Ah, the holiday season.
Some folks like to start their Christmas decorations in October … or even September.
What’s the reason for that? The rest of us think, “Are they crazy?”
No, they aren’t. Rather, they’ve learned a lesson the rest of us need to pay attention to.
Let’s look to the book of Proverbs in the Bible:
“A merry heart does good like medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
People really do experience an uptick in their emotions during the holiday season. Whether you lay reason to the bright ribbons, the colored lights reflecting on the snow, or the beauty of the Christmas decorations in our homes and businesses, the effect is real.
When we attend a Christmas party, and we let ourselves become fully involved, we get a dopamine rush from the social interactions that only comes during the holiday season. The food, the gifts, the glitter and sparkle, it all plays into lifting our spirits and, if only for the night, setting our problems aside.
A 2023 Mayo Clinic study reveals that laughing over a plate of Christmas pie really does act like good medicine on our bodies. It provides stress relief and can improve our immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve our mood. Or, as the study says, laughter really is the best medicine.
Let’s be holiday positive this year. Attend your church cantata. Be there at your Sunday school Christmas breakfast. Wear your brightest colors and a brilliant smile. You will “rock” the party. Everyone will benefit and, like ingesting good medicine, leave happier and feel better.
A merry holiday season, that’s what Proverbs says we should strive for. Put on a smile and get to it today.
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