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There isn’t a doubt that Christmas might be totally different this yr. Lockdowns and distancing pointers have already curtailed different celebrations, akin to Eid and Diwali.

For Christmas, restrictions on social contact are being loosened within the UK. They permit three households to kind a bubble for a five-day interval. Nonetheless, many individuals who would usually collect at the moment of yr will not be capable of meet.

This doesn’t imply we must always abandon our celebrations. Coming collectively, even remotely or in additional intimate teams, permits us to interact in actions related to our shared identities. Collaborating in shared household and nationwide traditions, akin to these practised throughout spiritual celebrations, boosts our sense of shared identification, connection, and finally wellbeing.

Emotional significance

Earlier than the current announcement of the stress-free of social distancing round Christmas Day, a survey by the Telegraph revealed that one in 4 of Britons participating meant to disregard restrictions with a purpose to rejoice Christmas with household and pals, whatever the steerage.

These intentions – that seem to prioritise celebrating collectively above security – reveal the emotional significance of this event for many individuals.

A rising physique of proof in social psychology has proven that social teams, akin to households, pals, colleagues and communities, are important for well being and wellbeing. These teams are central to our sense of self. They supply us with useful psychological assets, together with emotions of belonging and acceptance. They assist scale back experiences of stress and supply entry to assist and assist.

Being denied entry to those useful teams at a time of stress locations an ideal psychological burden on members of the general public – particularly these already experiencing vulnerability. It’s maybe unsurprising that there’s a nationwide longing to reconnect to those sources of energy and familiarity.

Shared traditions

In addition to being good for us, social teams additionally assist fulfill psychological wants. Considered one of these is the necessity for continuity. Being a part of a gaggle might help with this as a result of it permits folks to really feel a part of one thing secure and predictable throughout time and historical past.

We create and proceed the tales of our households, communities and nations by sharing and passing on group tradition via shared narratives, treasured belongings, rituals, and traditions.

Shared rituals and traditions are essential.

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Non secular holidays and celebrations stay on the coronary heart of shared group traditions for a lot of. Even in non-religious communities, occasions akin to Christmas are valued, formed and shared in households in their very own distinctive methods.

Moreover, international threats to existence such because the pandemic don’t simply have an effect on isolation and loneliness. Additionally they remind us of our personal vulnerability and create a way of concern about our shared future: an expertise psychologists name “collective angst”.

When confronted with such threats, we search to reaffirm our cultural, nationwide and household identities and achieve consolation from the expression of custom and collective continuity. Specifically, enacting these traditions can set off shared experiences of nostalgia that make us really feel linked and revitalised.

The UK authorities has recognised that spending time with family members could also be much more essential this yr and the eased restrictions might permit households to come back collectively once more earlier than the tough winter forward.

A smaller scale

The proof does certainly counsel that being collectively to rejoice well-loved traditions like Christmas could affirm identification and increase wellbeing via these difficult occasions. Nevertheless, it’s attainable to share and luxuriate in household traditions in smaller family teams.

Human need for shut reference to household or pals might promote dangerous behaviour.

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Latest analysis suggests this is likely to be a safer possibility, as being collectively in prolonged household teams can result in elevated danger. It is because we are inclined to really feel much less weak round folks we belief and sense a connection to – akin to members of the family. This expertise of connection can enhance the probability of social contact behaviours that danger potential transmission.

As we transfer into this uncommon festive season, it’s encouraging to know that coming collectively on Skype or Zoom can successfully increase wellbeing simply as assembly in particular person in does, by serving to households and communities join, talk and assist one another.

These selecting a extra restricted or distant festive season can discover an abundance of ideas out there for diversifications to traditional routines. In 2020, we could discover college nativities and non secular ceremonies are live-streamed, festive festivals could also be changed by walks to see shows of native Christmas lights, and the after-dinner board video games could also be quickly changed with the digital household quiz.

So this yr, whereas we try to keep up the traditions and celebrations that bind us, we could have to assume just a little extra creatively about methods to come back collectively to share our conventional festivities and reap their psychological rewards.

Dr Mhairi Bowe is affiliated with Nottingham Trent College and The British Psychological Society