Christmas is a time of light – both literally and figuratively. As soon as the season gets underway, you will see lights everywhere. What is it about them that makes us feel happy though? Read on to find out.
There is a real psychological root to the positive feelings that Christmas lights create within us. You may think it is just the general good cheer that the festive season inspires, but there is more to it than that. For one, the style of lighting has a lot to do with how it makes us feel.
Many people will have worked in an office with harsh strip lighting and know it can contribute to stress and exhaustion. Well, the lights we put up at Christmas are nothing like that. Take a close look at the string and cluster lights that adorn your town or city centre this year, or the fairy lights on your tree. They provide a softer glow that helps our brains to relax and slow down a bit.
Then, there is the colour aspect. Both indoor and outdoor Christmas lights generally use warm colours that help to create a welcoming feeling. Common shades include warm white and red.
Finally, there is the fact that Christmas lights twinkle. There is a good reason for that. This gentle twinkling makes them mesmerising without creating a feeling of sensory overload. The effect on us is similar to that of watching a flame flicker or soft raindrops on a window.
Now you know why you feel so good when see the festive lights!
