New Year's is a splashy holiday where people celebrate with parties and, too often, with excess. It's a time to make grand resolutions. But what about New Day's? We get a new day every 24 hours.  We can follow through on our goals, make a fresh start or begin our lives in a new direction.

What looks better to you? The blast of the New Year?  Or the unfolding of the New Day?

To prepare for Christmas challenges, we need to look at the powerful impulses that arise in you. These are the impulses that can and do knock any planned strategy to the side as you rush for the soothing food that promises to put you at ease.

Knowing what you're up against is an excellent way to prepare a successful get in and stay in-recovery Christmas that you will enjoy in surprising new ways.

Christmas is coming up soon. Even during an economic recession, Christmas often means gifts, sparkle, razzle-dazzle, parties, shopping and lots of holiday food. The gifts may be smaller or fewer this year. Shopping may be more frugal for many people. Holiday food is likely to be holiday food.

Perhaps people will bake more this year than hit the bakeries. Maybe we'll see a return to homemade fudge and peppermints. Homemade candy apples and strings of popcorn decorating the trees may make a comeback as well. But any way you look at it, despite the cash reduction in countless households, people will do their best to create Christmas based on their traditions.

So what about you? Do you have an eating disorder tradition? In a full-blown eating disorder, what are or were your eating disorder Christmas rituals? Here are some examples that may seem familiar.

Quick imagination challenge: What is the best, most fantastic and just right Thanksgiving celebration? Close your eyes and let your images of that terrific Thanksgiving come through your mind.