The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration — especially around food. But for individuals navigating Binge Eating Disorder (BED), this time of year can bring unique challenges.

From endless buffets and food-focused gatherings to disrupted routines and emotional stress, the holiday season can trigger urges to binge or bring up guilt about eating. The pressure to be cheerful, social, or “in control” may only make things harder.

The good news? With preparation, boundaries, and self-compassion, it is possible to get through the holidays without shame — and even with moments of joy.

For many families, mealtimes are meant to be moments of connection and nourishment. But when a child or teen is struggling with disordered eating, ARFID, anxiety, or appetite loss, meals can quickly become tense, exhausting battlegrounds.

Eating disorder recovery isn’t linear — and sometimes the biggest wins are quiet, internal, or easy to overlook. While we often focus on the red flags (and those are important), it's equally vital to celebrate the green flags — the signs that recovery is taking root, even in small ways.