The Christmas spirit isn’t just about Christmas day. It’s about expectations and getting in the mood for the season. It’s said that just putting up holiday decorations, among other things, can make you feel good. But does it really? Do holidays really cheer us up or just create a false sense of happiness? Which begs the question is a false sense of happiness happy, too? At any rate, some scientists have researched this and they came to the conclusion that, yes indeed, they do brighten our mood. What about exactly is it about the holiday that effects our moods?
Lights
If holiday lights alone could be a mood booster then America would have it made. My husband visited the States during the Christmas season many years ago. A friend and he were flabbergasted to see the sheer number of houses over-decorated for the holidays with lights. At that time Switzerland was still in the ‘dark ages’ as it were, very few, if any Swiss decorated the outside of their homes with gaudy lightshows. So the spectacular outlining of houses with blinking lights and reindeer, Santa or a Nativity scene on the roof seemed odd, almost insane. The picture he took looks rather subdued by today’s standards. I mean, really, they could have put some shooting stars in the windows or something like that. But remember, this was many years ago and the kind of outdoor lights you could buy were somewhat limited.
But the Americans were on to something. It seems that twinkly lights is one of many reasons joy is signaled by your brain. The more lights the more joy. Switzerland has long since joined the string-the-lights-all-over-your-house-and-garden mindset. No one bats an eye when they see a lit up reindeer, sleigh or even a Santa lurking in the garden nowadays. But just for the record, I still think Americans have the twinkly light market cornered.
Music
Adding music can boost your mood even more. It’s no coincidence every store you go into after Thanksgiving is playing happy Christmas background music. It’s true, music evokes good feelings and happy music can make you happy.
But not only people react to happy sounds. ‘Raise the woof’ is said to be the first Christmas Dog Song. I played it for our dog and he went wild wagging his tail, looking for a squeaky toy. Luckily the lyrics were in English. Although I do talk to our dog in English often, we say key words like ‘time to eat’ and ‘go for a walk’ in Swiss German. So he didn’t understand that part of the song. Otherwise he would have thought dinner was on the way or we were going to go out. I do say ‘good boy’ and ‘sit’ which he reacted to when he heard that said in the video. But it’s a cool song and made him feel good. What more can you want?
Memories
Nostalgia plays a huge roll in how you feel when decorating your home. It reminds you of a happy season or memory and immediately boosts your mood. Just putting family Christmas decorations on the tree sets off memories. Making and eating cookies can do the same.
Smells
The sense of smell is a big factor in memories. Remembering how the house smelled on Christmas morning be that the fire in the fireplace or the pine smell of the Christmas tree. Naturally there are a host of food smells seeping from the kitchen that tug on your heart strings.
Putting it all together
Setting off one or all those triggers can put you in a pretty good mood. Stores take advantage of these facts and know that if you feel good and feel the Christmas cheer you dig deeper into your pockets.
Of all places, at the Outer Banks, North Carolina, there’s a Christmas store. The store is open all year around and located at the beach. It has everything to get you into the perfect Christmas mood, even on the hottest days of the summer at the beach. Despite wearing swimsuits and flip-flops we were immediately in the Christmas spirit as soon as we walked through the door. First it was air-conditioned down to the right temperature that hit us when we walked in. Then you smelled the perfect Christmas combination of cinnamon and other Christmassy aromas. Of course there was also joyful Christmas music playing discreetly in the background. The twinkly lights everywhere just made you smile and want to buy Christmas decorations and gifts they were selling.
Christmas markets in Europe and around the world also set the mood. The first recorded tradition of the December market can be traced back to 1298 in Vienna, Austria. There are around 20 Christmas markets also known as ‘Christkindlmarkt’ [Christ child market] in Vienna but the one held in front of City Hall is the oldest and most traditional.
There are usually a few Christmas markets in Berne, too. This year, because of the pandemic only two markets will be held: ‘Münsterplatz’ [Cathedral place] and ‘Waisenhausplatz’ [orphanage place]. The pandemic concept I believe calls for fewer stands than usual and absolutely no food or drinks to be sold. So the aroma part of the cheer, along with the mull wine will be sorely missed. I imagine they will probably try to fill the aroma-void with lights and music.
The Takeaway
Mindset is important, especially during the holidays. If you are feeling a little down this season, why not start a new tradition. Throw on some holiday music, light some candles, break out the mulled wine, decorate early and enjoy. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly.
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