The Comfort of Ritual

Holidays are full of nostalgia. Each Christmas evokes memories of Christmases past, and blizzards are reminders of childhood snow days. Amidst the different traditions and the conflicting beliefs, some struggle to recapture long-lost meaning, while others take comfort in the simple rituals of the season.

Tradition or Habit?

Finding meaning in your holiday rituals
by Katie Gilbert

Simple Gifts

Small rituals build strong memories.
by Nancy Darling, Ph.D.

Gather Round the Table

Are family dinners for holiday time or all the time?
by Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D.

How Music Brings Holiday Cheer

Christmas songs stir up fond memories in our brains.
by Joshua Gowin, Ph.D.

Making Scents of the Holidays

Familiar smells bring back warm memories.
by Rachel Herz, Ph.D.

‘Tis the Season to Notice Situations

What the holiday season teaches us about the psychology of everyday life.
by Sam Sommers

Spirituality

Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, it's about participating in organized religion: going to church, synagogue, a mosque, etc. For others, it's more personal: Some people get in touch with their spiritual side through private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection, or even long walks. 

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Family Dynamics

Can we all get along? That's a tall order when your limelight has been snatched away by your adorable new little brother. Family: You love them and you hate them. There are so many things to consider when you think of family: there's birth order, rivalries, and the only child, to name a few.

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Parenting

Parenting can be the most stressful—and rewarding—job of your life. We can all think of ways we'd do things differently from our parents, and no doubt your kids will find ways they'll parent differently from you.

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