Christmas isn’t just about a day anymore, the atmosphere and excitement stretches out across a whole season. From November onwards, shop windows are dressed to get consumers into the seasonal spirit and Christmas songs and movies monopolise the TV and radio schedules. But it’s not just retailers and the media that have made Christmas into such a sprawling occasion, the traditions and rituals we all participate in play a huge part in our experience and enjoyment of the yuletide season.
“Christmas rituals, such as card and present exchange, prepare us for the benefits of dedicated family time over the Christmas period,” says Dr Ainslea Cross, academic lead for health psychology at the University of Derby. “Christmas dinner is arguably the most important ritual. It tends to be the focus of most people’s Christmas planning, with a mealtime that brings together close family and friends.”
Modern life can be hectic, and is sometimes stressful for us all. Cross says that the Christmas break can be used as an excuse for a “protected time-out” with loved ones, as well as providing us with a platform to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward to a fresh start. Packing the season with rituals can enhance this special time. “Christmas rituals, particularly Christmas shopping trips and decorations, have become more popular as they are a way of building up to the day itself,” Cross agrees.
Although Christmas is all about tradition, each year sees new trends and rituals creeping in to the mix. “We have seen an increase in the nostalgic elements of Christmas becoming more important, such as Christmas jumpers and retro sweets,” says Cross. “But there has also been growth in Christmas markets across the UK, having taken ideas from Germany.”
This evolution in rituals is an important step-change. In contemporary society, with so many versions of families, friendships and relationships, creating our own, personal traditions is a way to bond with those closest to us. If you love festive traditions, creating new ones makes Christmas even more special. You could invite friends over to help you decorate the tree, cooking gorgeously aromatic seasonal food and drinks to serve as they drape the tinsel, and playing a bevy of Christmas hits as a soundtrack.
If you love to cook, challenge your neighbours to a festive bake-off; once you’ve all produced a seasonal delight, get together to sample each other’s bakes. A foodie-themed prize for the best baker, such as Nespresso’s Pure Origin 5 Sleeve Assortment of coffees, will go down a storm.
For a festive ritual that’s all about glamour, a Christmas shopping trip to London is a great idea. Plan your day for November or early December to beat the crowds. Book lunch for two in a plush city hotel, then head to Regent Street for some shopping and to see the Christmas lights in all their glory. While you’re in the vicinity, drop-in for a well-earned coffee and to browse a brilliant range of festive presents at Nespresso’s flagship boutique, just a couple of minutes walk away from Piccadilly Circus.
With such exciting new rituals to try, and a Christmas full of fun, friendship and flavoursome tradition, you’ll be starting the season even earlier next year!
