If your swelling is both ankles, soft, worse at night, gone by morning, and you feel otherwise well — it's often venous or lifestyle-related, and waiting a couple of weeks while using elevation and movement is reasonable for most adults.
If it's asymmetric, painful, or comes with breathlessness, chest discomfort, rapid weight gain, fever, or changes in urination — do not wait for the holiday schedule. Those are not "holiday swelling."
The fact that you're noticing it now is useful. Evening edema is your circulatory system telling you it's struggling against gravity. Sometimes the fix is socks and salt. Sometimes it's a medication adjustment or an early sign of heart or kidney stress.
Keep the appointment, bring the log, and in the meantime treat your legs like they work a night shift — they need breaks, elevation, and less salt to make it through December.
This is general health information only and is not medical advice for your specific situation. If you are concerned, or if symptoms worsen, contact your primary care clinician, urgent care, or emergency services. If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or one-sided leg swelling, seek emergency care immediately.
