In public places, stores outdo themselves to create fascinating window displays. MUSAK or other technical systems set the mood and pace for our days. Both draw us into our Happy Place and make us eager to shop, eat, or engage. Do we mind? Not usually. It’s part of the atmosphere of the season.
A survey claims people who put up their Christmas decorations early are happier than those who do not. Do you agree? It says surrounding ourselves with symbols of happiness and joy brings positive results.
The opposite is also true. Too many TV and slick magazine ads blend alcohol with good times but examining them shows such photos often display ice cubes in drinks with death’s heads or ghoulish figures inside. Scrutiny a few to decide for yourself, but those give negative sub-conscious influence.
Fragrances influence us. We associate the balsam scents of Christmas evergreens, the peppermint of candy canes, chocolate candies and sweet oranges tucked in Christmas stockings with favorite memories of the season.
Further proof? Who has not walked past a bakery or restaurant and smelled such mouthwatering aromas you went inside and did impulse buying, or hurried home to fire up your oven and bake your own goodies? When your family arrived, as soon as they opened the door, they felt loved as they were engulfed by the tantalizing scents and tastes of home.
Finally, there is the feel of Christmas. The soft touch of the fur on Santa’s sleeve or his whiskery beard. The pleasant bristle of Christmas tree needles. Sweet sticky candies that melt in our hands as we clutch them until we put them in our mouths.
Sounds, sights, tastes, scents, and special touches—these create the memories and meaning that make up Christmas. May yours be your best ever, preparing you and your family for a wonderfully satisfying coming year.
What matters the most to you at Christmas? What sound, sight, taste, scent, or special touch is essential to a perfect day?
Leave a Reply