Why Christmas films are good for our psychological wellbeing

The answer is a little more scientific than you might think

Author: Ellis Maddison and Prudence Wade, PAPublished 9th Dec 2021
Last updated 27th May 2022

Watching our favourite Christmas films this time of the year is all part of the festive fun that comes with December.

But, did you know there's actually a scientific reason behind why we like to watch them specifically in the run up to Christmas.

Before you think you know the answer, it's not because it gets you in the spirit or because your decorations are up, which means you automatically have to put Elf or Home Alone on the TV.

It's all to do with a hormone called oxytocin, which CEO and psychotherapist Noel McDermott says is "produced when we want to bond emotionally with each other."

He told PA reporter Prudence Wade that "during Christmas - when we're meeting people we haven't seen in ages that we love - oxytocin levels go through the roof, particularly because it's produced mostly in safe, loving relationships with people we're non-sexual with".

Mr. McDermott says Oxytocin is produced through "eye contact and physical contact", and over Christmas we see family and friends who we have "very fond, strong, bonded emotional relationships to".

"We're also getting a lot of reward hormones for being pro-social," McDermott says. "Being pro-social is any activity we're involved in that bonds us in some way to other human beings.

"So any sort of social event which isn't a bunch of strangers and large events - but those small, family-type events, which could be with colleagues at work, it could be with school friends, it could be with actual family.

"When we do those types of activities, where we have pleasant emotional responses with other human beings, we get a whole bunch of reward chemicals in us - which spur us on to want to do more".

When we experience positive reward hormones and oxytocin, we can't help but want more - and Christmas films are exactly what we crave:

"At this time of year, because we're specifically focused on pro-social activities, these films make a lot more sense because they produce similar types of hormonal responses in us", McDermott says.

"So we feel 'loved up' when we're watching them, but we're feeling 'loved up' anyway. So it's a perfect match and combination".

He also says we find comfort in predictability and have a tendency to watch our favourite christmas films every year because "we're creatures of habit".

Comfort, predictability and structure are "absolutely essential for psychological security and stability".

So there you have it, watch Christmas films to your heart's content - who'd have thought putting Die Hard on for the 30th time is actually good for you!

See our list of the ten best oxytocin-inducing Christmas films:

10. Arthur Christmas

Ever wondered what Santa Claus' family history is? Well, this film reveals all! The animation might interrupt a more child based audience but come on who isn't still a child at heart?


We are. And, Arthur Christmas hits you right in the heart watching this wonderful warm tail. If you are wanting a fun magical film to get you in the spirit this is the one.

9. Home Alone

Now, the great thing about Home Alone is that there is not just one film, there is five! YES, five films! On serious note who has really seen three, four and five? If you are in the mood to keep the festive feelings going though you have five action packed, full of mischief and comedy Christmas films in one here, you are sorted.

8. The Polar Express

How would you react if you woke up to a huge magical train outside? We wouldn't be able to contain our excitement! The Polar Express is just full of magic and if you are looking a for something for the whole family this is one for you. Also, does anyone else think the train driver looks exactly the voice actor Tom Hanks?

7. Die Hard

Right, lets settle this once and for all…does Die Hard count as a Christmas film?

Well, we have taken this film into consideration because it's definitely not your usual Christmas film. If you're sick of the usual Christmas film and want something a little different, then this is a good shout. Besides, who doesn't love a young Bruce Willis squaring up against Professor Snape?

6. Office Christmas Party

Surely everyone can relate to this film as the excitement of the Christmas work do's are just around the corner, they're arguably more exciting than Christmas itself...too far?

If you need some inspiration for your Christmas party, well, this is the film to go to – it's in the name! You'll be rolling around on the floor laughing at some of the stuff they get up to in this film, though we do feel sorry for the person cleaning up after, but the messier the party, the better, right?

5. The Holiday

You are defo going to need lots and lots of tissues for this one, just thinking about the film brings a tear to our eyes.

The Holiday is such a beautiful, heartwarming film full of love; and what more could you want at this time of year? Who else is seriously jealous of Kate Winslet's characters' cute cottage? Or are you more the LA mansion type?

4. Daddy's Home 2

This is a more recent Christmas film, but it's sure to become a classic in years to come, with it's hilarious take on Christmas.

If you're wanting a laugh then this is a must – we guarantee it'll knock your Christmas socks off, not that we're wanting to make your feet cold, but this film's worth it and something for the whole family.

3. The Grinch

Does anyone feel that the older they get, the more they can relate to the Grinch? Urm yes. It's defo worth watching this film or even watching it again, and you'll totally understand where we're coming from, it'll crack you up.

2. Love Actually

Get the tissues out, you are going to need them for all those joyful tears. Love Actually is such a feel good and warm film that sprinkles the right kind of magic and love at this wonderful time of year. If this sounds like a bit of you, then what are you waiting for...?

1. Elf

Elf is an all-time classic and we would recommend watching this not just once over the festive season, but at least three times.

We guarantee that you will laugh harder each and every time. This film has a mixture of laughs, love, and care – and come on, let's be real, we all know that at some point in our lives we've wanted to try Buddy's specialty spaghetti with a sweet twist. If you are in the mood for good vibes and good laughs then Elf is the Christmas film for you.

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