Ever wonder why Santa Clause wears a red suit? Why pagans brought evergreen trees into their homes? How come so many cultures have a holiday season during December and January? Have you also noticed that all of these events coincide with winter solstice?

The reason is largely because of serotonin levels (a chemical found in the brain which is related to mood). During the winter months serotonin levels are at the lowest naturally occurring state because the sun’s light is at it’s weakest. The sun’s light is a source of full spectrum energy (which can be seen by the presence of rainbows through prisms), which positively interacts with human biology to increase serotonin levels and elevate mood.

The ancients understood the correlation between depression and reduced sunlight so they devised artificial methods to elevate moods through symbolic meaning such as the enduring life of an evergreen which retains it’s needles during the harshest of winter months, the use of the color red which is a high stimulus color, and the introduction of additional light sources which were originally candles. It’s no accident that all of these rituals found meaning during a time of the year when the intensity and presence of sunlight was at its lowest point.

In our modern world we have increased the stimulation started by our ancestors with the introduction of electrical lights that twinkle, anticipation of gifts wrapped in brightly colored and reflecting paper, and large social gatherings. The combination of these events serves to increase neural stimulation. What has happened, however, is that our culture has also increased the demands placed on individuals which when combined with holiday rituals creates a time of great stress. In addition, the increase in electrical devices used during the holiday season increases electromagnetic fields. Dry skin, hair and clothing static, and giving or receiving shocks are all symptoms that occur at greater frequency during the holiday months and indicate the presence of higher electromagnetic fields. So what does this mean? High stress loads and increased electromagnetic fields equal greater absorption of serotonin by the body thereby causing increased incidents of anxiety, depression, and irritability. Sound familiar?

What we can do to combat some of these symptoms? In addition to adopting better organizational skills, we can try and increase our exposure to natural sunlight. Take a quick walk during your lunch, stand outside during your break, and let as much natural light into your home as possible by opening up the curtains.

You can also introduce water fountains, take longer showers, and introduce an ionizer. Water fountains and showers increase the quantities of negative ions in the air, which are serotonin enhancers. When water impacts a surface an electron is released which then attaches itself to an ion thus creating a negative ion. This is why people are typically in a better mood after a shower, why people like to live near the ocean, and why water fountains are so important in Feng Shui. Please note that a humidifier will not create a negative ion because water is not impacting anything to cause the release of that electron.

Another thing you can do is step up your daily exercise by making it a little more rigorous. Exercise stimulates the secretion of endorphins, a natural hormone related to elevated moods. Lastly, introduce personally appealing aromas into your environment via candles, air fresheners, etc. The scent of Evergreen, not surprisingly, is associated with increased moods.

As a Realtor, selling homes during the winter months can be a fruitless endeavor. Therefore, if you want to maximize your selling potential during the winter months I suggest investing in an ionizer and setting it up by the entranceway one hour before a client is scheduled to view the home. Turn on the shower (not hot water) and let the water run for about ten minutes before the client enters the home and then make a point of showing the client that the shower works by turning it on again and briefly discussing some of the attributes of the house while the water runs. Also, introduce the scent of vanilla because it is a calming scent that is typically equated with security and serenity. Lots of lighting and soothing background noise used in conjunction with the steps I have point out above will increase a positive mood in clients as they enter the house, and will allow them to leave the property with a more positive impression of the home.

Published: January 8, 2003

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David Alan Kopec "DAK" has a Ph.D. in Environmental Psychology with a concentration in perception and design and two master's degrees, one in Architecture and another in Community Psychology. He also has a bachelor's degree in community/public health, is certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), a member of Interior Design Education Council (IDEC), and studied the practice and principles of Feng Shui in China. Among DAK's most notable accomplishments include the completion of the first textbook on environmental psychology for design, published by Fairchild Books, which won ASID's 2006 Joel Polsky Prize. He has also authored two monographs; the first analyzes the Americans with Disabilities Act along with the common issues faced by an elderly population, published by ASID. The second monograph discusses the design of long-term care facilities in a multicultural society. This is being published by NCIDQ. Currently DAK is working on a second textbook that analyzes health, sustainability and design. Fairchild Books will release this book in the Spring of 2008. Also, DAK is a 2006 award recipient from Rebuilding Together San Diego. DAK is an Associate Professor of Design at the Newschool of Architecture and Design. In addition, DAK has a private practice, provides consulting services and educational lectures at events such as Neo-Con World’s Trade Fair in Chicago, the annual leadership conference for the American Society for Interior Designers (ASID), and dozens of physician conferences and meetings.