Kindness can make every day feel like Christmas

The opinion piece says holiday kindness boosts connection and well-being, noting acts of kindness trigger brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, and argues that making kindness a daily habit can help sustain that joy year-round.

The holiday season often brings increased generosity, warmth and a sense of belonging, and the article asks whether that feeling can be sustained beyond December. It notes that acts of kindness—large or small—help people feel valued and connected. The piece describes biological responses sometimes called the "helper's high," and points to evidence linking kindness with reduced stress and improved well-being. The authors suggest that making kindness a habitual part of daily life could preserve the emotional benefits typically seen during the holidays. Key points: - The article reports that the holiday season commonly prompts people to act with greater generosity and connection. - It states that acts of kindness can trigger neurochemicals such as oxytocin and serotonin, which are associated with happiness and lower stress. - The piece describes the "helper's high" and notes studies that link kindness to increased happiness, reduced anxiety and improved physical health. - Authors emphasize that small, everyday gestures—like a kind word or a moment of patience—contribute meaningfully when repeated. - The article names Stuart Muszynski and the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson as its authors and frames their view that habitual kindness can strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation. Summary: The authors argue that the feelings of joy and belonging often concentrated around the holidays can be extended year-round if kindness becomes a regular practice. They present biological and social reasons for this view, and suggest that routine small acts of kindness can deepen relationships and help counter loneliness. The piece proposes making kindness habitual as the next step to sustain these benefits.