Around the world, Christmas is known as a season filled with joy, happiness, and generosity. Everyone genuinely seems to be happier at Christmastime. Families gather for annual dinners to fellowship with one another, holiday decorations are put around and outside of the home to get into a Christmas spirit, and radio stations begin to play Christmas music to evoke a sense of holiday cheer in the hearts of their listeners. Happiness during Christmastime can be a contagious feeling for many, and there are various psychological reasons for the inevitable happiness that many experience during the holiday season.
Research has shown that thinking about Christmas or being exposed to topics centered around Christmas can positively affect brain activity. The mere thought of Christmas can cause various regions in the brain to light up, which generates an emotion commonly known as “Christmas cheer.” Experiencing “Christmas cheer” is different for everyone since everyone has their own personal ties to Christmas—whether that is upholding family traditions, hanging out with friends, going on vacation, or baking cookies for Santa. These positive ties to Christmas can instantly increase someone’s anticipation to experience the holiday joy for themselves. This anticipation can usually result in people decorating early for Christmas, listening to Christmas music, or buying presents for their loved ones as soon as they get the chance.
Being able to experience the nostalgic moments that are associated with the Christmas season can make anyone’s heart smile. The opportunity to take a pause from life’s stressors, be with loved ones, and experience the gift of gratitude can enhance one’s state of well-being. Having the time to reflect on the joys of life can help an individual to be in tune with their inner child.
The Christmas season for people who identify with the Christian faith, is a time to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, and to remember the importance of this monumental event in human history. The essence of Christmas is rooted in goodness, joy, and charity. This can be a huge indicator as to why people are more likely to give to others who are in need during the holiday season. Christmas is a time where people take joy in making others happy and want to continue the cycle of happiness for as long as possible.
Although the Christmas season may seem to be a joyful time for most, it can be dreadful for some who have never had positive experiences to associate with the holiday. If an individual has dealt with broken relationships and trauma during the holidays or has never celebrated Christmas with their family, then they will have an adverse mental response to Christmas. For individuals with negative associations to Christmas, a shift in mental perspective or creating positive experiences for themselves and others could help with boosting morale during the holiday season.
Christmastime gives us all an opportunity to happily reflect on the past, be joyful in the present and be hopeful for the future.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.