The Mental Health Benefits Of Celebrating Christmas That Nobody Told You About

COVID-19 has taken a toll on human lives. People had to stay indoors and maintain social distancing when going out. This has a direct effect on personal celebrations as most of them had to cancel or subdue their plans. There have been increasing concerns that people have been socially interacting quite freely, resulting in the onslaught of the third wave of COVID-19.

That could be risky. Therefore, downplaying Christmas this year is something people are contemplating. Every celebration has a positive impact on an individual’s mental health, be it Diwali, Holi, Eid, or Christmas. Therefore, it might be beneficial for you if you engage in Christmas celebrations this year. But on a low scale, keeping in mind the restrictions. After all, there are a lot of mental health benefits. Check them out.

Significance of Christmas

The beauty of Christmas is that people from all faiths can celebrate this beautiful festival. Christmas is all about togetherness. Christmas holidays bring families together to look back at how the entire year has been and look forward to a new year and new beginnings. Social activities bring collective joy and have a positive impact on one’s psyche. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a social gathering.

Even small get-togethers of friends and family can bring in the same amount of happiness and positivity. It is possible to feel the collective vivacity and enthusiasm during the festival of Christmas every year. Generosity, selflessness, and goodwill are something everyone feels at this time.

Many believe that Christmas cheer is nothing less than emotion in itself. Though there are COVID-19 restrictions this time. There might be some leniency in the United Kingdom and some countries in Europe. Therefore, you can witness the Christmas cheer if you want to.

Christmas will Not Make You feel Lonely Anymore

2020 and 2021 have been two dreadful years due to the impact of COVID-19. Lack of social interactions and exposure to the outdoors has forced many people to feel lonely and isolated. This is a common feature. At Christmas, you can meet people, interact with friends and family. Participating in the festivities will bring back that liveliness in you that you have been missing for a long time.

If the restrictions are on in your area or you can’t take the risk of going out, you can contact your loved ones through text messages, video calls, emails, and social media. If you want to be physically present at the Christmas festivities this year, you can keep yourself active. The more active you are, the better it is for your mental health, as the feelings of loneliness will never set in.

Christmas is all about happiness and cheer. Your mood will automatically improve. Getting involved in an enjoyable task will give rise to positive emotions. It will help you ward off loneliness, severe depression, and unhealthy behaviors.

Rituals and Positivity

The journey is more important than the destination. Through rituals, you get predictability and structure in your lives. Rates of anxiety have soared up during lockdowns. Rituals have an important role to play in managing anxiety. Every ritual has its symbolism and meaning.

The Christmas rituals include buying presents for your close ones, attending parties, ice skating, visiting Christmas markets, caroling and singing. Of course, the lip-smacking dishes and drinks add fervor to the celebration. Stolen, panettone, mince pies, mulled pies, and whatnot.

Christmas Brings Up Old Memories

The mood has been somber due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021. However, as things have been easing out a bit, many people will be involved in Christmas decorations. That will automatically boost the general mood. Christmas rituals can play a significant role in creating a sense of satisfaction and well-being. Every year as you put up decorations during Christmas, your brain tends to bring back all the past feelings associated with the celebrations.

Christmas smells too can bring back old memories. Yes, the circumstances are not been the same for the last two years. But the stimuli can help your brains trigger happy and joyous moments from the past, making you feel happy and satisfied. So, are you ready to celebrate Christmas with the festive spirit while following COVID-19 norms? Do let us know what you plan on doing differently this year!