This holiday season, remember that a common misconception is that the beneficiaries of a gift are the happier party after they receive a gift. However, this is not true. Psychologist have discovered that actually, the giver is happier long term as a result of his or her generosity. For more on why giving makes you…
Read MoreWant A Truly Merry Holiday? Focus on Celebrations, Not Stuff
As holiday season approaches, many of us must reflect on what exactly will make the holidays most joyous. In a fascinating study from 2002, a pair of researchers asked over a hundred people about their stress and happiness during the holidays, including questions about consumption behavior. They found that family-based or religious celebrations tended to…
Read MoreGreed or Gratitude?
In the midst of holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities and ignore something fundamental: your emotions. As Dr. Catherine Franssen writes in the Huffington Post, the anticipation and receipt of gifts are both deeply tied with neural pathways that make us feel pleasure. This can be great, making us…
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