You CAN avoid the temptation to eat too much during the holidays. Here are my tips:

1. Don't skip meals. Many people believe that if they skip breakfast or lunch, they can save up all of those calories for the holiday party that night. Skipping meals can make you crabby, tired and can leave you with a headache that just might ruin your evening festivities. 
2. Eat a bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk for breakfast, a mid-morning snack of raisins and nuts, followed by a healthy lunch with a big salad or a sandwich made with whole grain bread.  This will keep your body and your brain fueled throughout the day.
3. Eat high-fiber foods before the party. When you have a party to attend, snack on some fiber-filled foods just before you go. Fiber helps you to feel full, and if you aren't feeling so hungry, you might not eat so much at the party. Choose foods like low-calorie vegetables, a small salad, a piece of fresh fruit, or a small bowl of oatmeal.
4. Eat small amounts of the foods you love. No one wants to feel deprived, so go ahead and take a small piece of pie or one cookie, but not both. Look over the buffet or the serving table, and pick out one thing that you really would love to enjoy. The rest of your plate can be filled with healthy vegetables and fruits, whole grain crackers, cheese and lean meats.
5. Pace yourself and slow down. It takes a few minutes for your brain to realize your stomach is getting full, and you can eat a lot of extra food in those few minutes. You don't need a giant mound of food, so place small portions on your plate. Set your fork down between bites and sip some water. Relax and enjoy the flavor of each mouthful. Chew each bite thoroughly before you swallow. 
6. Drink plenty of water. Many people believe that mild dehydration feels like hunger, and the best way to avoid becoming dehydrated is to drink plenty of water. Have a glass or two of water before you start drinking alcoholic beverages, and have one in between drinks to slow down your alcohol consumption as well. (Not only can cocktails be high in calories, but overindulging in alcohol can lower your awareness of how much you're eating.)
7. Keep healthy snacks at work. You'll be more prepared to resist the high-calorie holiday treats brought in by co-workers and customers. These treats are always tasty but rarely healthy. Snack on nuts, raisins, fresh fruit or energy bars instead, so that your snack calories provide you with good nutrition. 
8. Exercise is a great way to control your weight and blood pressure, and exercise adds to your good health by reducing stress and keeping your muscles and bones in good shape. Although the holidays are a hectic time, keep your exercise routines going to help ensure that the occasional treat won't land permanently on your thighs or belly. 
9. Decide what to buy before you go into that shop. You know how tempting it is to walk into a coffee or candy shop. That temptation seems to double itself during the holiday season. You may think you are going into the coffee shop for a cup of coffee, but when you see that delicious mocha with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles, you suddenly decide you need that one instead. Decide what you want before you go in and stick to it. 
10. It's difficult to avoid overeating during the holidays, especially the sweets (find out how much sugar you can have each day). If you do slip up now and then, don't beat yourself up for it. Be good to yourself. Remember that maintaining a healthy diet throughout the holidays takes practice. Forgive yourself, and make sure your next meal or snack is a healthy one.