Ho ho ho – Laughter is not just for Christmas

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

William Thackeray

Ho ho ho to many people immediately conjures up an image of Santa laughing. It goes hand in hand with “Merry Christmas”. It is a time of year when glitter, sparkles and twinkling lights are all around us. We are encouraged to be of good cheer. Laughter is the natural accompaniment to a good mood. In fact, it works both ways in that the act of laughing, even if it is fake to start with, can make people feel better by boosting endorphin levels. Laughter is good exercise for our tummy muscles and improves breathing by moving stale air out of the lungs. It is good for our body as well as our mind.

Laughter is encouraged in many of the Christmas Special programmes. There is an emphasis on jolliness and having a good time with friends and family. Being with people with whom we easily and often share laughter makes us feel connected and socially at ease. It is no surprise that on first dates the amount of shared laughter may predict the quality of the relationship and can be used to gauge whether there is potential for deep connection and repeat dates.

Is there a potential downside to all this jollity and laughter? Laughter is not always kind. Sometimes laughter can be used to exclude rather than include and it can be uncomfortable to be surrounded by laughter particularly if you are not in on the reason for the laughter or you are feeling insecure or lonely. Laughter is deeply personal and can be used as a weapon as well as a powerful tool for building or strengthening relationships.

Positive laughter encourages connection.

Christmas holidays often offer an opportunity for us to spend time with loved ones and may give us a break from our usual routines. This opportunity may allow time to share smiles, giggles and laughter more than we do in our ordinary daily lives. How about laughter spotting this Christmas? Notice when you and others laugh and think about how you might look for more laughter all year round.

Laughter is far more common in children than it is in adults. Members of groups of people living with long-term conditions have often told me that they laugh most when they see their grandchildren. A playful attitude and days full of laughter are common in youngsters and spending time around children is an opportunity to observe and enjoy more laughs.

Wishing you a festive season filled with fun and laughter.

Anna