The acting isn’t Oscar-worthy and the script is often quite predictable, but even so, it’s hard not to end up watching Christmas movies when the end of the year approaches. In fact, there are those who even look forward to that time of year to enjoy their favorite films again, a custom that has been passed down through several generations in many homes.
This fascination with films that, a priori, are not particularly good, has a psychological explanation that producers have known how to take advantage of to create a genre that, although it arouses fierce criticism, also comforts and excites many during Christmas. In fact, approximately 60% of American households watch at least one Christmas movie during the last days of the year.
Predictability, blessed predictability
We live in a chaotic and uncertain world. Stress and haste consume us. Worrying about tomorrow keeps us awake at night. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, Christmas movies allow us to take a breather. They bring us back to a place where we feel safe.
Their predictable scripts create a sense of control. We know how they are going to end. There are no jump scares or unwanted surprises. The peace of mind of knowing exactly what to expect allows us to relax and enjoy the experience without the anxiety that accompanies more complex narratives.
The act of curling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket to sink into a holiday classic can provide us with a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the season.
The anticipation of the emotional journey that will take place also creates a neural reward, even before the movie starts, if we have already seen it. When we feel that the characters are like “old friends” and we recognize the settings as familiar places, those connections trigger a feeling of warmth induced by the release of oxytocin.
Nostalgia and happiness, a winning tandem
Christmas movies draw on nostalgia, a powerful feeling that binds us to familiar tropes beyond what is rational. If you have seen these films as a family, you will probably want to enjoy them again with your children. This way, it becomes a tradition that generates a sense of continuity in a life that sometimes seems too fluid and inconstant.
These films remind us of simpler times, often associated with childhood memories, family gatherings and Christmas celebrations that we would like to relive in some way. They therefore become a kind of effective coping strategy: a healthy, time-limited escape that takes us to a feel-good story.
In fact, a study conducted at Brigham Young University found that there are different types of people who enjoy Christmas movies. One group, whom they called “reindeer,” used these movies to escape from their daily problems and busy lifestyles. On the other hand, those who were labeled “season greeters” were film enthusiasts who watched these movies to celebrate Christmas. Finally, there were the “carolers,” who simply watched these movies because they enjoy stories with happy endings.
However, Christmas movies are not just a means of escaping reality. They also offer us a glimpse, however limited, of what the world could be like. In fact, their plot almost always revolves around the “black sheep” of the family or community. At some point, everyone decides to bury the hatchet and harmony reigns because everyone accepts the uniqueness of the other.
That feeling that everything will work out in the end is psychologically comforting. It gives us the illusion that fights, confrontations or differences can be overcome. Even laughter, jokes and the occasional tearful exchange about the unrealistic film tropes we see on screen create a positive bonding experience.
Because these films help everyone relax, they provide a safe space for them to process conflicts and feel supported by others. They can therefore really help others to lower their guard and open up to constructive dialogue.
Values that resonate and inspire
Many Christmas movies are set in small towns or within families, so they implicitly convey values that most of us share, such as togetherness, generosity and the joy of giving. They also highlight human connections and the need to belong.
In a world that seems increasingly disoriented, those values can resonate more deeply with an audience that needs stronger points to hold on to. These films remind us of the meaning of love, the purpose of sharing and the importance of gratefulness.
Interestingly, research has found that witnessing moral excellence makes us feel better and more optimistic about humanity. This may reduce cynicism and depression while fostering feelings of hope, love, optimism, and giving. Ultimately, it pushes us to be better people – or at least try to be.
And the fact is that films that make us feel good can be inspiring, stimulating and deeply moving, even if they are not masterpieces of the Seventh Art.
References:
Robinson, T. et. Al. (2022) They’re so predictable … but, I love them’: Analysing the appeal of Hallmark Christmas movies. Journal of Popular Television; 10(3): 285 – 302.
Newman, D. B. et. Al. (2020) Nostalgia and Well-Being in Daily Life: An Ecological Validity Perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; 118(2): 325.
Nettleton, P. (2018) The hallmark of Christmas: Why do we love cheesy Christmas movies? U.S. Catholic; 83(12): 38.
Routledge, C. et. Al. (2013) Nostalgia as a Resource for Psychological Health and Well‐Being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass; 7(11); 808-818.
Fiese, B. H. et. Al. (2002) A Review of 50 Years of Research on Naturally Occurring Family Routines and Rituals: Cause for Celebration? Journal of Family Psychology; 16(4): 381.
Haidt, J. (2000). The Positive emotion of elevation. Prevention & Treatment, 3(1), Article 3c.
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