If you’re a fitness junkie, or trying to turn into one, the holidays are probably your least favorite time of year.

Between pies, lots of eggnog, gingerbread cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate, November and December are nightmares on 34th Street.

And there’s no way to avoid it. With peer pressure from family and friends, you can’t be a jerk and pass on the cake balls.

I mean, it’s the season of giving, and therefore, the season of taking.

So I say take.

But, there are ways to avoid beating yourself up about it later, or ways to try tasty alternatives to the traditional holiday fare come Dec. 25.

The break is a good time to get back in the gym.

If you’re like me, I got away from my workout and healthy-eating schedule because of the busy fall semester.

So, once these finals are over with, I’m hitting it hard. Take this opportunity, too, and get on a rhythm before the real eating begins in the next few weeks.

Add workout gear to your Christmas list.

Need an excuse to get in the gym? New running shoes, headphones or a calorie-counting watch may be the spark to get you going.

There are a variety of tech-y workout accessories that are going to be big next year, including one I’m looking at, the Misfit. These watches do all the same cool stuff as the Fitbit, but at a much cheaper price.

Indulge, but in moderation.

Have a piece, slice or bite, but don’t over-indulge this year. You’ll be happy you didn’t.

And, of course, it’s easier said than done. I fail to do this myself.

But make a commitment now, and do everything you can to stick to it.

When I know I’ll be surrounded by lots of temptations, I’ll write an inspirational note on my hand.

Something like “Believe in yourself” or “Remember how good you’ll feel later.”

Bring healthy alternatives to the potluck.

Come Christmas party time, get creative. For example:

• Replace the baked goods with fruits such as grapes, pineapple or oranges, without missing the satisfying sweet tooth.

• Skip the fatty dips, and try hummus or yogurt dips, instead. Add dill or crumbled blue cheese to Greek yogurt, and replace the chips with veggies, and you’re set.

• Pass the carb-heavy sides dishes — such as potatoes and stuffing — and use roasted fresh vegetables.

On a budget? Buy frozen, steam it and add some colorful seasoning.

Don’t be a New Year’s resolution-er.

Is it a science yet that New Year’s resolutions don’t work? Because it should be.

Don’t wait until Jan. 1 to commit to the gym and to a healthy diet.

You’re almost setting yourself up for failure.

But, if you start now, you’re likely to build a habit and routine by the start of the new year, and maybe, just maybe, you can sustain it year round.