Maintaining physical, spiritual health over the holidays

During the holiday season, both physical and spiritual health can easily be neglected amidst  indulgences and busy schedules. How does this happen?  

Holiday celebrations often center around large, festive meals and rich desserts, typically high in calories, sugar and unhealthy fats. For many, ‘tis the season for overeating, weight gain and digestive discomfort. For those who include alcohol in their festivities, the holidays can prompt drinking too much, negatively affecting liver health, disrupting sleep and harming overall well-being.

Busy holiday schedules bring extra demands, such as shopping, cooking and social gatherings, often disrupting regular exercise routines, leading to a decrease in physical fitness. Increased workloads and preparation time, coupled with fewer opportunities to relieve stress through exercise, can elevate unhealthy stress levels.

Financial pressures, social obligations and heightened expectations can further cause unhealthy stress, leading to physical fatigue, anxiety or a weakened immune system. 

Late-night events, holiday activities and the excitement of the season can disrupt essential sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, insufficient sleep increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, weakened immunity and cardiovascular diseases.

Commercialization, consumerism

In today’s society, Christmas has become highly commercialized, with a strong focus on material possessions and consumerism, which can distract from the true meaning of the season — celebrating Christ’s birth. This focus — along with the hustle and bustle of the season — often leaves little time for prayer, Scripture study, worship and spiritual reflection.

How can families today maintain both physical and spiritual health during the Christmas holidays? 

• Enjoy holiday meals, but be careful not to overeat or overindulge. Focus on healthy, nutritious foods that provide energy and build the body.
• Simplify the season: 
  • Sit down as a family and discuss what aspects of the holiday are most meaningful. This allows everyone to have input, helps set clear expectations and reduces the pressure to do everything. Focus on quality time together, enjoying a family game night, baking cookies or decorating the Christmas  tree.
  • Choose carefully which events and activities to attend, and don’t feel obligated to attend every one. Select a few meaningful events and politely decline others.
  • Divide holiday tasks like cooking, decorating or hosting among family members. If hosting a holiday meal, ask guests to bring side dishes to lighten your load. Sharing responsibilities make holiday preparation less overwhelming and allows everyone to contribute. 
  • Rethink and simplify gift-giving to focus less on expense and more on meaning. Set realistic limits, preventing overspending and simplifying the shopping process. Consider drawing names for a family gift exchange instead of buying presents for every member.
• Maintain spiritual health by making worship a priority. Attend church services and participate in meaningful church activities that keep the focus on Christ.
• Schedule time for family devotions. Set aside time each day to read Scripture and pray together as a family.
• Seek guidance from church leaders. Ask your pastor to preach about simplifying the holidays and encourage families to minister to the grieving or lonely within the church and community. 
• Involve your church community, asking for their support as you re-evaluate your holiday traditions, including food choices, spending, gift-buying and how you celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas. 
• Hymns like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” remind the congregation of Jesus, the Light who came into the world (see sidebar below).

While the Christmas holidays can bring joy and family togetherness, they can also introduce pressures that impact both physical and spiritual well-being. But by embracing moderation, simplifying traditions, maintaining healthy habits and keeping Christ at the center, you can enjoy a holiday filled with lasting joy, deeper spiritual connection and a renewed sense of purpose. 

10 Christmas hymns that explain Christ’s birth

1. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

• A Latin hymn (12th century), translated by John Mason Neale (1851)
  • Reflects the anticipation of the Messiah from the Old Testament, and Christ’s coming to ransom captive Israel.

2. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

• Charles Wesley (1739)
  • Proclaims the joyous news of Christ’s birth — God becoming man to bring peace and reconciliation between God and sinners.

3. “Joy to the World”

• Isaac Watts (1719), based on Psalm 98
  • Anticipates Christ’s first and second coming, celebrating His reign and the renewal of the world through His presence.

4. “Silent Night”

• Joseph Mohr (1818), music by Franz Xaver Gruber
  • Reflects on the peaceful and humble setting of Christ’s birth, and serenity and holiness as the Savior enters the world.

5. “O Holy Night”

• Lyrics by Placide Cappeau (1847), translated by John Sullivan Dwight
  • Focuses on the night of Christ’s birth, calling for worship and adoration of the newborn King.

6. “Angels We Have Heard on High”

• James Chadwick (1862)
  • Captures the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, announcing the birth of Jesus and inviting all to join in worship with the heavenly hosts.

7. “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

• John Francis Wade (1751)
  • A call to worship, urging the faithful to come and adore Christ the King, and to recognize His divine nature and humanity.

8. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

• Edmund Sears (1849)
  • Emphasizes the message of peace brought by the angels, linking Christ’s birth with the hope of peace and goodwill for all humanity.

9. “What Child is This?”

• William Chatterton Dix (1865)
  • Highlights Jesus’ divine nature and mission to save humanity.

10. “Away in a Manger”

• Attributed to Martin Luther
  • Reflects on the humble birth of Jesus in a manger, His vulnerability as a child and His role as the Savior who brings peace to the world.

Each of these hymns proclaims theological truths about Christ’s incarnation, His divine mission and the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation to the world. Sing them together as a family, and request that they be included in your church worship services.