rebuild Team April 24, 2025
When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. At Rebuild, we know that consistency—especially when it’s hard—is what drives real change. So let’s talk about why winter consistency matters, what it does for your body and mind, and how to make sure you keep showing up. Why Consistency in Winter is Crucial Your body doesn’t know it’s winter. It only knows what you do. Skipping weeks at a time means reversing hard-earned progress, both physically and mentally. Research shows that regular strength training improves insulin sensitivity, bone density, and cardiovascular health—even more so when done consistently over time (Westcott, 2012). Momentum matters. Winter is also when stress, low mood, and fatigue creep in for many of us. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins and the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol (Harvard Health, 2021). So if you're feeling flat—this is the time to move, not pull back. How Staying Active in Winter Helps You Long-Term You avoid the restart trap Every time you stop, it takes longer to get back to where you were. Consistent training keeps your baseline high and avoids the start-again cycle that leaves you feeling frustrated. You build real discipline Motivation will come and go. But the ability to show up regardless—that’s discipline. And discipline spills over into every part of life: work, family, even how you show up for yourself. You’re ahead come spring Want to feel strong, energised, and confident when the layers come off? That starts now. While others are hibernating, you’re laying the groundwork. How to Stay Consistent When It’s Cold and Dark Set a realistic routine Don’t aim for perfection—aim for doable. Three sessions a week with intention is better than chasing five and quitting by June. Train with people who lift you up Community keeps you accountable. It’s easier to leave the house when you know someone’s expecting you. At Rebuild, you're never training alone. Track your progress Strength, reps, conditioning—see the data change. That’s motivation you can measure. Focus on how it makes you feel Training isn’t just for summer bodies. It’s for better sleep, less stress, more patience with the kids, and feeling like you again. Winter isn’t the enemy. It’s the proving ground. So show up. Not just for summer. Not just for weight loss. But for strength, stability, and the version of you that doesn’t give up when it gets hard. We’ll be here, with the lights on, the music up, and a team that’s ready to help you stay consistent—whatever the weather.
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