Ho Ho Ho: Merry Christmas

For many of us, Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate the end of a year with those closest to us, expressing gratitude through giving gifts and hosting people in our homes. We know that this year will be very different and our choices about who to be with and what we can do will be much more limited. Some of us will be far from home, unable to return either because of choice, necessity or limitations placed upon us and because of this may be sharing Christmas with different people to normal, or perhaps even alone. The restrictions in the UK means that families are being asked to choose those they spend time with and compromises are being made. We all have it in ourselves to appreciate that these are unusual times, and we have to dig deep to make these sacrifices. At least we now have hope for 2021 – you’ve come this far, so hang in there.

One of our key messages at Laughter Lab is how laughter is integral to strengthening our relationships. Quite simply, we laugh with those we love, and we love those we laugh with. And it is with this small piece of knowledge that we want you to make the best of your festive period. Whoever you find yourself with this year (and we know it may not be your first choice); open yourself up to laughter. Research shows that shared laughter builds relationships and helps to make quick connections. The diagram below shows the relationship cycle within which laughter is a key part of opening ourselves up to others. Trust and being vulnerable allows us the confidence to laugh with others and experience greater connections. You don’t have to be funny – just be open. We are all different and what amuses us does not bind us, because we all find different things funny, but we can share laughter without amusement and being more aware of laughter primes us to laugh more.

It might feel as though there has been little to laugh at in 2020 but as we near the end of this challenging year, let’s do what the carol tells us and bring some ‘Joy to the World’ and what better way to show joy than to laugh with others.

So, let yourself go this season and make the most of those you are with. You may end up enjoying the company of those you normally avoid or building new and long-lasting friendships with strangers.

Festive greetings from all of us at Laughter Lab and think of us when you hear from our greatest ambassador over the coming weeks;

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas

Jane & Anna