Carlos Solis
It turns out that our brains have what scientists call a “Christmas spirit network,” which connects our memories to each new holiday cue.
When festive music plays from store speakers and streets sparkle with bright lights, many of us are filled with a warm, familiar feeling. Often our mood lifts, too.
Researchers from Norway found that the sights, sounds, and other cues of the winter holidays activate this Christmas spirit network in the brain. The study, published in the BMJ, involved 26 participants who were divided into “Christmas” and “non-Christmas” groups based on whether they celebrate the holiday. Associations with the holiday activated the sensorimotor cortex in participants who celebrate. As a result, these participants experienced an uplift in mood and a sense of lightness throughout their bodies. In contrast, participants who do not celebrate tended to feel more irritable when reminded of Christmas.
A Time When Memories Come Alive
Dr. Rachel Goldman of New York University told the Daily Mail, “If a person has pleasant childhood memories associated with family traditions and this was a joyful time of year for them, it likely means that these memories and feelings will return in the future.”
Goldman also says the anticipation of the holiday and the Christmas break plays a significant role in shaping uplifting feelings. That factor is unique to each person, since we all have different experiences of holiday relaxation.
As for other things that activate the Christmas spirit network, childhood memories of baking cookies and receiving gifts are among the most powerful. In those cases, even the simple thought of going home for a weekend or holiday can instantly evoke happiness, Goldman noted.
Christmas decorations hold special power, says Kristin Baccho, a psychology professor at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. She ties those decorations to cherished childhood events like gathering with family, enjoying holiday food, and exchanging gifts.
Each memory acts as a trigger, signaling the brain how to respond when a person encounters a situation reminiscent of the past.
Negative Scenarios Can Always Be Changed to Positive Ones
Unfortunately, many people lack joyful memories of winter holidays. As a result, their negative triggers signal to the brain that the holidays can be skipped altogether.
Goldman says some of her clients are prone to anxiety before the holidays. This is often linked to memories of past comments about their eating habits, weight, and appearance. Those experiences lead people to expect the holidays to be stressful and to anticipate similar comments again.
But triggers aren’t set in stone; the usual script can be rewritten.
People can change their attitude toward the holidays by creating new memories and positive experiences. Talking to yourself positively can help, Goldman noted. “The more we convince ourselves of something, the quicker we ultimately internalize it and believe it,” she added.
Photo: pixabay.com
