Most people smile when they think of holiday traditions. They feel a sense of anticipation and nostalgia. We can almost taste the special food, smell the candles, and hear those familiar tunes in our heads.
Rituals mark some of our most important life moments, from birthdays and marriages to religious holidays and seasonal celebrations such as Christmas and Hanukkah. The more important the event, the fancier and more elaborate the ritual.
The holiday rituals are filled with sensory pageantry. These bells and whistles (often in a literal sense) signal to our entire body that this is not a common event but one with meaning and significance. This sensory excitement helps to create lasting memories of these occasions and marks them as special events that are worth cherishing.
There are many reasons to cherish family rituals. They can have a variety of psychological benefits. They help us relax, enjoy our loved ones, and connect with them.
An anxiety buffer
Life is full of stress and uncertainty. It’s comforting to have a time of year when we can do things the same way as we always did them.
A holiday toast may have special significance. Diane Cordell, CC BY-NC-ND
Holiday traditions are full of rituals, from reciting blessings and raising a glass for a toast to reciting prayers. Laboratory studies and Field Studies have shown that structured and repetitive rituals are a good way to reduce anxiety.
Of course, many of these rituals can be performed throughout the entire year. They become even more meaningful during the holidays. The holidays are held at a special location (our family home) with special people (our nearest relatives and friends). This is why more people travel at the end of the year. The gathering of people from distant locations allows them to leave behind their worries and reconnect with long-standing family traditions.
Happy Meals
A festive meal is a must for any holiday. Cooking is one of our most defining characteristics.
Long hours in the kitchen or dining room, preparing and eating holiday meals, serve many of the social functions of the hearths our ancestors used. A ceremonial dinner brings families together, enables them to connect, and fosters conversation.
Food and meal preparation are central to all cultures. The Jewish tradition requires that food be prepared and chosen according to certain rules (Kosher). In some parts of India and the Middle East, the only way to eat is with the right hand. In many European countries, it’s important to keep your eyes locked while toasting to avoid seven years’ worth of bad sex.
The hosts go all out for a holiday feast. +Simple Unsplash CC-BY
Of course, special occasions require special meals. Most cultures save their most delicious and elaborate dishes for special occasions. In Mauritius, for example, Tamil Hindus will serve colorful “seven curries” as part of the Thaipussam Kavadi festival. And in Greece, families gather to spit roast an entire lamb on Easter Day. These recipes are often laced with secret ingredients, not only culinary but also psychological.
Researchers have found that performing a ritual prior to a meal enhances the experience of eating, and even plain carrots seem more delicious. Seem tastier. In other studies, it was found that when children are involved in the preparation of food, they like the food better. And that the more time we spend cooking a meal, the more we appreciate the meal. The labor and fanfare that go into holiday meals almost guarantee a better gastronomic experience.
Share is caring
It is not uncommon to exchange gifts during the holidays. This might seem like a waste of resources, or at worst, recycling them. Don’t undervalue the value of these exchanges. Anthropologists note that ritualized gifts play a vital role in many societies by creating networks of mutually beneficial relationships.
The gifts under the Christmas tree are a major part of the celebration. Andrew Neel from Unsplash CC-BY
Many families exchange lists of holiday gift wishes. This system is brilliant because it allows people to get what they want but still receive the satisfaction of receiving and giving gifts.
We can indulge guilt-free, as it is a special season. We both liked a fancy machine, but it was just too expensive. In December, my wife and I bought the device as a gift for each other, agreeing it was okay to spend a little more during the holidays.
Family is made up of what?
Holiday rituals are important for maintaining and strengthening family bonds. Holiday rituals can be the glue that binds distant relatives together.
It is important to understand that rituals are powerful markers of group identity. In some of my field studies, I found that participating in collective rituals created feelings of belonging as well as increased generosity towards other members of the groups. Spending the holidays for the first is a common rite of passage, a sign that you are a true member of the family.
Children are especially fond of holiday traditions. Research has shown that kids who take part in group rituals are more closely associated with their peers. In addition, more positive memories from family rituals seem to be linked with more positive interactions with one’s children.
Rituals and traditions can enhance holiday memories. Darren Coleshill from Unsplash CC-BY
The perfect family harmony recipe is to have holiday rituals. You might have to take three flights, and they are almost certain to be delayed. Your uncle will get drunk again and have a political disagreement with his son-in-law. According to Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman, this will not ruin the experience.
Kahneman’s study shows that we remember best the moments we have experienced and forget everything else. The “Peak-End Rule” is what’s known.
The memories of family holidays will be dominated by the rituals, both joyful and silly, the food, the gifts, and the goodbyes at the end of each night after your uncle has reconciled with his son-in-law. You’ll be able to plan for the next holiday when you return home.
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