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What Makes for a Merry Christmas?

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Abstract

Despite the importance of Christmas within many cultures, researchhas not examined the types of experiences and activities that are associated withholiday well-being. Thus, we asked 117 individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 80,to answer questions about their satisfaction, stress, and emotional state during theChristmas season, as well as questions about their experiences, use of money, andconsumption behaviors. More happiness was reported when family and religiousexperiences were especially salient, and lower well-being occurred when spendingmoney and receiving gifts predominated. Engaging in environmentally consciousconsumption practices also predicted a happier holiday, as did being older and male.In sum, the materialistic aspects of modern Christmas celebrations may underminewell-being, while family and spiritual activities may help people to feel more satisfied.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Box K-83 Knox College Galesburg, IL 61401, USA

    Tim Kasser

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  1. Tim Kasser
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  2. Kennon M. Sheldon
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Correspondence to Tim Kasser.

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Kasser, T., Sheldon, K.M. What Makes for a Merry Christmas?. Journal of Happiness Studies 3, 313–329 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021516410457

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