5 Holiday Hacks for Moms to Stay Healthy

This post is sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

As I was walking through the grocery store yesterday, I was immediately captivated by the seasonal aisle filled with pumpkin spice and apple-flavored goodies.
What does that signify? It signifies that autumn is almost upon us! Before we know it, the leaves will start to change colors, and the air will turn crisp as the kids return to school.

At that moment, it felt like things were finally returning to normal, but the holiday chaos isn’t far behind! The holidays bring family and friends together, and you want to ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities without worrying about sickness, which means preparing your home to combat the influx of germs!

Holiday gatherings are such a joy, bringing together loved ones (and their germs). This year, I’ll be proactive in ensuring my family stays healthy. Here are my go-to mom hacks for a healthier holiday season:

1. Manage the Germs: While I can’t eliminate every germ, I can keep surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and trash can lids clean with antibacterial wipes. Additionally, providing napkins near snack bowls helps encourage hygienic eating habits.
2. Promote Hand Washing: It’s simple to remind kids to wash their hands after using the bathroom (or, let’s be honest, picking their noses). But how do you suggest the same to adults without appearing rude? Setting up handwashing stations with appealing soaps and festive towels makes it easier. You might say, “Hey Grandma, have you tried my new apple cinnamon hand soap? It smells amazing!”
3. Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet: Children often fall ill more frequently than adults due to their developing immune systems. To be prepared for those “Sick just got real.” moments, I ensure my medicine cabinet is stocked with Children’s Advil® Suspension (ages 2-11), Children’s Robitussin® (ages 6+), and Children’s Dimetapp® (ages 6+).
4. Fresh Air: On chilly days, it’s beneficial to let your home “breathe” before and after gatherings by opening windows and utilizing fans to circulate fresh air. If it gets too cold, keep windows closed but let sunlight in, as the sun’s rays help to naturally eliminate viruses and bacteria.
5. Keep it Cool: You don’t have to freeze, but keeping the house on the cooler side during party days can inhibit viruses, which struggle to thrive in cooler temperatures. Viruses tend to spread easily during winter months when everyone packs indoors, creating the perfect environment for illness transmission.

Do you have any special mom hacks for maintaining your family’s health during the holiday season?