A Holiday Interview with Dr. Taiwo Babatope

An interview with Taiwo Babatope, MD:

What are your thoughts on holiday traditions for children and families – like Christmas/Hannukah?

Holiday traditions for children and families, such as Christmas and Hannukah celebrations, are deeply significant social rituals that go beyond mere routines. They are imbued with symbolic meaning that engages not only family members but also friends and loved ones within communities. These time-honored customs play a crucial role in fostering a sense of rootedness, creating a shared cultural identity, and facilitating the transmission and celebration of cherished beliefs and values.

Christmas and Hannukah celebrations provide unique opportunities for individuals to connect or reconnect with their social circles through joyous gatherings. These gatherings become focal points for special blessings, prayers, melodious songs, the exchange of thoughtfully chosen gifts, and the shared enjoyment of delicious meals. The commemorative nature of these occasions fosters communal emotions, a strong sense of identification, and positive influences on social cohesion.

Research has shown the positive impact of meaningful and regular family rituals on various aspects of subjective well-being (SWB). Families that engage in these rituals tend to experience greater satisfaction in their relationships, positive outcomes in child socialization, and an enhanced sense of individual identity. As holiday traditions continue to evolve, their role in shaping and enriching the fabric of social bonds remains integral, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of families and communities alike.

In what ways are they positive? Are there any downsides to traditions?

The positive aspects of holiday traditions are multifaceted and impactful. The holiday season triggers a phenomenon called “collective effervescence,” fostering emotional activation and positive affect. Engaging in festive celebrations is closely linked to heightened social identification, reinforcing values, and aligning individuals with positive social beliefs. Extensive participation in these traditions has been shown to significantly elevate well-being and life satisfaction.

Despite these positive effects, it’s important to acknowledge that, for some individuals, the holidays can bring about negative emotions. Feelings of depression, anxiety, envy, and even dread may arise, contrasting with the expected joy and merriment. The origins of these holiday blues are diverse, ranging from preexisting mental health issues and seasonal affective disorder to recent losses, demanding social commitments, emotional and financial strains from family and friends, and familial conflicts.

Interestingly, despite the prevalence of dysphoric moods during the holidays, there is no correlation with increased suicide rates. The average daily suicide rate during the holiday months of November and December remains among the lowest throughout the year. This paradoxical lower incidence is attributed to the support and family time characteristic of the holiday season.

However, post-Christmas, a concerning rebound phenomenon in suicidal behaviors is observed. This pattern, known as the ‘broken promise’ effect, suggests that individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts may feel disillusioned by unfulfilled promises of peace, goodwill, comfort, and joy associated with the holiday spirit. To address this, mental health care visits and services are advisable, particularly during high-risk moments such as springtime and the beginning of January.

To support those at risk of deteriorating mental health, maintaining contact post-holiday season is crucial. Asking in-depth questions about their mental well-being is essential, and in cases where safety is a concern, individuals should not be left alone. Efforts should be made to assist them in obtaining mental health assistance from professionals. Proactive measures during these vulnerable periods play a vital role in supporting and preserving mental health.

What makes them meaningful and nostalgic as people remember them?

Holiday traditions are meaningful and nostalgic for several reasons. Nostalgia, characterized by a wistful longing for the past, often draws people to reflect fondly on various aspects of bygone eras, and the holiday seasons hold a special place in this cherished realm.

Holiday celebrations possess a unique and extraordinary power to shape indelible memories that resonate deeply with individuals, both adults and children alike. The winter break from school provides a valuable reprieve, offering people the opportunity to take time off and fully immerse themselves in the enchantment of the season. The atmosphere becomes saturated with festive decorations, an abundance of presents and treats, and the immersive experience of Christmas movies and music that not only entertain but also invite spirited singing and dancing – all serving as clear indicators of the joyous times that unfold.

As individuals transition from childhood into adulthood, certain elements, such as familiar Christmas melodies like “Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore,” possess a magical ability to transport them back to those cherished moments. The mere recollection of these tunes triggers a cascade of memories, creating a nostalgic connection to the past.

What elevates these recollections to a profound level of meaning is the intricate tapestry of interactions woven into holiday celebrations. These are not fleeting moments but rather extended sequences of engagement with individuals who are physically present, sharing a common focus of attention. The shared experience fosters intense exchanges, creating a rich tapestry of memories that evoke a spectrum of positive emotions, including joy, humor, hope, love, proximity, and gratitude. The warmth of these interactions, combined with the sensory richness of the season, contributes to the lasting impact of holiday celebrations. They become poignant touchstones in the tapestry of one’s life, creating a reservoir of positive memories that individuals carry with them throughout their lives.

How would you suggest starting holiday traditions if someone didn’t grow up with them?

Embarking on new holiday traditions infused with symbolic meaning is an opportunity to create lasting connections. It doesn’t require grand gestures, especially for those just starting out; the key is to begin with simplicity, infuse an element of fun, and involve others in the process. Small, enjoyable traditions, like toasting the holidays with a family-friendly beverage such as hot cocoa or Chapman drinks, can bring delight to individuals of all ages.

For those seeking to elevate their traditions, infusing an element of competition and fun can turn a novel activity into a cherished staple for generations to come. Consider engaging in season-specific trivia games, competitive sports, or collaborative travel planning. A beloved tradition in our household involves the ‘Gingerbread Dream Home competitions,’ where teams use store-bought or homemade gingerbread pastry to craft ‘HGTV-inspired’ dream homes. The friendly rivalry and creative energy make it an engaging and memorable activity.

In the era of increased technological connectivity post-pandemic, leveraging devices and platforms allows friends and family members, regardless of their geographical locations, to participate in these traditions. This not only decreases feelings of loneliness but also fosters social connectedness, reinforcing the sense of togetherness that holidays embody. By embracing the spirit of innovation and inclusion, these newly established traditions can become cherished rituals, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and joy for years to come.

Do different cultures think of traditions in a different way?

While culture and tradition share common ground, it’s crucial to recognize their nuanced distinctions. Culture encapsulates the shared values and norms that define a society, whereas tradition is more specific, revolving around the rituals and ceremonies regularly observed by a community.

Traditions often find their roots in the culture of a particular place, but some extend beyond national borders, encompassing multiple countries, peoples, or cultures. Notable examples include religious traditions and celebrations. Exploring how different cultures and countries celebrate the Christmas season unveils the rich tapestry of global traditions. We can consider three examples in the Americas.

In Mexico, the tradition of Giving Poinsettias is inseparable from Christmas. Inspired by a Mexican legend recounting a girl’s humble gift of weeds to the baby Jesus, the bouquet miraculously transformed into vibrant red flowers, now known as Flores de Noche Buena or Flowers of the Holy Night, with leaves shaped like the Star of Bethlehem.

Colombians celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by adorning their homes and streets with millions of white and colored velas (candles) in intricate paper lanterns. What started as a family-centric affair has evolved into a more elaborate tradition, incorporating electric lights, music, and fireworks to enhance the festive atmosphere.

In French-speaking Quebec, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of December 24, known as réveillon, derived from the French word réveil, meaning “wakening.” Traditionally, families attended midnight mass before Santa Claus made a magical appearance to distribute gifts. Following the unwrapping of presents, a lavish meal ensued. Originating from France, this tradition echoes in New Orleans, emphasizing the global resonance of festive customs that bring people together across diverse cultures.

These examples highlight how diverse communities express their shared values through unique and culturally resonant celebrations.

References

• Paez, D.; Bilbao, M.Á.; Bobowik, M.; Campos, M.; Basabe, N. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The impact of Christmas rituals on subjective well-being and family’s emotional climate. Int. J. Soc. Psychol. 2011, 26, 373–386.
• Beauchamp, G.A.; Ho, M.L.; Yin, S. Variation in Suicide Occurrence by Day and during Major American Holidays. J. Emerg. Med. 2014, 46, 776–781.
• Plöderl, M.; Fartacek, C.; Kunrath, S.; Pichler, E.-M.; Fartacek, R.; Datz, C.; Niederseer, D. Nothing like Christmas–suicides during Christmas and other holidays in Austria. Eur. J. Public Health 2014, 25, 410–413.
• Mutz, M. Christmas and Subjective Well-Being: A Research Note. Appl. Res. Qual. Life 2016, 11, 1341–1356.
• Sansone, R.A.; Sansone, L.A. The Christmas Effect on Psychopathology. Innov. Clin. Neurosci. 2011, 8, 10–13.
• Velamoor, V.R.; Voruganti, L.P.; Nadkarni, N.K. Feelings about Christmas, as Reported by Psychiatric Emergency Patients. Soc. Behav. Pers. Int. J. 1999, 27, 303–308.

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