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From Mahmu’s Table: The Healing Power of Holiday Rituals

Blissful Health & Harmony
FROM MAHMU’S TABLE: THE HEALING POWER OF HOLIDAY RITUALS

By: Naomi Dicus, CHC AFMC | December 5, 2024

When I think about holiday traditions, I think of my grandmother, Mahmu. Her real name was Lyda, but I preferred—and often requested—that all of my friends and acquaintances refer to her by the same endearing name I had called her my entire life. Holidays at Mahmu’s house always began with a long drive to Walnut Creek, into the beautiful community of Rossmoor. With its trees donning changing leaves and wild deer roaming freely, the scene was often colorful and sunny, a perfect backdrop to the warmth waiting inside her home.

Mahmu’s house wasn’t large or fancy by any means, but it exuded a rare sense of love and comfort. The gentle chimes at the door greeted us, followed by the delicious aromas wafting from her kitchen. Her dining room table was always adorned with thoughtful, festive decorations, often created with fallen leaves and flowers she had lovingly arranged. A highlight for me was seeing the crystal swan candle holders I had saved up to gift her as a child—she made sure they were included every year, a small but profound reminder of the bonds that traditions nurture.

These cherished memories remind me how traditions like those at Mahmu’s house impact our well-being. They offer not just emotional connection but physical health benefits, resonating deeply with the principles of natural medicine, which emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection.

Traditions: The Root of Stability and Health

Traditions like those at Mahmu’s house create stability and a sense of belonging. Beyond sentimentality, they foster safety and connection, which are fundamental to health.

Stress is a major factor in chronic health conditions, from hormone imbalances to autoimmune diseases. Holiday traditions can counteract stress, immersing us in joy and sensory richness. The chime of a bell, the sight of vibrant leaves, and the smell of a lovingly prepared meal stimulate the vagus nerve, activating our parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” state. This reduces inflammation, improves digestion, and balances hormones. By embracing traditions, we buffer ourselves against the health impacts of stress.

Food as Medicine

For many, holiday meals evoke both nostalgia and indulgence. Mahmu’s kitchen, with its comforting scents of baked apple pies and simmering soup, embodied her love and care. Functional medicine sees food as more than fuel; it’s information for our bodies. Meals prepared with intention have the power to heal, while overly processed holiday treats can harm.

This doesn’t mean sacrificing tradition but reimagining it with nourishment in mind. Here are some ideas:

Swap refined sugars for natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
Use anti-inflammatory spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger in desserts and drinks.
Incorporate whole, seasonal foods like roasted vegetables, leafy greens, and cranberries.

When we prepare meals with love and care, as Mahmu did, we nourish both body and soul, honoring tradition while supporting our health.

Passing Down Emotional Connection

Traditions aren’t just about tangible elements like food or decorations; they’re about the emotions and values we pass on. The crystal swan candle holders on Mahmu’s table were a small but powerful gesture, showing that even as a child, my contributions mattered. This lesson in value and connection remains with me and is a cornerstone of the work I do today.

In functional medicine, we emphasize the importance of “primary foods”—relationships, purpose, spiritual practices, and personal growth—that nourish us in ways beyond the plate. Holiday traditions, rooted in love and connection, build resilience, teaching us how to create meaning and joy even in challenging times.

The Healing Power of Community

One of the most profound aspects of holiday traditions is their ability to bring people together. Whether it’s an intimate family gathering or a larger community event, these moments of connection are vital to our health.

Social connection has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Functional medicine highlights the role of community in healing. Just as traditions bind us to our loved ones, they help build networks of support that sustain us throughout life.

At Mahmu’s house, the gatherings weren’t just about the food or decorations—they were about shared laughter, storytelling, and love. Functional medicine echoes this sentiment: healing and health don’t happen in isolation but within the context of our relationships and communities.

Infusing Functional Medicine into New Traditions

As the holidays approach, consider how you might blend traditions with the principles of functional medicine. This doesn’t mean giving up beloved rituals but enhancing them with mindfulness and intention:

Host a potluck featuring nourishing, whole-food dishes.
Start a gratitude practice before meals with loved ones.
Incorporate movement, like a family walk through the autumn leaves, into your holiday routine.
Use non-toxic candles, like beeswax or soy, for table settings instead of synthetic options.

These small shifts honor tradition while aligning with your health goals and reducing toxicity, creating a meaningful bridge between the old and the new.

Carrying Mahmu’s Legacy Forward

Reflecting on those holidays at Mahmu’s house, I see how she intuitively practiced many principles of functional medicine. She created a space filled with sensory richness, connection, and nourishment, modeling a holistic approach to health that extended far beyond the physical for me.

This holiday season, let’s take inspiration from our dear grandmother’s examples. Prioritize connection, savor simple joys, and nourish your body and soul with intention. By doing so, we honor the past while building a legacy of health and love for generations to come.

Naomi Dicus is a dedicated Functional Medicine practitioner specializing in women's health and natural conception. Based in Sausalito, California, she brings over 20 years of corporate finance experience in the tech industry to her practice at Bliss Point Health, where she has transitioned her career to holistic wellness and nutrition. Naomi's extensive education includes a Business degree and certifications from the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and the School of Applied Functional Medicine.

Her methodical approach to health emphasizes the importance of diet, lifestyle, stress management, and balancing the endocrine system. She utilizes real food, supplements, and holistic techniques, backed by strategic use of lab work to address root causes of health issues as well as a woman’s personal experience. Naomi is passionate about empowering her clients to achieve optimal health through tailored wellness plans that respect their unique bio-individuality.

She travels often with her family and enjoys yoga, hiking, riding horses, languages, and cooking.