Posted on 06 Dec, 2011 -
Why we’re happier now it’s Christmas
Why “Oh I wish it could be Christmas every day” may not be such a crazy wish after all
Why even the most cynical of people are a bit happier at Christmas
And why it is a great excuse to be positive and jolly
Dear Reader,
With the exception of a handful of humbugs, I think it would be safe to say that most of us get a certain lift in joy and happiness around this time of year.
That to me has always been a given. It was only when I recently started doing some research about the traits of happy people that it struck me that there are some really good reasons as to why.
Basically what I realised is that many of the well noted traits of naturally happy people are encouraged in us all by this festive season.
But what exactly are those traits? The list below are my suggestions with which you may agree or disagree as you like! There are some that we will probably just have to leave behind us when January finally rears its bare-twigged head - and some we may try and take with us into the New Year.
1. One of the most often listed traits of happy people is that they have an aim in life or a direction. They know what they want in life and this occupies their interest and keeps them excited about life.
We may not all have an aim in life but when Christmas is around the corner there is at least a direction and some kind of focus. It is also something to occupy our efforts and keep us excited.
2. Happy people are also said to live more in the present - rather than concentrating on their emotional injuries from the past or worrying about the future.
The whole Christmas period also seems a time when we focus on taking pleasure now and enjoy a timeless feeling of hope and excitement.
3. Kindness too is said to be a natural trait of the happy. Happy people are more likely to think very positively about others and less about themselves.
And what better time of year for love and togetherness and kindness towards others than now.
4. Another key factor for many people’s happiness is having good social networks and a happy family. We are social animals and love to be around others.
Even those Christmas humbugs who say they hate it can sometimes be seen smiling and laughing at the office party or around the Christmas lunch table...
5. Happy people are also more likely to be appreciative of what they already have and not to feel that they ought to have more.
This is perhaps a less obvious one because there is certainly a bit of coveting involved at Christmas and we do tend to spend a little more money than we have. I believe, however, that Christmas can sometimes make us feel proud of what we have achieved and what we have been able to provide for those that we love.
6. Happy people are more likely to focus on the positive things in life.
Yes, my children will report to you my own rage about Christmas beginning in November… the tree lights not working… AGAIN… and that time I made Grandma cry on Boxing Day. But most of us are a little bit soft at heart and know how to open ourselves to love and fun and happiness. And who doesn’t love Christmas music...?!
7. Another much-quoted ingredient for happiness is optimism about the future.
Seen through Nat King Cole and Babycham-tinted glasses, even my naturally pessimistic grandmother could manage a ”Maybe it will be a better year next year” as we sat round the telly on a Christmas afternoon together.
8. People who are happy welcome and embrace positive emotions and observations.
They probably also relish the chance to bring cheer to others at Christmas… to make Christmas a time of happiness for all… and go out of their way to make Christmas beautiful and magical.
9. I can not ignore another factor of happiness that keeps coming up in all the lists I’m looking at in books on self-development and psychology, which is that a healthy lifestyle (sleep, eat and exercise well) also leads to happiness.
To this I give you: a day spent Christmas shopping is enough of a work out for anyone… who doesn’t sleep well after a Christmas lunch and a couple of old comedies on the telly… and brussel sprouts are full of vitamins and minerals
10. And here’s a final one that I really liked: “Happy people live their life in awe, seeing the miraculous in everything.”
Enjoy the festive season while you can!
