Drink Sensibly: You’re aware that drinking too much alcohol can give you a throbbing headache the next morning, but did you know that it can also wreak havoc on your diet? “Alcoholic drinks can really add up, calorie-wise,” says Hermann. Among the biggest culprits is the holiday favorite, eggnog which contains over 350 calories per cup. You can make it more diet-friendly, according to Hermann, by purchasing “light” eggnog or using milk instead of cream. Add extra ice to alcoholic drinks to water them down. And be sure to also drink several glasses of water to detoxify your system.

Obviously, make sure the kids get the virgin eggnog, and be wary of eggnog made with raw eggs.

Practice Mindful Eating: Stay aware of what, when and why you are eating. “It is the unconscious nibbling that can really add up,” says Hermann. It’s easy to lose track of how many cups of egg nog or cookies you are consuming at a holiday gathering. Before you reach for another goodie on the buffet table, ask yourself, "Am I hungry or am I eating simply because the food is in front of me?"

Slow down the process by remembering to chew your food thoroughly before taking another bite and to savor the taste. Make sure your children are kept busy. They graze when they are bored just like we do. And grown up parties can be pretty boring for kids. Bring plenty of games, maybe even save a special one that you can break out just for the party. If you are throwing the party, and it’s kid friendly, make sure you have a few crafts and fun projects for your littlest guests.