Deck the Hall
Enjoy the festivities with the dazzling Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park. Evening shows run through January 1, 2020.
Show times
Planning a holiday getaway?
If you’re traveling internationally for a short trip or extended period, get peace of mind and protection from GeoBlue®.
Spread the joy
Add a toy, a coat, or some food to your shopping list and help make someone else’s holiday a little brighter. Check out these ideas for holiday volunteering.
Explore a winter wonderland
Take a spin on the ice, enjoy the lights, warm up by the fire, or grab a drink with friends at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Independence members can skate for free! Learn more
Pet-proof your holidays
Chocolates, ornaments, plants, and overly affectionate visitors are just some of the hazards your pet faces during the holidays.
Learn how to keep them safe.
Just breathe
Melt away stress with box breathing. It can clear the mind, relax the body, and improve focus. Learn how
‘Tis the season for colds and flu
Protect yourself and those around you with these six tips for staying healthy.
Get in the holiday spirit — without the spirits
Try these tactics for cocktail control. Three tips to avoid holiday binge drinking.
Spread the cheer, not the germs
Practice good handwashing all season long. Soap and water works best, but keep an alcohol-based sanitizer on hand.
Healthy ingredient swaps
Use applesauce to replace up to half of the butter, margarine, shortening, or oil in baked goods. Try these other healthy ingredient swaps.
Give the greatest gift
Blood shortages are a real thing during the holidays. Become a blood donor now, and you could help save up to three lives in the New Year. Find a Red Cross blood drive near you.
Schedule some downtime
Spending every minute with your loved ones or guests isn’t what anyone had in mind. Make time for yourself too: watch a movie, go for a walk, or take a nap.
Take ten
Wait 10 minutes before taking seconds of a meal. You might realize that you're full or only want a small portion.
Crush the sugar rush
Do holiday sweets have your family flying high? A snack with protein (like nuts or cheese) can help bring them back down to Earth.
Feel the burn
Put on your sneakers and fitness tracker and turn your next shopping trip into a workout — three hours of shopping can burn almost 500 calories. Nine ways to exercise at the mall
Save the dough for the cookies
Independence Blue Cross members can take advantage of discount programs to save on health and wellness products, entertainment, travel, and shopping. Get discounts
Fa, la, la for your health
Singing in groups has been proven to boost happiness, strengthen immunity, and lower stress levels. Explore all the benefits of singing.
Allergic to the holidays?
Your runny nose and constant sneezing may not be the start of a cold. Indoor trees and greenery, wood burning fires, food, and scented candles are all known seasonal allergy triggers.
Party like it’s your job
Holiday office parties can be fun if you know when to stop — talking, drinking, dancing, etc. It could help prevent many cringe-worthy moments on Monday. Brush up on holiday office party tips.
It’s OK to say no
Accepting every invitation can add stress to the holidays. Think about the people and activities that mean the most to you and focus on those.
Celebrate the solstice
Winter’s shortest day of the year is also it’s longest night. Take this opportunity to get some extra sleep.
Dial a doctor
Don’t let unexpected illnesses interrupt your holiday plans. With telemedicine from MDLIVE you can talk to a doctor anytime, anywhere
Learn more
It’s that time of year
Too little sleep + stress + not enough time = a recipe for depression. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone.
Step away from the buffet
If you know you're prone to nibbling at parties, position yourself at least an arm's length away from the nut bowls, cheese trays, and dips.
Three things in human life are important.
The first is to be kind.
The second is to be kind.
And the third is to be kind.”
- Henry James
Soak away your stress
Don’t let holiday stress follow you into the New Year – wash it down the drain instead. Ten proven health benefits for taking a bath
Love your leftovers
Leftovers make some of the best meals of the whole year. Give them the care they deserve. Five food safety guidelines to prevent food poisoning
Get some fresh air
If you’re enjoying a winter break, spend some time outdoors! It can lift your mood and help you avoid getting cabin fever. Tips for enjoying time outside in the winter
Meditate for mental health
Meditating for as few as 10 minutes each day can help you control everyday stress and reduce anxiety — a top health issue affecting many people.
Learn more about the Health of America
Go small or go home
When choosing a New Year’s resolution, experts agree — the smaller the better. Simple and specific resolutions, like “eat a piece of fruit each day,” are much easier to keep than big-picture ones, like “eat healthier.”
Happy New Year! Be good to yourself
Resolve to give yourself the gift of regular check-ups in the New Year! Find a doctor