Hi Copey, I started the same kind of thread last year as it was my first Xmas as a diagnosed Type 2. As I've done well (so far) on my blood sugar control, I plan to have a few potato treats this year. I've completely lost my appetite for sweet things so won't be touching any desserts out of choice. But I'm going to have a couple of roast spuds and stuffing and the same as last year, I'll get on the treadmill an hour later for a 10 walk and watch the blood sugars come right down!
I am more relaxed this year but not so much that I make foolish choices. I have a dear colleague who eats high carb after high carb then gets disillusioned that her hba1c is so high. I'm glad (actually relieved) that I have such incredible restraint and am not sure where it comes from!
For any newbie, I'd suggest a slight pig out if you can get moving around soon after to lower the effects of the carbs. Also, only pig out if you're sure you can break the spell soon afterwards. I gave up chocolate as soon as I was diagnosed as I knew from experience that I'm a chocoholic. One taste and I'll be back in it's thrall. So no chocolate for me ever again and these days, I'm not even sorry.
Have some treats, make sure you can recover from them mentally and physically.