Finding Holiday Happiness (Dr Laurie on the How God Works podcast)
Dec 16, 2024
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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.
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.
The Importance of Traditions
Participating in traditional holiday celebrations can significantly enhance overall happiness and emotional well-being. Studies indicate that those who engage with customs like gift-giving, gathering, and communal experiences report feeling more fulfilled. The core of these traditions, regardless of their religious origins, lies in their ability to foster connection, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. Thus, embracing and engaging with these rituals can positively affect mood and diminish feelings of isolation.
Giving and Gratitude as Pathways to Joy
Engaging in acts of giving, whether through charitable donations or time spent helping others, is shown to increase personal happiness. Evidence suggests that people tend to underestimate the joy derived from altruistic actions, which often results in a richer emotional experience than expected. Expressing gratitude enhances this cycle of joy, as acknowledging the thoughtfulness behind a gift can cultivate deeper connections. By practice and engagement, individuals can shift from feelings of obligation to genuine appreciation during the holiday season.
Creating New Traditions
Establishing personal or family traditions can provide meaningful experiences and foster connections during the holiday season. These rituals, whether they are simple or unique, can offer opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and social bonding. Embracing the absurd or unconventional in holiday celebrations allows for creativity and can break the monotony of traditional expectations. Ultimately, the act of creating new memories can promote happiness by adding depth and individuality to the holiday experience.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. But all too often, the darker, colder days of winter, and even the stress of preparing for the holidays themselves, can lead people to feel something else: rushed, stressed, lonely, or even hopeless. How can you make sure this year is bright?
Dr Laurie joins Dave DeSteno on his show How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality to unpack the psychological secrets of celebrations from Christmas, to Hanukkah, to Yule, and more. They’ll also discuss how we can put that wisdom into practice, whatever our beliefs, to make this season a happier and healthier one for all.