The Weight of the Holidays

A faith-filled reflection on food, freedom, and finding joy in the season

Cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, traveling to see family—"all the things” are underway, and you’re excited, right? Recipes for baked brie wrapped in pastry dough, frosted gingerbread cookies, fully loaded mashed potatoes, and pecan pie stream into your social media feed. Well-intended neighbors drop off plates of sugary goodness, though it feels like they’re trying to sabotage your daily calorie allowance. Do you feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety over how quickly the calendar is filling up?

Right in step with holiday planning comes the age-old question, “How can I avoid gaining weight this season?” Let’s be honest — the ‘holidaze” kick off the moment the Halloween candy hits the half-off bin. For me, a few too many fun-sized Snickers begin the downward slide into tight jeans that mysteriously shrink in the dryer by January.

I feel a heaviness—both literal and emotional—as the season fades into the pressure to make New Year’s resolutions, usually about exercising or losing weight. Is it the number on the scale that weighs heavily, or is it something deeper? If it’s shame, it isn’t from God. It’s from our enemy, the accuser— the one who turns gaining a few pounds from your sister Cindy’s butter-laden pumpkin bread into self-condemnation.

The devil is a two-faced monster, roaming around seeking to kill and destroy. He loves to deconstruct our joy, our confidence, and even the enjoyment of the skin we’re in. God loves it when we attend social events with a cheerful heart, and I’m convinced that He smiles knowingly when we sample the decadence found in the art of beautiful food. In sharp contrast, the enemy often tempts us to overindulge. “Have one more mini quiche and another cookie; it won’t hurt,” Satan encourages. And the moment we help ourselves to more goodies, he switches sides to condemn us, cruelly whispering, “I can’t believe you ate that!”

The short-lived “guilty” feeling that causes us to make course corrections when eating often serves a constructive purpose. When we ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, natural consequences follow out of the loving discipline God has for us as His children. Shame says, “You are a bad person,” and accomplishes nothing beyond tearing us down and making us feel like a failure. If left unchecked, it can lead to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, self-loathing, and other painful behaviors. Every time I agree with the condemning assaults of the enemy, I know I hurt the heart of God.

God wants us to eat to nourish our bodies. Jesus got hungry, and He ate. He knows the temptations we face. He always ministers to us with love and compassion, not condemnation.

Let’s pivot our focus away from social media and its unbalanced narratives about body image to a gentler approach to the American menu of holiday overindulgence. Tired of feeling held captive to the temptation of festive treats and the emotional hangover that follows? Jesus is about setting captives free! Invite God to be your +1 at the Christmas party and abide in the peace and joy He provides within the body He uniquely designed for you.

We were designed to eat, and eating is a highly social experience. God loves a feast! The Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread) is prominent in the Bible over 76 times. In Acts 10:10-15 (NIV), God revealed to Peter a variety of formerly forbidden foods, declaring them acceptable to eat and enjoy. In the end, we will celebrate The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and oh what a feast that will be!

The scale may rise, but your worth doesn’t fall. Feed your soul with The Word of God, the most important thing you can digest. Until I walk in a perfected heavenly body, I’ll choose to nourish the one I have — in body and in spirit. Join me in this freeing approach, and if you RSVP yes to a holiday party, go with joy. And for goodness’ sake, enjoy a whole serving of Aunt Mart’s frosted yule log. Share the joy and share the recipe!

Jenny Foster

Author: Jenny Foster, author and speaker, is passionate about helping people move from adversity to inspiration. The Lord called her to write a book and create an abortion healing ministry called LovedMuch. She enjoys traveling, reading, mentoring, creative writing, and

Bible journaling. You can reach Jenny at jennyfoster.org or author@jennyfoster.org.