The holiday season is known for family gatherings, big meals, and plenty of sweet treats — and for many people, it’s also when healthy habits slip. To help Texans navigate the busiest time of the year, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is launching Holiday Hold’em, a free six-week online wellness program designed to help participants maintain their weight and stay mindful of their health.
The program begins November 23, 2025, and is open to anyone looking for support and structure through the holidays. Individuals, families, offices, and community groups are welcome to join.
Program Overview
A Realistic Goal
Holiday Hold’em focuses on one achievable target:
Maintain your weight within two pounds throughout the holiday season.
No dieting and no strict food rules — just simple awareness and consistency.
Weekly Weigh-Ins
Participants weigh themselves once a week at home, at the gym, or any location they prefer. All information remains fully confidential.
Quick Weekly Commitment
The entire program requires less than five minutes per week, making it manageable even during the busiest holiday schedules.
Healthy Habit Tracking
Participants receive:
- A weekly weight log
- A health log
- Guidance to reach five servings of fruits and vegetables per day
- Tips for maintaining regular physical activity
Weekly Encouragement
After the November 23 kickoff, participants receive weekly newsletters by email with tips, motivation, and reminders. Anyone without email access can still participate — materials can be mailed upon request.
Free and Open to Everyone
There is no cost to participate.
Registration
To register, contact:
- Austin County Extension Office: 979-865-2072
- Fayette County Extension Office: 979-968-5831
The Austin County office is located at the Courthouse, 1 East Main, Bellville, Texas 77418.
Participants needing auxiliary aids or accommodations should contact the Extension Office in advance. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunity in all programs and employment.
Why It Matters: Understanding Holiday Weight Gain
While Holiday Hold’em provides structure, its purpose becomes clearer when looking at why weight tends to creep up this time of year. Most adults gain 1–2 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s — a small number that often doesn’t come off afterward. Over time, those pounds add up.
Several seasonal factors contribute:
- Richer foods and larger portions at gatherings
- Constant snacking from treats at home, work, and events
- Disrupted routines due to travel, school breaks, and packed schedules
- Emotional or stress-related eating
- Less physical activity due to cold weather and early sunsets
- A “fresh start in January” mindset, which often leads to overindulging now
These are normal patterns — and they’re exactly why a guided wellness program can help.
Practical Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Holiday Hold’em embraces realistic habits anyone can use:
- Maintain, Don’t Diet
Aiming to stay within two pounds is far more achievable than trying to lose weight during the holidays. - Prioritize Fruits and Vegetables
The program encourages five daily servings, which help with fullness and balanced nutrition. - Keep Moving
Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense. Even small actions help:
- Quick walks
- Stretching
- Holiday-light strolls
- Parking farther away when shopping
- Stay Aware With Weekly Weigh-Ins
Regular check-ins help catch small changes early and stay mindful. - Eat Intentionally at Gatherings
Have a light snack beforehand, survey the food options, and choose favorites instead of grazing on everything available. - Manage Stress
Short breathing exercises, breaks, and reasonable scheduling can prevent stress-based overeating.
A Supportive Approach to a Busy Season
Holiday Hold’em offers guidance, accountability, and a straightforward plan for navigating the holidays without sacrificing enjoyment. With weekly tips, realistic goals, and a simple structure, it provides Texans a healthier, more intentional way to approach the season.
