From baking to carolling, playing games to storytelling, there are lots of ways to connect with the people you love over the holiday period, in person or remotely with the aid of tech. And science says it's good for us!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Especially as celebrating Christmas and the festive season with your family is scientifically proven to be good for you, whatever your age.
“The sociologist Émile Durkheim used the term ‘collective effervescence’ to describe the positive mood we feel when we take part in social activities that bring collective joy and make us feel part of a bigger community,” explains Nilufer Ahmed, a lecturer in social sciences at the University of Bristol.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your family, in person or on the iPad, and feel yourself light up like a Christmas tree.
Choose the perfect tree
In 2016, analysis of three separate studies found that families who create and celebrate rituals together are more likely to get together at major holidays, and more likely to enjoy those holidays, too.
These rituals don’t have to be complicated. Start with a family outing to find just the right tree. More and more farms across the UK now offer a ‘pick your own’ service. Bundle up warm and wander through the rows of growing trees, sniffing the scent of pine and searching for one that’s the perfect shape for your sitting room.
If you’re struggling to find a farm near you, the searchable database on PYO.co.uk can help.
Warble your way to a winter wonderland
According to a study from the University of Oxford, singing in a group makes people feel close to each other faster than other creative group activities (like crafting, for example, or creative writing). So find yourself a carol singing session, gather your nearest and dearest and open your lungs.
For the ultimate experience, book tickets for the Royal Festival Hall’s Christmas Carol Sing-a-long on 10 December, where the London Concert Orchestra will accompany you as you belt out O Little Town of Bethlehem.
Make a montage
According to Jennifer Mason at the University of Manchester, Christmas traditions help families mark the passage of time. Doing something that makes a particular moment or month stand out from the rest of the year creates a staging post around which memories are indexed and family histories take shape.
You can double down on that memory making every Christmas by sifting through your photos from the past year and making an album to share with relatives.
Lots of companies (like Snapfish or Photobox) will transform your smartphone shots into a hardback album, to be wrapped and placed under the tree, or sent to relatives who can’t be there on the day.
Share stories of Christmas past
What was Christmas like for Grandpa, in the era before iPads or even – whisper it – Minecraft?!
There’s no better way to ensure a rapt young audience than sharing stories of the bad/good old days. A 2016 study from Stanford University found that bringing old and young generations together has benefits for both.
“There is growing reason to think that older people may be just the resource children need,” its authors found.
As we age, our complex problem-solving and emotional skills actually improve, making us great listeners and advisers to the younger generation.
Meanwhile, “older adults… seek – and need – purpose in their lives.” Nurturing and entertaining young relatives can provide exactly this.
