Focus on Connection not Food

Practical Tips
December 18, 2025•2 min read

Holidays Can Focus on Connection, Not Food

Focus on Connection not Food

We're in the midst of December and in all likelihood, lots of gatherings.

So many of our gatherings involve lots of food. But food doesn't have to be the center of the get-together. Below you'll find a few suggestions on making your gathering about connection.

Resources to Set You Up for Success:

As always, when in doubt, we encourage you to bring your own Phase 1 friendly foods with you. Sliced veggies, IP snacks and water. Better yet, if you can eat a little before you leave, you won't be arriving at the party hungry. Mingling with a glass of water in your hand (or one of our delicious mocktail recipes from Day 3) will also give your hands something to do while others may be eating.

Social connections help us have fewer physical and mental health issues, and we've got lots of ideas below.

✅ No-Prep Quick Games

  1. Holiday Trivia
    Ask festive questions (movies, songs, traditions). Example: “What year was the first Christmas card sent?”

  2. Two Truths and a Lie – Holiday Edition
    Each person shares two true holiday experiences and one fake. Others guess the lie.

  3. Holiday Charades
    Act out holiday-related words or phrases (e.g., “building a snowman,” “wrapping gifts”).

  4. Name That Tune
    Hum or play short clips of holiday songs—others guess the title.

  5. Holiday Would You Rather?
    Example: “Would you rather have lights that never untangle or wrapping paper that never runs out?”

Photo & Challenge Ideas

  1. Holiday Photo Scavenger Hunt
    Create a list: “Find someone wearing red,” “Take a selfie with the tree,” “Capture the funniest holiday socks.”

  2. Ugly Sweater Selfie Contest
    Everyone snaps a photo of their sweater; vote for the funniest or most creative.

  3. Holiday Meme Challenge
    Participants create or find the funniest holiday meme and share.

Light Prep Games

  1. Guess the Ornament
    Blindfolded player feels an ornament and guesses what it is.

  2. Holiday Pictionary
    Draw festive items like “mistletoe,” “snow globe,” or “Santa’s sleigh.”

  3. Gift Wrap Relay
    Teams race to wrap a box using gloves or oven mitts for extra laughs.

  4. Holiday Bingo
    Make cards with festive items (snowflake, candy cane, wreath). Call out items randomly.

Bonus Ideas

  1. Holiday Story Chain
    Start a story: “It was Christmas Eve…” Each person adds one sentence.

  2. Emoji Holiday Movie Guess
    Show a string of emojis that represent a holiday movie—others guess the title.

Remember, you’re supported by a proven program and a coach who’s here for you every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns, don’t wait until your check-in—We're just an email away! You should feel good, even during the holidays, and we're here to help with anything you need.

Please send us a quick email to let me know how you’re doing—We’d love to hear from you!

Here’s to a great holiday season—have fun and enjoy the process!

All of us at Ideal Body Weight Loss

PS We're linking to our Pinterest Board with additional connection ideas if you prefer visual ideas.

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