The Best Holiday Gift for Women Over 50: Self-Care, Strength, and Healthy Habits
- kathyldinatali
- Dec 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2024
Ah, the holidays. A time for cozy nights, joyful family gatherings, and let’s be honest—chaos. If you’re anything like I used to be, December was a complete blur. I’d be running around decking the halls, baking cookies, and hunting down that one perfect gift (you know, the one that’s sold out everywhere). By the time Christmas morning rolled around, I’d wake up exhausted, wondering where the month had gone.
And every year, I’d make the same promise: “I’ll take care of myself starting January 1.”
Spoiler alert: January 1 never worked.
It wasn’t until I made self-care during the holidays a priority that things finally changed. And let me tell you, when I stopped putting myself last, the holidays became a whole lot less stressful—and a whole lot more fun. So this year, let’s flip the script. Instead of waiting for the New Year, let’s give ourselves the best gift of all: confidence, strength, and energy. Best Holiday Gift for Women

Why Self-Care During the Holidays Matters for Women Over 50

Let’s face it—women often play the role of Chief Holiday Officer. We’re the ones decorating the house, shopping for both sides of the family, and making sure the grandkids’ stockings are stuffed just right. And while it’s all done with love, it can also leave us feeling completely drained.
Here’s the thing: self-care during the holidays isn’t about being selfish—it’s about survival. Taking even a little time for yourself means you’ll have more energy, joy, and patience for everything (and everyone) else.
For me, it was a game-changer. Once I started putting my health first—yes, even during the busiest time of year—I felt like a new person. I had more energy to enjoy the moments that really mattered, and I stopped waking up on Christmas morning feeling like I’d been hit by a reindeer.
You deserve that too.
Strength Training for Women Over 50: Your Holiday Superpower
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-secret weapon that makes all the difference: strength training.
I get it—when you’re juggling holiday parties, family dinners, and a to-do list as long as Santa’s, the last thing you feel like doing is working out. But here’s the magic of strength training: you don’t need hours. Just 20–30 minutes, a few times a week, can help you stay energized, combat stress, and keep you feeling strong—both physically and mentally.
When I started focusing on strength training, I realized it wasn’t just about muscles (though those are nice, too). It gave me clarity, resilience, and the ability to tackle everything the season threw at me. It’s like having a little extra superpower in your back pocket—minus the cape.
Protein for Women Over 50: The Holiday Hero You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s be real: the holidays are all about the treats. And I’m not here to tell you to skip the cookies or pass on the pie (what’s life without pie?). But if there’s one thing you don’t want to skip, it’s protein.
Why? Because protein for women over 50 is the key to staying energized, maintaining muscle, and keeping those sugar cravings in check. And let’s be honest—cravings can be sneaky little Grinches during the holidays.
The good news? Protein is easy to work into your day. Whole foods like chicken, fish, and eggs are always a great choice, but let’s face it—holiday schedules can be nuts. That’s where a good protein powder can come to the rescue. It’s quick, convenient, and can save you from making some... questionable snack choices (looking at you, leftover gingerbread house).
Need help picking a good one? Check out my favorite protein here.
Healthy Habits for the New Year: Start Small, Build Big
The holidays often bring an “all or nothing” mindset. We’re either overindulging like it’s our job or swearing off everything remotely fun. But here’s a better idea: let’s focus on healthy habits for the New Year—habits you can actually stick with.
For example, in my Not Your Average 30 Challenge, we keep it simple:
Focus on two things that are huge dial movers—protein and strength training.
Aim for 1% better each day (not perfection).
When you start with small, consistent changes, you set yourself up for long-term success. Imagine kicking off 2025 feeling strong, confident, and energized—not like you need a crash diet or a quick fix. Doesn’t that sound way better?
Your Future Self Will Thank You: Prioritize Self-Care Now

Here’s a little secret: the best gift you can give your family is the best version of yourself. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning feeling refreshed, strong, and ready to enjoy the day—not stressed, tired, and scrambling to find matching pajamas.
By embracing self-care during the holidays, focusing on strength training and building healthy habits for the New Year, you’re not just setting yourself up for a great holiday season—you’re setting yourself up for a stronger, healthier, and happier year ahead.
And trust me, your future self will thank you.
Give Yourself the Best Holiday Gift: Join the Not Your Average 30 Challenge
Ready to make this holiday season the one where you finally put yourself first? The Not Your Average 30 Challenge is here to help. For just $30, you’ll get a simple, sustainable plan that focuses on two game-changing habits: protein and strength training.
This isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about making small, impactful changes that will leave you feeling confident, strong, and energized.
Make this the year you unwrap your own strength and confidence.
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