The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos cover image

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Finding Holiday Happiness (Dr Laurie on the How God Works podcast)

Dec 16, 2024
Join Dave DeSteno, a psychology professor and host of How God Works, as he chats with Dr. Laurie Santos about finding happiness during the often stressful holiday season. They explore the emotional challenges of winter festivities and the importance of adjusting expectations. Discover the uplifting power of giving and creating meaningful connections, plus practical strategies like gratitude journals and simple acts of kindness. Embrace holiday rituals to enhance joy and connection, ensuring this season is a fulfilling one.
38:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Recalibrating holiday expectations is essential to appreciate the season's positive moments and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
  • Engaging in holiday traditions and acts of giving fosters connection, gratitude, and a deeper sense of personal happiness.

Deep dives

Understanding Holiday Expectations

The holiday season often brings heightened expectations leading to stress and dissatisfaction for many individuals. People may feel compelled to conform to the notion of it being 'the most wonderful time of the year,' causing a disconnect if their experiences differ. Research shows that higher expectations can overshadow reasonably good moments, leading individuals to feel inadequate. It is essential to recalibrate these expectations to savor the positive aspects of the season instead of fixating on how it 'should' be.

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