The Thanksgiving holiday is now over and, though the break was lovely while it lasted, it’s time to snap back to the regular routine. Parents are returning to the office and kids are heading back to school, only to find that the winter holidays are already in the air! ‘Tis the season of candy canes, cookies and hot chocolate – and, for many, it’s also the season of unwanted weight gain. This year, you can help your family stay fit and healthy by indulging in some post-Thanksgiving exercise.

Bundle up and take a hike
Walking is a cheap and easy way to get the whole family exercising while spending some quality time together. You can opt for a long hike or a short jaunt that’s more suitable for young children or senior family members. You can take an easy stroll through your own neighborhood or a scenic trek through a nearby park. Though there’s a chill in the air, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the activity. Break out your hats, scarves and mittens and get moving!

Go ice skating
While you can ice skate almost any time of year, there’s something about this activity that practically screams “winter fun!” Kids as well as adults love to strap on their skates and hit the ice, even – and in some cases, especially – if it means a few harmless wipeouts. All that laughter will surely get the blood pumping! Don’t forget to equip family members with knee and elbow pads if you think they need them.

Join a fitness program
With all of the family gatherings, parties and special occasions that crop up around the holidays, it’s the perfect time to join a fitness program. Adults can opt for a gym membership or try out a new class, such as yoga or weight lifting. Kids may prefer athletic activities that are a little more fast-paced, such as gymnastics or martial arts. By joining during the holiday season, you’ll beat the New Year’s resolution rush – and you may even help your family prevent (or at least reduce) this year’s winter weight gain.

There are a number of ways you can get moving during the holiday season – all that matters is that you get your family up and burning off those extra holiday calories. Exercise not only helps you stave off those extra holiday pounds, but it also boosts the immune system. This will help you and your kids fight off illness and shorten healing times in the event that you do get sick.

FLAVORx makes medicinal flavorings that can make taking medicine more pleasant this cold and flu season. Ask your pharmacist how to add FLAVORx to your child’s prescription.