The Holiday Spirit Part 3

Have you heard the phrase “Why can’t every day be like Christmas?” in a song, movie, or conversation?   What are they referring to?  Is it a longing for peace that comes from the unity of celebrations?  Is it the joy that comes from giving gifts or serving others?  Is it the feeling of gratitude that reduces stress?  Bigger question, why is it only associated with the Christmas season?  In Part 1, we posed the question as to why does the end of the year seem to compel people to do things they are not as inclined to do in any other season?  Feeding the hungry?  People are hungry year-round, yet there is an extra tug at people’s hearts to make sure no one misses out on a hot traditional holiday meal.  Toy drives for children?  Children like toys all year.  Why the urge to buy out the toy section at the end of the year?  Shoes for third world countries?  Don’t they need to cover their feet every day?  While science and psychology are not in my wheelhouse, I do find them to be fascinating when pondering things from their perspective.  In researching the “holiday spirit,” here are a few things I found as to what it is and what drives these behaviors… 

First and foremost, did you know that “holiday spirit” was listed in a dictionary?  The Collins Dictionary defines “holiday spirit” as “the positive feeling people experience while on holiday and during holiday periods such as the Christmas period.”  These positive feelings were things such as joy, generosity, and warmth.  They are often associated with nostalgia, family traditions, festive music and decorations, and the act of giving.  So, what is the elemental psychology behind it?  It all relates to neurotransmitters and endorphins.  Fond memories from past holidays trigger chemicals in the brain, like serotonin, that regulates feelings of security and well-being.  Traditions and rituals also have an endorphin effect, invoking a sense of meaning and purpose.  Festive sights, sounds and smells can activate dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the brain’s pleasure and reward system, boosting mood.  In regards to the act of giving, there is a psychological term that emerged in the 80’s or 90’s called “the helper’s high.”  It refers to the euphoric feeling often felt after doing something for others, such as donating, volunteering, or some form of kindness.  It can even relate to the receiving end when the expectation of receiving a gift compels one to give back, the “pay it forward” effect.  This “helper’s high” induces happiness and a connection with others.  It is attributed to the “love hormone,” oxytocin, that is tied to social bonding and emotional connections.

So, why is the “holiday spirit” only present during the holidays and especially at the end of the year?  I have a theory.  In Part 4, I will share it with you and give my final thoughts on this topic.