Many speculate on how Christmas influences our emotions. Yet, to date, little research has actually been carried out to determine the true psychological effects of the festive experience. The simple question on many people’s lips is: Is Christmas good or bad? Thankfully, it would appear, for the most part: Yes! Indeed, studies tell us that Christmas, for most people, exerts a positive influence.  

Extant studies suggest around 75% people feel satisfied after Christmas; although, many reported feeling stressed at the same time. Older people report greater happiness at Christmas than young people. Positive emotions at Christmas are usually linked to the fact that people tend see and collaborate with family and loved ones more at Christmas; for example, seeing extended family, eating with family, giving presents, decorating with others and playing games. These collaborative activities often elicit greater satisfaction, although the opposite can sometimes occur, whereby anger and resentment can be sparked off by ongoing family frictions, particularly when alcohol is involved.   Present giving also has significance. Offering a gift shows regard and demonstrates to the recipient that they were being thought of. Giving money is usually not as good an option. Indeed, offering money has been linked to dissatisfaction as it does not demonstrate thought about the recipient.  

Despite these positive findings, around 10% of people report unhappiness at Christmas. Various factors have linked to emotional decline at Christmas including family frictions/rivalry, stress evoked by catering for the extended family and shopping in overcrowded areas. However, on a more positive note, studies indicate that suicides are less common at Christmas. The common misconception that suicides peak at Christmas has been allayed by research that tells us that suicides tend to peak in spring and autumn - not during winter.  

So how can we avoid a stressful or unhappy Christmas? Planning ahead and putting into practice positive plans can minimise festive stress. Here are some tips. Putting meaningful thought into your present buying can lead to a sense of satisfaction (particularly when the recipient shows joy). Undertaking joint tasks with others (such as playing games) can lead to lead to a sense of pleasure. Drinking in moderation often helps reduce interpersonal frictions and keeps mood on an even keel. Finally, planning necessary tasks in advance (such as Christmas shopping) will enable you to avoid those situations that tend to trigger off your stress (e.g., shop online rather than trawling around overcrowded shops).  

By Thomas Brown BA (Hons.)  PGCert. MBPsS

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