'Tis the season for friends, family and cheesy holiday movies.
Whether you're a fan of the Christmas classics or prefer the dozens of streamable and made-for-TV specials, experts say there's a reason holiday-themed movies are so popular — even the most corny and predictable. In fact, this is part of what keeps us coming back, says Dr. Pamela Rutledge, a media psychologist and director of the Media Psychology Research Center.
"You would almost be disappointed if they weren't a little cheesy and predictable, because that's why you're there. You're there to have a feel-good movie," she says. "This lowers stress, and it reinforces feelings of hope and renewal and all of those things that Christmas is supposed to bring."
And while the city-girl-meets-hometown-guy plot line is often mocked for its clichéd overuse, Rutledge says the hint of romance in many of these film also speaks to our psychological need for social connection.
"It gives you hope that we will all find find love and family," she says.
Rutledge says we particularly crave the predictably found in these movies since we're still bearing the psychological effects of the COVID pandemic.
"For two and a half years, everyone's antennae were up and hypersensitive to any kind of threat," she explains. "(And we know) once you give someone chronic stress, their brain doesn't just automatically go back. This hyper vigilance makes people anticipate threat rather than look for the good things."
Add in social unrest, an uncertain political climate and worrying current events, it's no wonder we're looking for ways to escape to something more light-hearted and magical.
"After every big trauma like that, people get very afraid and they're looking for ways to feel more comforted," Rutledge says. "Obviously Hallmark movies aren't going to solve world problems, but it's a place where you can go and your brain has the reassurance of being able to anticipate something and having that be the case."
Plus, the holiday season itself can be stressful, making these movies an easy go-to for relaxation during a busy time of year.
"These movies can act as 'cinema therapy,' where you can relax (and) have a little stress relief," Allen Eden, associate professor of communications at Michigan State recently told CBS News Detroit. "You don't have to work too hard to enjoy it. It's not like there's going to be a twist ending or a surprise to shock you to your core. They're just gentle, comfort, feel-good movies that can really help you this time of year particularly."
The holiday season often brings about various challenges for families. Therapists have identified five common family challenges that arise during this time and have provided tips on how to navigate them successfully.
One of the challenges families face is dealing with stress. The holiday season can be overwhelming and stressful, but therapists suggest finding ways to manage stress and prioritize self-care.
Another challenge is managing expectations. Many people have high expectations for the holidays, but therapists advise being realistic and focusing on creating meaningful experiences rather than striving for perfection.
Communication issues can also arise during the holidays. Therapists recommend open and honest communication, active listening, and setting boundaries to ensure healthy and effective communication within the family.
Conflict resolution is another common challenge. Families may experience disagreements or conflicts, but therapists suggest practicing empathy, compromise, and finding common ground to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Lastly, navigating family dynamics can be challenging. Each family has its own dynamics and dynamics may intensify during the holidays. Therapists advise being aware of these dynamics, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on maintaining healthy relationships.
By acknowledging these common challenges and implementing the suggested strategies, families can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and create more enjoyable and meaningful experiences together.
