Holiday Gluttony or Holy Discipline? The Christmas Health Mistakes Christian Women Refuse to Admit
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
The tables overflow with homemade pies, creamy casseroles, festive drinks, and sugar cookies shaped like angels.
But behind the sparkle of Christmas lights, many Christian women are privately battling something we rarely talk about:
Holiday health habits that quietly sabotage both our bodies and our faith.
This season isn’t just about choosing between pumpkin pie or peppermint bark —
it’s about choosing between gluttony or holy discipline.
And if we’re honest, many of us are getting it wrong.
Let’s lovingly confront the Christmas health mistakes Christian women don’t want to admit — and find a better, grace-filled way.
1. Mistake #1: Treating Overeating Like a Festive “Right”
“It’s Christmas — calories don’t count!”
“Jesus wants me to enjoy life, right?”
We laugh and pile our plates high without a second thought.
Here’s the truth:
Joy and overindulgence are not the same thing.
The Bible calls us to feast with gratitude — but also with self-control.
Proverbs 25:16 says, “If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it, and you will vomit.”
Overeating isn’t just a holiday joke.
It’s a real, spiritual struggle against gluttony — the subtle idol of comfort through food.
2. Mistake #2: Using Busyness As an Excuse to Neglect Health
Holiday shopping, school programs, church events, cookie swaps, gift wrapping…
December is packed to the brim.
It’s easy to think:
“I’ll get back to healthy meals in January.”
“There’s no time to work out right now.”
“This season is too crazy — I’ll just survive it.”
But busyness doesn’t excuse neglect.
God calls us to steward our bodies year-round, not just when it’s convenient.
1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Even during Christmas chaos, your body deserves care — because you are still God’s temple in December.
3. Mistake #3: Forgetting That Food Is a Gift, Not a God
When Christmas becomes all about the food:
Every gathering centers around eating.
We find more excitement in the buffet than in the nativity.
We feel anxious if certain “must-have” holiday foods aren’t on the table.
Food is a gift — but it’s not supposed to be the center of our celebration.
Christ is.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of good meals, yes —
but let’s feast on His faithfulness even more.
4. Mistake #4: Swinging Between Extremes of Overindulgence and Restriction
Some Christian women live the entire holiday season like this:
Overeat at parties → Feel guilty → Starve themselves the next day → Repeat
This vicious cycle damages more than your health — it damages your spirit.
True discipline isn’t about punishing yourself after indulgence.
It’s about walking in daily, steady obedience and wisdom.
You don’t have to choose between: ❌ Overeating with abandon
❌ Punishing yourself afterward
✅ You can choose consistent, gentle stewardship instead.
5. How to Practice Holy Discipline This Christmas
1. Pray Before You Fill Your Plate
Invite God into even your eating habits. A simple prayer can center your heart on gratitude, not gluttony.
2. Listen to Your Body
Eat slowly. Savor flavors. Stop when you’re satisfied, not stuffed.
3. Prioritize Movement
Even a short walk after dinner can honor your body and refresh your spirit.
4. Celebrate the Savior, Not the Sweets
Make space in your celebrations for Scripture, worship, and serving others — not just eating.
5. Give Yourself Grace
If you stumble, don’t spiral into shame.
Receive God’s grace — and start fresh at the next meal.
Final Thoughts: Let Christmas Point to Christ, Not Calories
Christian woman, you are already loved —
whether you ate one cookie or five.
You are already accepted —
whether your jeans feel snug or loose.
You are already chosen —
regardless of what’s on your plate.
Let’s honor God this season — not just in carols and candles, but in how we treat our bodies.
This Christmas, feast with joy, not guilt.
Celebrate with gratitude, not gluttony.
And walk in holy discipline that reflects the beauty of the Savior you love.
