The Human Connection Behind Christmas Decor

Each year, families, friends, elves -- people from every walk of life -- visit La Marché de Noel at Tuilerie's Garden to drink from cups wrapped in snowy, santa-themed prints. A snow-machine blows cottony fluff through the air, sprinkling the masses with the man made idea of what's called 'The Holiday Spirit'. 

Christmas tends to be my favorite time of year. While I'm not a fan of the cold and probably will never take to iceskating, that doesn't stop me from craving eggnog and wanting to gaze at an elaborately decorated pine tree. For me, Christmas-time has mostly been exciting, festive, and cozy. When there is a slight chill in the air and twinkling banners start popping up in each neighborhood, I get excited. But I'm not the only one. Which begs the question: Why do we love Christmas decorations so much? Why cut through wind and cold on pre-winter evening to look at lights and be hit by fake snow? I had to know. 

In the midst of the festive experience at Tuilerie's Christmas Market, I asked Lisa Williams and Rafael Lainez what Christmas decorations mean to them. Lisa went first:

What do Christmas decorations mean to you?

"Christmas decorations are very important to me," She said, "They represent joy. They represent the holiday in terms of 'Christmas is upon us'.They help me reconnect to the childlike wonder of the holiday. I love putting them up early so that you can really appreciate them. There have been studies that show that Christmas lights make people happy and improve people's moods. The earlier you put them up, the more joy they can bring to your home environment. I think they represent joy, peace, and optimism -- especially during a time when we're starting to get less daylight and it's darker and colder. It's a nice injection of happiness." 

How do you feel being at Tuileries Christmas Market right now?

"I feel extremely excited. Christmas in Paris has always been one of my dreams so I'm very happy to be here, living it, experiencing it, seeing the families, seeing the children, being here with my peers, and enjoying it from an adult view as well. I think there's something for everyone here. I think it's a hallmark of Christmas in Europe."

What's your favorite Christmas decoration?

"I have a tradition at home! Over the years, my son's crafts (that they created) -- I'd make them into ornaments. So if it was something they'd color, I'd laminate it, I'd create it, and fashion it into an ornament. So, they had a tree specially for just their ornaments. That was my favorite Christmas decoration; the Christmas tree dedicated to the ornaments that represented what [my sons] made and the pictures of them throughout the years."

"Oh, and I love the star. And I love white lights. I love beautiful, ambient white lights."

Are you decorating this year?

"Well, I have a very small apartment. So, my space is very limited, but I do have some gold garland that I put up and I have a gold light tree. I also put little acorns and faux greenery."

Lisa is being visited by her two sons this December. Though they won't be able to fit into Lisa's apartment, their presence marks a key element of the Christmas Spirit: connection. 

No decoration exists by itself, but instead they come together to symbolize what we know as Christmas. In their manufactured beauty, we are still reminded of those nearest and furthest to us. Rafael offered an adjacent yet different perspective when asked about Christmas decor: 

What about you, Rafael? What do Christmas decorations mean to you? 

"The bright lights, the noise, the madness -- It's the holidays! I always think of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. It's bare and that is sort of the spirit of Christmas. It's not [about] the material things. But, I'm like a dog. I see the colors and I see light and I go 'Oh my gosh, that's so pretty! and I get all excited. It makes me happy. I see the decorations and I get happy."

It sounds like the decorations conjure emotion and sentimentality within you. Can you tell me more about that?

"It think it's mental and emotional. [The decorations] look so pretty. You have to get happy." 

What Christmas decoration do you love to see?

"The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. I don't know if we have those here in Paris. In general, Christmas trees are so universal. We can all relate to that, regardless of where we're from."

Would you say that Christmas is your favorite holiday?

"I don't know. You know what I do like about Christmas? People tend to be nicer. Don't get me wrong. I think everybody goes through that phase where they are stressing like 'I got relatives coming in' or they're traveling, or they gotta make this dinner, there are some stressful moments. But in general, people tend to be nicer. I don't know if it's because the weather is colder and the weather beats us down a little bit more and it makes us a little more humble. I don't know if it's because people really do think that we're a lot more privileged than other people. I don't know if people reflect on that. I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's New Years around the corner and people make resolutions that they're going to try to be a better person the next year. I don't know what it is, but in general, there is a nicer-ness about people during this season."

"I wish I could see Charlie Brown's Christmas."

The Meaning Behind the Lights: 

The white and gold lighting found in Christmas decor mimic the firelight that early humans found to be safe and soothing. Seriously - whenever someone views Christmas lights, they are unconsciously boosting their mood, reducing stress, and increasing the dopamine levels in their bodies. We're also giving inadvertent shout-outs to our ancestors. 

A Christmas Tree isn't only a spectacle to enjoy, but a symbol of the deeper, intangible meditations of the human soul. Regardless of background, the desire to connect with others will forever be a long held treasure for humanity. We all want to experience joy, happiness, and togetherness. Through the bright lights and vibrant colors that are staples of the holiday season, we all can feel one snowflake closer to each other each year. 

Happy Holidays!