The holidays are the one time of year that most college athletes get a little breathing room. Your season is over, or maybe hasn’t started yet, or has at least paused for a week or two. The group chats quiet down, and social media posts look more like a normal life. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s also not a free pass.

December is when brands, coaches, and anyone else who are quietly evaluating you have more time to scroll on their hands. They’re not hunting for mistakes. They’re looking for patterns. Holiday posts set expectations for who you are before the new year starts.

This creates a rare window where personality takes the lead. Family photos, travel pics, community service, or even just being home can make you more relatable than highlight reels, workout videos, or clips from practice. Brands don’t need you to perform constantly. They want to see the real person, one who won’t embarrass them when things are quiet.

A key to success during the holidays is keeping it light. You don’t need to post every day. Lighten your schedule, and keep it positive. Show gratitude. Posting once or twice a week keeps you connected while showing your followers there’s more to life than sports.

The holidays are a time to reflect and reset. What you post in December becomes part of your first impressions for the new year. They are also a mirror, a reflection on who you are and what you value. Just remember you don’t have to be perfect, just be yourself.

Texas A&M got a national championship this week, just not the one they were hoping for. A&M has poured millions of dollars into its football program, but the real gem of its athletic department turned out to be the Women’s Volleyball team.

Trust me, this is not an argument against NIL spending. On the contrary, NIL was likely a big part of the success. It’s nearly impossible for power conference teams to outspend each other in football. But in sports like volleyball, a lot less money goes a long way. Texas A&M has been one of the most prolific NIL fundraisers over the past few years. Yes, their football team lost in the first round of the FBS, but the money they raised beyond revenue-sharing dollars help attract talent beyond the gridiron.

NIL money can amplify the success of any team in the short run. Schools that invest in culture across all sports are the ones building a more sustainable NIL ecosystem than schools focused only on football.

December food is different from Thanksgiving food. It’s not just one big meal and a few days of leftovers. Eating during December is one big blur of sugar, snacks and treats everywhere you turn.

Eating healthy during the holiday season isn’t about dodging cookie trays or pretending you’re still in training. It’s about choosing foods that keep you feeling like yourself.

Protein, as always, is your friend. Roasted chicken and turkey, ham, and roast beef are all great ways to feel full, in moderation, of course. There are plenty of egg based dishes as well. Quiches, breakfast casseroles, or plain scrambled eggs help anchor mornings better than pancakes and waffles.

Remember, there is not a lot of “clean” food around the holidays. But vegetables in casseroles, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and green beans are great side options. A vegetable in any form on your plate this time of year goes a long way.

Fruit tends to get ignored in December, which is a mistake. Fruit helps with hydration, they add fiber to your diet, and helps you feel full. Nuts can also help you feel full, but they are definitely not low-calorie.

Desserts are front and center this time of year. If you have the option, look for items with dark chocolate and try to moderate! There is a great rule to follow in December: Eat protein first, add vegetables somewhere, hydrate more than normal, and let the rest of what you eat come naturally.

Finally, the biggest mistake you can make is beating yourself up for indulging in food you love. One indulgent mean doesn’t matter. Knowing what a normal meal for you looks like does.

NIL Education

Check out our first video on building your personal brand as an NIL athlete. Each week, we will continue to drop videos on branding, contract negotiation, and many other topics that athletes face every day.