Happy Holidays & Favorite Things

Copy-of-Copy-of-Black-White-Snow-Christmas-Year

Before getting to the fun stuff, just a little reminder this holiday season. It’s no secret that times are tough and that this holiday season is unlike any we’ve ever experienced. Tensions can be high—in the homes, minds, and hearts, so this is your friendly reminder to show not only others, but also yourselves, a little grace. Maybe you didn’t get after as many workouts as you wanted this week, or heck, in all of 2020. Maybe you haven’t finished your holiday shopping (see below!). Maybe it wasn’t the productive year you are seeing influencers touting on social media. That’s ok. We’re not robots, we are humans. All we can do is make peace with today and strive to do better tomorrow. So cut yourself a little slack and give yourself the gift of permission to enjoy this special time that only comes but once a year!

And now for the fun stuff. Since last week was all about giving, we reached out and asked you, the community, for your favorite ways to give. If you’re looking for some last-minute shopping inspo, here is the official 2020 Fearless Athletics Gift Guide:

Ways to give

Donate
Handmade presents
On-the-go care packages for the homeless
Acts of service/manual labor
Cook for others
Secret acts of kindness

Small businesses (besides Fearless Athletics)

Charities and nonprofits to support

If your favorites didn’t make the list, make sure you are following Fearless Athletics on Instagram (@fearlessphl) and keep an eye on our Instagram Stories for more opportunities to share!

If you’re curious how your coaches will be spending their time off, look no further. Here are some favorite holiday traditions and memories from our Fearless leaders:

Favorite personal tradition: going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Christmas Eve. It’s got electric guitars, violins, lasers, fire, and indoor snow. What’s not to love? My favorite tradition, though, is programming “The 12 Pains of Christmas” for our annual Fearless holiday workout. And YES, it’s happening on December 24! —Wil Vicinus

Favorite workouts: Fearless’ “12 Pains of Christmas” on Christmas Eve and benchmark workout “Chad” on Christmas Day.

Favorite meal: a good honey-glazed ham.

Favorite drink: really strong eggnog.

Favorite tradition: always a big fan of opening up stocking gifts instead of gifts under the tree. I think it’s because of the allure behind it. You can guess what’s under the tree, but you have no idea what’s going on in that stocking! —Dominick Bulone

When I was eight years old, coming down the stairs blurry eyed on Christmas morning, out of the corner of my eye I saw … Santa’s boots! I’ll never forget it; Santa forgot his boots and I was extremely concerned. We immediately packed the boots into a very large box and labeled it “To Santa at the North Pole.” The next day, my mom brought me and the very large box to the post office. I wanted to make sure that it was going to the North Pole. The mailman assured me, as we handed over the box. To this day, I have no idea if the boots made it to the North Pole, but those boots made a believer in me, and to this day I still believe in the magic of Christmas. —Sandra Davidson

My favorite holiday memories are convincing my sibling to search the house with me looking for gifts hidden before they got wrapped. —Crossley Simmons

My fav holiday tradition is a breakfast with my family (usually pancakes!) and watching holiday movies all day. Selections are typically Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch (the original, duh), and our favorite, The Nightmare Before Christmas. —Brain Aranda

Christmas reminds me of my Dad. I always wait until Christmas Eve to put up my childhood ornaments and hang my childhood stocking while listening to John Denver and the Muppets’ Christmas album. Next on the menu is usually some eggnog, Oliver! (the musical), and It’s a Wonderful Life! —Jean McGinley

My Italian side of the family does the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes every Christmas Eve, with a smaller version this year. Also looking forward to making the best of a tough situation by creating new traditions with [Coach] Lauren, Milly, and Irish (our pet dog and parrot, respectively)! —Matt Giardinelli

Trolling 13th Street and all of South Philly for the holiday light displays! —Kevin Curran

Too many favorites to list, but I love baking holiday treats, enjoying a festive meal with my family, watching The Muppet Christmas Carol, and quoting our favorite lines from Home Alone 2! —Natalie Lewis

Holiday Eating

Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon your nutrition goals. Indulge responsibly with these lightened-up versions of your favorite holiday beverages and save the real splurge for dessert.

Cozy Gingerbread Latte

Creamy Vegan Eggnog

Holiday Movement

You heard it here first. “12 Pains of Christmas” on Christmas Eve, courtesy of Coach Wil, and you can all thank Coach Dom for suggesting the hero WOD “Chad” on Christmas Day!

Written by Coach Natalie Lewis