Holiday-Season Wellness: How to Support Your Immunity Without Losing the Fun

When I think back on all my years in nutrition and wellness, one thing has become really clear: the holiday season brings out the best and the wildest in our health routines. Travel, late nights, cold weather, family gatherings, cocktails, sugar, stress… it’s a lot. And your immune system feels it first.

But the thing is... wellness during the holidays doesn’t have to be restrictive or joyless. It’s not about saying no. It’s about supporting your body so you can actually enjoy everything more.

And honestly? When I look at the tools that keep my clients and myself feeling grounded and well during this season… it’s really simple. Warm foods, daily nourishment, mindset work, little rituals, and a few key immunity supplements that we at Hackett Health have sworn by for years.

So let’s get into it — the real, simple, supportive things I want you to know going into this season.

The Mindset Shift: Support > Perfection

I’ll say it again because it matters: You don’t need perfection. You need support.

The holiday season is a time to enjoy your people, your traditions, your food, your life. When we drop the pressure and shift into a supportive mindset, everything changes:

✔ Add, don’t restrict. 

✔ Choose warmth and nourishment. 

✔ Be consistent with the tiny things. 

✔ Remember — stress is the biggest immunity killer.

When your mindset feels steady, your health follows.

Comfort Rituals That Actually Support Immunity

I swear by these because they’re simple, cozy, grounding, and they work.

✨ Bone Broth

A mug a day keeps your digestion, skin, and immune system happy. It’s warm, soothing, mineral-rich, and honestly just feels like a hug.

✨ Ginger Tea or Golden Milk

Like medicine… but delicious.

• Ginger tea is warming and great for circulation and digestion.

• Golden milk is calming and anti-inflammatory — perfect for evenings.

Add cinnamon to help stabilize blood sugar and honey for throat support.

These tiny daily habits make a bigger impact than you think

Lifestyle Habits That Strengthen Immunity Naturally

These are my “please do these even if everything else falls apart” habits:

✔ Warm meals because your gut LOVES this in winter 

✔ Hydration + electrolytes 

✔ Sunlight when possible 

✔ Gentle, grounding movement (walks, Pilates, stretching) 

✔ Sleep — I mean it

Your immune system is built on consistent basics.

The Immunity Supplements Hackett Health Swears By

Supplements aren’t the foundation but when something is brewing, these are absolutely the tools we reach for.

🌿 Oregano Oil

The moment you get that feeling in your throat… this is your girl.

How to use: 2 drops in water with lemon, 2× daily, OR take capsules.

Brands we trust:

• Designs for Health

• DoTerra (only if it says safe for internal use)

🍄 Immunity Mushrooms

Reishi, chaga, turkey tail… they’re powerful immune modulators.

Protocol: 2 dropper-fulls, 2× daily at the onset Continue through the cold to shorten the duration.

Favorite brand: Host Defense MyCommunity Extract

🍇 Elderberry + Zinc + Vitamin C + Echinacea

You can take these individually or as a combo. If you want convenience: Emergen-C works.

Look for:

• Zinc: 25 mg

• Vitamin C: 500–1000 mg

This combo is classic for a reason.

Holiday Wellness Tips That Are Actually Doable

These are the things I remind my clients every year:

✔ Protein at every meal because immune cells need it 

✔ Add veggies to literally anything — eggs, sandwiches, bowls, pasta 

✔ Bring electrolytes when traveling 

✔ Warm showers + steaming for sinus support 

✔ Keep snacks like nuts, fruit, or bars nearby 

✔ Take little “reset moments” during busy days

FAQs

1. When should I start the supplements?

At the very first sign: scratchy throat, heaviness, random fatigue, or “I feel something coming.” Early is everything.

2. Can I take all of these at the same time?

Yes — these supplements pair well and support different areas of the immune response.

3. What if I don’t love bone broth?

Try broth-based soups or add bone broth to cooking (rice, quinoa, sauces).

4. Is golden milk okay at night?

YES — it’s soothing and supports relaxation before bed.

5. I get bloated easily. Will these help?

The warm liquids + ginger + hydration absolutely can. Add walking after meals for even more benefit.

6. Are these supplements safe for kids?

Always ask your pediatrician. Kids need different dosages.

7. I’m traveling — what do I pack?

Electrolytes, ginger tea packets, oregano oil capsules, Emergen-C, throat lozenges, tissues, hand sanitizer.

8. How long should I take these?

Start at onset → continue until symptoms fully resolve. Mushrooms can be used long-term for general support.

Final Thoughts

Wellness during the holidays doesn’t have to feel controlling or rigid. It’s about support, warmth, consistency, and giving your immune system a little extra love when it needs it.