Holiday Memories
I love the Holiday Season, the lights, music, food , friends, family, fellowship, and fun. Heck, I even enjoy Holiday shopping then and now…like in a store. Does that make me old?
Some of my favorite memories involve celebration with my family. My dad’s favorite color was red and he maximized the look during the season. Yes, that is him sporting his red vest in the photo. My mom, also in the pic, always worked at the hospital on Christmas day. One of my favorite memories was joining her for lunch at the hospital cafeteria. The featured menu item of the day was always Cornish Hens, a special treat in-spite of the fact they have very little meat (but it was special).
Many of the holiday traditions I experienced have been carried on in my family. Cutting down a Christmas tree, attending church on Christmas Eve followed by make your own sandwich buffet, and opening one gift on Christmas Eve. Such great memories.
“Moments as big as years.” A phrase coined by the poet John Keats, suggests that some brief experiences are so vivid and powerful that they remain with us for a lifetime. One such moment for me took place every Christmas Eve. After we all made our yummy sandwiches, we would sit at the dining room table and dim the lights. My Dad would then light the candles on the Angel Chimes, which was made in Sweden and purchased for $2.19 according to our original box that I keep in a curio cabinet in our library. The heat from the four candles would cause the angels to spin and ding against the two bells, a sound that will forever be a precious Christmas memory. One that I try to recreate every year with my cheap set that I purchased for $15.99, but not quite the same as the original.
These moments tend to reflect experiences that are emotionally resonant according to William J. Chopik, PhD and professor at Michigan State University (Go Green for my Spartan fans), and lead author of the study says ”Good memories seem to have a positive effect on well-being”. He goes on to say “In them we can find both meaning and joy, and they can serve long after they occur, contributing to our overall happiness.” They are a gift that keeps on giving.
People who have fond memories from childhood tend to have better health, less depression and fewer chronic illness as older adults, according to research by the American Psychological Association.
And just to give equal billing to the other fine University in the great state of Michigan, a study by Robert Edelstein, PhD, and Professor at The University of Michigan(Go Blue) suggests “Maybe one of the most surprising findings was that the we thought the effects would fade over time with participants in the study trying to remember things that happened over 50 years ago. One might expect childhood memories to matter less over time, but these memories still predicted better physical and mental health even when people were older”. It is good to see the two Universities get along.
More good news, “remembering when” with others may instantly make us happier. Recalling happy memories can be a powerful way to interrupt negative thoughts. A Harvard study published in 2005 suggests past events can be used to boost present emotions. Intentionally recalling and savoring positive memories can bring greater enjoyment in life. Personal nostalgia, as it turns out, has the power to boost self esteem, amplify positive emotions, and act as a buffer against negative thoughts. I am all about reliving the good times, and on occasion I have been known to change a few facts to make the memory even better. If Hollywood can do it, so can I. After all, it is my story.
Life has changed since I was a kid growing up on Bennet Street. I am much older. I have collected many memories along the way. Yes, I have been known to enhance the good ones and forget the bad ones, like building a library of stories that make life richer. Maybe there is one thing better than recalling a good memory, and that is making a new one.
Enjoy your Holidays.
Just a little extra-
Christmas has changed for me over the years. It is all a matter of perspective and role. A few examples may help to further my explanation.
As a kid, I put out cookies for Santa and carrots outside for reindeer. As a dad, I took bites out of the cookies and carrots.
As a kid, I tried to stay awake to listen for Santa. As a dad, I struggled to stay awake to be able to put the presents out.
As a kid, I circled the gifts I wanted in the Sears catalog. As a dad, I searched the internet for the best gifts for a high school student.
As a kid, I loved my dad reading us The Night Before Christmas. As a dad, I loved watching the excitement in my children’s faces as I read it to them.
As a kid, I watched Charlie Brown Christmas Special, featured on a Friday night on ABC. As a dad, I would hunt to find Charlie Brown on some obscure channel to share the pleasure with my kids.
As a kid, the night we decorated the tree was one of my favorite nights of the year. As a dad…it still is.
Life may change, but memories can last forever.
Resources
Cambell, Olivia. July 28, 2023. Feeling Nostalgic? Your Brain is Hardwired to Crave It.
National Geographic
Heid, Markham. December 5, 2019. The Power of Positive Memories. Medium
Staff. March 15, 2023. The Science Behind Memory. Neuroscience