In the Northern hemisphere, the week or so after the winter solstice is a time of celebration.  Intuitively this makes sense, in a way it is celebrating the coming of the light

That is, the solstice is the shortest day of the year and from then until the summer solstice the days get longer.  Longer days mean longers periods of light, a reason to celebrate.

Holiday Happiness

This seasonal period is labeled a period of peace and joy.   Many customs abound supporting this varying by cultural and religious background but all have a common focus – a time of universal contentment.

I have always wondered why we concentrate our focus are happiness focused behaviour (giving gifts, dancing, frolicking etc.) with a single time of year.

Sure the days are getting longer but aren’t the desires for a peaceful and happy existence something that is universal and life long.  Pausing each year for a period of peace and joy reverting back to eleven months of death and destruction just does not seem logical.

Reward Psychology

Intermittent reward is much more effective than constant or ongoing.  In fact if it is not periodic the value of a celebration and it’s associated impact is lessened.

It becomes the norm.  The periodic celebration of longer periods of daylight has a cachet because it is periodic.  Celebrating and behaving in a peaceful manner all the time is just boring I guess.

Still, all in all I think this is an illogical approach.  That being said, I wish peace and good will to all , now, next month, next year and so on.