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unwrapping the health benefits of christmas spirit: brain boosts, blood pressure and cheerful connections

overcome "bah humbug" syndrome to reap the health benefits of the holidays.

by angelica bottaro
published dec 24, 2024
read time 4 minute read
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read time 4 minute read
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singing, laughing, and being merry aren't just for hallmark movies—there's actually some science behind why christmas improves health. getty images
getting into the christmas spirit is easy for some and more difficult for others, but countless scientific studies have shown that those who fall into the former category may be doing their health a favour. the music, decorations, food, and even the positive associations created through years of christmas traditions can all offer health benefits. this shows that if you can de-scrooge yourself this holiday season, your body and mind may thank you by bringing you into the new year in fine fettle.

the christmas spirit neural network

the human brain has various areas that light up during times of joy, stress, and everything in between. but when it comes to christmas, one study shows that there is a very cerebral response to the holiday when people are in the christmas spirit.
researchers surveyed a small group of people and showed them holiday imagery while they were in a magnetic resonance imaging (mri) machine. the group was divided into two categories: those who have strong traditional celebrations every year and those who do not.
as it turns out, the researchers found a “functional christmas network” in the former group, with various areas of their brains lighting up like a holiday tree when shown the imagery. specific areas of the brain that experienced the highest cerebral response were the parietal lobules, the premotor cortex, and the somatosensory cortex.

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the parietal lobules play a role in self-transcendence, which is often seen in more spiritual personalities. the frontal premotor cortex aids in the sharing of emotions with others, and the somatosensory cortex is a crucial part of the brain when it comes to recognizing facial emotions in others to help read people’s feelings on their faces better.
when combined, these three areas and their expertise create a neuronal connection in the brain that suggests a neuropsychological and scientific explanation for the christmas spirit.

tis the season to be jolly-er

many people are in much lighter moods around the holidays, and there’s some science to back up why. research has shown that, while not for everyone, holiday music, in particular, may be a simple and viable solution to bah humbug syndrome.
one study looked at the effects of singing christmas carols under a tree with others and found that the act can significantly affect mood. the reasons behind the increased mood stem from various other parameters of good mental health, such as feeling closeness with others, social bonding, and activating the reward centre in the brain during singing.
other benefits of singing christmas carols with others, whether strangers on the street or family in your home, showed that the attentiveness and adaptation needed to create a cohesive performance also leads to feeling more substantial social inclusion.
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from a religious standpoint, getting together in a church to sing christmas carols with others demonstrates a level of altruism that can increase empathy and compassion during the holidays, both of which can improve mood.
when people are helping others, they benefit through the art of good old brain chemistry. charitable acts and helping others in need activate the reward centre in the brain, releasing chemicals that lead to feelings of euphoria, tranquillity, and peace.
holiday decorations also have benefits, as shown by studies that looked into how others were perceived by their neighbours when they decked their halls. the study found that people with decorations were likelier to be rated more friendly and open to community than those who shut the lights off and skipped the tradition.
decorations, especially the traditional kind,  increase dopamine levels to improve mood and evoke positive feelings of nostalgia. opting for a real christmas tree can also introduce natural organic compounds into the air that enhance feelings of comfort. the bright and colourful lights of christmas are also a highly beneficial decoration because they throw a little light therapy into the mix, a type of therapy that’s proven to boost both energy levels and mood.
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when it comes to binge-watching your favourite christmas movies around the holidays, science says it’s beneficial to do so because these stories increase feel-good hormones, improving mood, feelings of connection, and overall mental health.

boosting physical health through holiday cheer

it’s not just mental health that can be improved through getting into the christmas spirit with song.
in one particular study, listening to christmas music was shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure by reducing stress levels that often come with the other not-so-happy parts of the holiday season, such as overspending and lack of rest.
people who could listen to holiday music and enjoy it experienced a heart-healthy reduction in blood pressure while keeping spirits up, leading to more feelings of ease and calmness.
food cooked during the holidays often uses some powerhouse spices that don’t make it into regular meals throughout the year. these spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all possess their own physical health benefits that can bring you into the new year just a little bit healthier.
for example, cinnamon has a ton of antioxidants that can help stabilize free radicals in the body, which can lead to oxidative stress when out of control. the spice is also anti-inflammatory, so consuming it over the holidays can combat any inflammation you have in the body.
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nutmeg is great for both digestion and sleep, helping you feel better and sleep better after a busy day of preparing a feast or travelling to family to enjoy their company. cloves have natural antibacterial properties that can protect against infections while also being shown to soothe and reduce pain.
many people also shop in person during the holidays. this activity benefits physical health by getting more steps in, and shopping strongly correlates with living longer due to the benefits of retail therapy.
so, considering the evidence, getting into the christmas spirit with music, movies, decorations, and loved ones may be just what you need to finish 2024 strong on the health front.
angelica bottaro
angelica bottaro

angelica bottaro is the lead editor at healthing.ca, and has been content writing for over a decade, specializing in all things health. her goal as a health journalist is to bring awareness and information to people that they can use as an additional tool toward their own optimal health.

read more about the author

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