The many faces of Christmas spirit

For many of us, the winter holidays are a magical time when we enjoy being with our loved ones, giving gifts, and celebrating traditions. However, for others, it can be a stressful and anxious time, even leading to symptoms of depression. To understand these changes in mood during the month of gifts, we will consider the factors that shape the atmosphere of these days.

            Thus, for those of us who enjoyed Christmas as children or have fond memories of this time of year, the customs, colors, and smells specific to the season create a state of happiness. We perpetuate the traditions of years past because they have become part of our identity.

Just as family gatherings and time spent with loved ones are a source of happiness for some people, for others they are a source of additional stress, especially if some family members are difficult or relationships with them are strained. At the same time, for those who are alone or who have lost a loved one at the end of the year, promoting happy family gatherings and Christmas parties with friends or as a couple can be a catalyst for feelings of loneliness, sadness, or pain during this period. Humans are social beings who feel good when they are involved, relate to and integrate with their peers. For this reason, when a person compares themselves to others and feels different from most people around the holidays, they feel even more isolated, different or deepened in their sadness.

            On the other hand, those of us who prefer less social interaction feel out of our comfort zone when participating in festive gatherings during this period. Others may be similar to the fictional character Grinch, considering everything to be artificial, superficial, or commercial and rejecting the festive atmosphere altogether.

            When we go shopping, our brain releases dopamine, which gives us a feeling of pleasure, and buying gifts for others makes us feel better than buying things for ourselves. The joy of giving and receiving can be viewed through the norm of reciprocity applied to social exchanges, and from this perspective, the pleasure of gift-giving can be overshadowed, in some cases, by financial difficulties, and the desire to find the right gift or reciprocate the gesture can put pressure on the individual.

            Ultimately, everyone experiences the winter holidays based on their own feelings and experiences. Whether we enjoy the magic of Christmas or feel stress, anxiety, or sadness, it's important to understand that everyone has a unique perspective on this festive season.