The arrival of the holidays is accompanied by the unique and delightful emotions characteristic of this season.
Experts confirm that the profound emotional impact that the holidays have is not coincidental, as storefront speakers blast Christmas music and neighbourhoods are illuminated with brilliant lights and festive spirit.
Norwegian researchers stimulated a ‘Christmas spirit network’ in the human brain when subjects viewed images with a Christmas theme.
Using 26 participants divided into a ‘Christmas’ and ‘non-Christmas’ group, the research, published in the BMJ, discovered that the sensory-motor cortex, which regulates bodily senses, became more active in response to stimuli positively associated with the holiday.
“If an individual recalls a joyful season of the year during their childhood due to family traditions, then that sentiment is likely to be reflected in their later years, as this time of year will evoke those feelings and memories.”
“What matters is what associations and cognitive interpretations of the holiday season entail for each person, which vary due to the diverse range of experiences that individuals possess.”
Goldman stated that she observes positive reinforcement in her clients, especially during the holiday season.
The Science of Christmas Joy: Classical Conditioning Explained
“Someone might have a positive experience, such as joyful childhood memories, presents, or baking cookies together, and then immediately feel happiness, joy, or other positive emotions at the thought of returning home or the holidays,” said Goldman.
“At that time, they experienced similar emotions that they did as children,” she explained.
The aforementioned experiences can be classified as classical conditioning, wherein behaviours are acquired through the association of a positive memory with a neutral stimulus, such as Christmas.
During the late 1890s, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov initially proposed classical conditioning. Pavlov observed that by clanging a bell each time he fed a dog, the dog would salivate at the sound of the bell, irrespective of whether it was being fed.
In 2019, Dr. Krystine Batcho, a professor of psychology at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, stated that Christmas euphoria operates in the same manner.
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“Decorations are symbolic of a time marker,” she continued.
During our youth or infancy, those decorations were typically accompanied by joyous occasions, such as family gatherings, delicious meals, and the exchange of gifts – anything uplifting and delightful.
“Through the process of classical conditioning, those decorations acquire the ability to improve our mood.”
Navigating Emotional Triggers During the Holiday Season
In response to a trigger triggered by a memory, the brain secretes hormones and compounds that induce an arousal state.
This implies that each recollection, whether positive or negative, functions as a stimulus and instructs the brain on how to react in a comparable circumstance.
Christmas-related recollections are not universally positive, and individuals may approach this season bearing negative stimuli that would otherwise dissuade them from celebrating the occasion.
“Remember that a trigger is any stimulus that elicits a strong or unexpected emotional reaction,” Goldman advised, adding that negative memories and trauma are common sources of triggers.
Goldman stated that she frequently hears clients express predisposed anxiety as the holiday season approaches, with family remarks and inquiries concerning their eating habits, weight, shape, or size being the most common causes.
These prior encounters elicit a provoked response that the holidays are a source of anxiety, and they are already expecting the same types of inquiries and comments during their subsequent visit.
Nevertheless, negative stimuli and emotions are not immutable; rather, it is possible to alter the course of events in response to them.
“It is critical to emphasise to readers that while this may appear challenging, it is not overly so.” Goldman stated the following.
Transforming Holiday Perspectives
Altering one’s thought process is analogous to forming any other habit; it requires effort and dedication.
Individuals have the capacity to modify their holiday disposition by forging fresh recollections and positive encounters, as well as by affirming themselves.
“Our self-talk frequently becomes our reality,” Goldman stated.
The more we tell ourselves or hear something from external sources, the more likely it is that we will eventually internalise and believe it.
One’s emotions and sentiments linked to the holiday season may compel one to either fully embrace the joyous atmosphere or retreat from it, reminiscent of the season while rejoicing in the tune of “Deck the Halls” well into the New Year.
