Buzz
Have you seen Lindsay Lohan's new Christmas movie, Falling for Christmas, on Netflix yet? The plot is silly, the characters exaggerated, and the pacing unrealistic—but there's no denying it brings a little joy, just like every other holiday film this season. And, as it turns out, there's a scientific explanation for the happiness these movies bring.
Pamela B. Rutledge writes in Psychology Today that holiday films are comforting and stress-free, often sparking feelings of nostalgia and warmth that naturally elevate our mood. A 2020 study in the book Nostalgia Now suggests that because these movies are easy to follow and end on a positive note, they can reduce stress hormones and even improve cardiovascular health. Watching them with someone else can also strengthen your connection.
“When it comes to those cheesy holiday movies we adore, we know they always end well and wrap up with a happy conclusion,” said Courtney Cope, a psychologist at BetterHelp, in an interview with L'Oreal Thompson Payton for Fortune. “It’s like a mental getaway, allowing us to imagine a world where good always prevails, families resolve their conflicts, the protagonist finds love, and there's always enough money for the ultimate Christmas gift or dream family vacation!”
From a scientific perspective, holiday movies tap into our nostalgia bias, a mental process that makes us yearn for the past, often believing it was better than the present. These films are crafted to trigger exactly this effect. Combined with the comforting tradition of holiday routines—whether it’s watching the same classics each year or even enjoying the latest cheesy Hallmark releases—we feel a sense of security and calm, something increasingly hard to come by these days. When we experience it, our brains embrace it.
On the lookout for a fresh movie to watch, or at least one you haven’t seen yet? Mytour’s latest book, The Curious Movie Buff: A Miscellany of Fantastic Films from the Past 50 Years, provides insider insights and fascinating facts about some of the most iconic films from the last five decades. It’s available now at your go-to bookstore or online right here.
