SAVORING HOLIDAY-SEASON PLEASURES

Photo by Kate Barget on Pexels

“Once in a while, when everything is just right, there is a moment of magic. People can live on moments of magic.” —Sarah Caldwell

As the days grow darker and the year winds down, December’s festive holiday lights never fail to lift my spirits. I’m always delighted by a bright holiday display that friends love and have taken me to see. Whether we’re their creators or admirers, these displays encourage us to savor the pleasures of holiday pageantry.

We can easily forget that many others around the world are also enjoying holiday festivities. In December, we are in sync with citizens across the globe for the second time of the year. The first time is on July 8 when 99% of the world’s population gets sunlight at the same time, and the second is in December when a considerable percentage of the world’s population engages in holiday merrymaking.

Our merrymaking activities are often similar across the world, too, although styles differ. For example, Santa wears shorts in Australia; the holiday meal might be a picnic on the beach in New Zealand; and in many locations, an impressive fireworks show serves as the festival of lights. But when all is said and done, favorite holiday activities across geographies and cultures are food and drink, gatherings, lights, music, and gift giving as illustrated in the table below.

     FAVORITE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES BY RANK

As our not-so-rigorous research reveals, pageantry, merrymaking, and revelry transcend time and space. Holiday traditions that honor our beliefs, loved ones, and communities are pleasurable as well as enriching. Savoring them enriches us now and throughout the new year.

Joyce M. Young, MD, MPH
Managing Director, Advanced Wellness Systems
Lead Expert for the High Health Network

 Photo by Vlad Vasnetsovon on Pexels

Sincerely,

Your colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems