Every time someone comes on here and says, "I don't know what to do about my birthday." Or, "How do I avoid Valentine's day, New Years Day, July 4th picnic, etc?" I always say, "it's one day - enjoy it. This is the rest of your life and you aren't in a race to lose the weight. It took you years to put it on, it's ok if it takes you a few more days to take it off."
And I do believe that and it is has I've handled this past year - I had a few goodies at the 4th of July picnic, the Labor Day picnic, my anniversary and so on. I never went hog wild, but I had a high day. Even on vacation I had a bit more (didn't lose, didn't gain which I counted as a huge success).
But... now here I am facing Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, New Years, Orthodox Christmas and my husband's birthday all within 6 weeks. And who are we kidding that those are the only days? There are also all the holiday parties and treats brought into work and church and school stuff and other events. It's a six week long pig-out fest (just a wee bit longer in my family because of the Orthodox Christmas and birthdays thrown in there).
And even then, I would say, "it's only 6 weeks of weirdness with eating. Do the best you can day to day - have a little of the things you really love and don't expect to lose and don't fret small gains. The holidays will be over and you can start anew on New Year's day (how nice for the day of resolutions to start with the end of most people's end of pigging out.)".
BUT... here I am - very, very close to the goal I set for myself the end of last year. I thought it was a pipe dream to lose 80 pounds and get down to 175 in a year, but here I am - a bit more than two pounds from it. I can get there. I know I can. I have all the motivation in the world and this time of the month is during my usual weight loss period. I CAN do this... but... I will have no buffer. My birthday is December 10th. Can I keep to 175 or below for that day with Thanksgiving thrown in there? And then what about the one year anniversary of starting? Wouldn't it be nice to say I made it to goal and STAYED at goal for the one year anniversary of changing my life around, but will be possible with all the Christmas goodies and New Year celebration?
So, I'm seriously thinking of just not partaking... what I tell people NOT to do as life is not avoiding celebrations and special events, but for me, this year it's all of that gorgefest right when I'm reaching my goal.
Of course, I say that, but I will see how much my will power holds up as I will still be making all these goodies for presents and for my family. I'm not a hermit... but mentally, I think I would be crushed to make it to goal (or just miss the goal) and then be undone by the gluttony of the season.