The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and celebration — but it can also bring its fair share of stress, especially when it comes to body image. From endless feasts and family photos to unsolicited comments about your appearance, the holidays can feel like a minefield for anyone working on self-acceptance.
This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of letting diet culture, unrealistic expectations or that one nosy relative steal your joy, let’s focus on what really matters: feeling good, inside and out. Here’s your ultimate guide to staying body positive (and comfortable) this holiday season.
1. Dress for Your Comfort and Joy
Let’s start with the basics: your outfit. The holidays are full of opportunities to get dressed up, but the most important thing about your look isn’t how it photographs — it’s how it makes you feel.
Choose clothes that fit your body now — not the size you used to be, not the size you hope to be. Add pieces that prioritize comfort, like Thigh Society shorties, which let you move freely and confidently without worrying about thigh chafe or restrictive waistbands.
When you feel good in your clothes, it’s so much easier to focus on the fun, whether you’re dancing at a party or curled up watching movies with loved ones.
Pro tip: Build your outfit around what makes you happy, whether it’s bold colours, sparkly details or cozy layers. Comfort and confidence are the real holiday trends.
2. Shut Down Negative Self-Talk (and Other People's, Too)
The holidays can stir up insecurities — maybe you’re seeing old friends or family members for the first time in a while, or maybe you’re feeling the pressure to “look your best” for all the holiday photos.
Here’s the truth: Your body doesn’t need to change to be worthy of love, joy and celebration. If you catch yourself falling into negative self-talk, pause and ask yourself: Would I talk to a friend this way? Chances are, the answer is no.
And if someone else makes a comment about your appearance — no matter how “well-meaning” it is — you have every right to set a boundary. A simple “Let’s talk about something else” or “I’m not interested in discussing my body” can work wonders.
3. Enjoy the Food Without Guilt
Holiday meals are about so much more than just food — they’re about connection, tradition and love. But diet culture loves to creep in during this season, whispering nonsense about “earning” your meals or “making up” for them later.
Here’s a radical idea: You don’t have to earn your food. You don’t have to burn it off. You’re allowed to enjoy every bite of pie, every cookie, every lovingly prepared dish on the table — because food is fuel and joy.
Instead of obsessing over what you “should” eat, focus on how the food makes you feel. Eat what you enjoy, listen to your body and remember: One meal, one day or one season doesn’t define your health or worth.
4. Reclaim the Camera
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dodged a family photo because you didn’t feel “camera-ready.” It’s time to reclaim your place in the picture — because the memories you’re making matter so much more than how you look in a snapshot.
When you look back at these photos years from now, you won’t care about your hair being messy or your outfit being less than perfect. What you’ll see is the love, laughter and joy you shared with the people you care about.
So step into the frame, even if you’re nervous. Smile, laugh and let yourself be seen. You are worthy of being part of the memory.
5. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
Sometimes, the hardest part of the holidays isn’t the packed schedule or the endless to-do lists — it’s the people. Whether it’s a relative who loves to comment on your weight or a friend who won’t stop talking about their new diet, you have the right to protect your peace.
Practice a few go-to responses for uncomfortable situations, like:
- “I’m focusing on enjoying the holidays, not my weight.”
- “I’d rather not talk about diets — how’s work going?”
- “I don’t think bodies are a good topic for conversation. Let’s talk about something else.”
Setting boundaries isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself this season.
6. Focus on How You Feel, Not How You Look
It’s easy to get caught up in how we think we “should” look during the holidays — whether it’s fitting into a certain dress size or matching up to the filtered versions of others on social media. But your worth isn’t tied to your appearance.
Instead of focusing on how you look, tune into how you feel. Are you warm and comfortable in your outfit? Are you enjoying the moment with the people around you? Are you making time for the things that bring you joy?
When you prioritize how you feel, you take the power away from unrealistic beauty standards and put it back where it belongs: with you.
7. Celebrate What Your Body Does for You
Your body is so much more than its appearance — it’s your home, your vehicle for experiencing life and your greatest ally during the busy holiday season.
Take a moment to appreciate everything your body does for you. It carries you through marathon shopping trips, keeps you steady on the dance floor and lets you hug your loved ones tight. It’s worthy of care and kindness, just as it is.
One way to show your body some love? Treat it to pieces that feel good to wear, like Thigh Society shorties. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, they’re designed to move with you and keep you comfortable all day (and night) long.
8. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
The holidays can be exhausting, and it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. Remember: You don’t have to attend every party, bake every cookie, or say yes to every invite. Taking care of yourself is just as important as showing up for others.
Make time for rest, whether that means sneaking in a power nap, curling up with a good book or taking a quiet moment to breathe. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential, especially during a season as busy as this one.
9. Spread the Body-Positive Cheer
The holidays are the perfect time to lift others up. Compliment a friend on how happy they look, not their weight. Shut down harmful comments when you hear them. Remind your loved ones — and yourself — that the holidays are about connection, not comparison.
When we make space for kindness, acceptance, and joy, we create a holiday season that’s truly worth celebrating.
This holiday season, let’s leave the negativity behind and embrace what really matters: love, joy and being present in the moment. Your body is already perfect for the holidays, exactly as it is.
