It’s the holiday season, and you can guarantee it will have an impact on people’s health in several ways. The cold temperatures mean an increase in sniffling noses and coughs, while Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties with a ton of food mean an increase in pant sizes and gym memberships come January. But what about our spiritual health? Even though Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, could the activities we are involved with prior to the big day mean an increased distance in our relationship with God? Don’t let the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking disconnect you from Him this holiday season. Here are some tips on how you can stay spiritually healthy:

• Engage in Daily Fellowship – To be in top physical shape, we must be dedicated to exercising and eating right on a consistent basis. To be in great spiritual health, we must have a similar approach in our fellowship with Christ. Strengthen your spiritual health by devoting time strictly to God each day throughout this busy season. Keep up on your devotions and Advent readings before starting your day, venture out on a shopping spree by listening to religious Christmas music in the car, and pray to yourself while you wrap presents. Your options for fellowship are endless as these are just a few simple ideas you can engage in as Christmas Day approaches.
• Give Back – Another way to remain in excellent spiritual health throughout the holiday season is to give back to those who need assistance. Hebrew 13:16 is a perfect verse for us to turn to when we feel a calling to give back. “And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” There are a variety of ways in which you can give back this holiday season. Baking food for an elderly neighbor, sponsoring a family to purchase Christmas gifts for, or hand-delivering cards to individuals who are staying at a local hospital are only a number of great ideas that you could actively pursue.
• Minister to Outsiders – Along with Jesus telling his 11 apostles to go and make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:10-20 (The Great Commission), He makes additional comments in Mark 16:15: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Ministering to those who don’t know Christ doesn’t have to be complex. An initial way to strike up a conversation with someone outside of your church this season is to ask, “What do you think about Jesus?” or "How do you celebrate Christmas?" Based on how that initial interaction goes, you might feel prompted to invite that person to your weekly Bible study or Christmas service as well as offer to pray over a special need that he or she currently has. You never know. A simple gesture could be life-changing.

As the craziness of the holiday season is in full swing, it can be easy to feel like you are growing farther apart from God. However, it’s important that you don’t let all the everyday holiday tasks take priority over your relationship with Christ. Be determined and stick to staying spiritually healthy this year!