Pat yourself dry instead of wiping dry with a towel. Use a softer soap that includes a moisturizer. Use soap only on areas that really need it - your face, hands, armpits, groin and feet. Take fewer baths. Limit yourself to one bath or shower a day or every other day.
Low humidity is the most common cause of dry skin.
If your skin is cracked or inflamed and doesn't respond to the above treatments or moisturizing lotions and creams, see your doctor. As the holiday season approaches, prepare now to avoid those extra pounds. Food is a large part of holiday celebrating, and this isn't the time to try to lose weight. A reasonable goal is to maintain your weight. You can indulge occasionally - just not all the time.