The Christmas holiday season is, of course, culminated with the holiday itself on Christmas Day; however, many people may believe that it is actually in the weeks before Christmas that people experience the most significant joy and magic related to this holiday season. "There is a type of electric energy in the air leading up to Christmas. It is an enormous shift from the everyday, ordinary world into a world of Christmas lights, sights, smells, and sounds that elicits that collective Christmas energy and excitement." The build-up to Christmas has become a period of excitement, anticipation, and wonderment, filled with joy and hope about the coming events. So, what is it about these special days before Christmas that makes them as joyous as Christmas itself? Here are a few of the many reasons why the anticipation of Christmas is just as significant and joyous as Christmas Day itself:

1. The Anticipation Effect 

In terms of the science behind the joy of Christmas, the anticipation that we feel towards Christmas has scientific backing. Many psychologists have stated that the "anticipation" associated with an event typically produces a greater increase in the level of the brain-produced dopamine than does the event itself.

As we live through the few days leading up to Christmas, our minds are filled with hope of what the future will hold (in this case Christmas). Christmas is not merely a single day or a moment in time; rather, there are multiple events leading up to Christmas that produce joyful anticipation of what is to come (for example, the large family gathering at the fireplace meal, the thrill of seeing your family at the gathering, and watching the excitement on the face of your family member as they open their gift).

It’s undeniable that this feeling of Christmas-like excitement produces an atmosphere of good cheer and happiness that exists for days leading up to Christmas and has the potential to last for weeks or even months following.

2. The Christmas Countdown Rituals

There are many small traditions leading to Christmas to help us enjoy the waiting process. Many of these rituals create a sense of celebration with each passing day (Advent Calendar). A simple chocolate calendar or elaborate paper version has been developed over the years, and each day allows participants to continue the countdown to Christmas.

As we decorate for Christmas by taking boxes of decorations out of the attic, the act of putting up the first strand of lights signifies the beginning of Christmas and a time of joy.

Baking with our families is part of our preparation for Christmas and reflects how much baking has become a tradition in many households. The smell of baking ginger and peppermint cookies is associated with fond memories of previous Christmases.

3. The Transformation of Our Environment

During the days or weeks leading up to Christmas, everything changes visually. The visual transformation creates so much Christmas cheer and creates a lot of "magical Christmas" feelings.

4. Secret Pride in Preparation

The main reason for many people getting excited about Christmas is all the "secret" work done for others.

Before Christmas, we think about our family and friends, trying to come up with ideas of what would make them happy. We participate in "secret shopping," write letters, and wrap gifts for the people we love. This type of "secret" preparation helps take our attention away from the stress of the day-to-day and transfers it to the joy we give to other people. I believe that one of the true joys of the holiday season is giving of ourselves through our preparations for the people we love.

5. Feeling the Magic in the Final Days

As the days continue leading up to Christmas and convert to hours, the magic hits its highest level. The feeling that you get on "Christmas Eve," when the tree is lit and everything is in order, is probably the most relaxed and magical feeling that you will get all year. It is a time that has so much potential and so many things to be grateful for.

Ways to maximize the experience of the lead-up to the festival.

• Savor the Moment: Don’t let the lists of tasks interfere with your ability to enjoy the season.
• Take a Drive and Look for Decorated Homes: Spend one evening driving around your local neighborhood and look for all of the decorated homes.
• Include Friends in the Excitement: Contact one of your friends and share what you’re doing for the holidays, and have fun with it!

The lead-up to Christmas is all about experiencing ‘the journey’ regardless of our destination (knowing that Christmas is a special time for everyone). It’s not just about receiving presents; it’s the entire journey where we experience love, preparation, and hope leading to that moment when we’re surprised by the thought of what’s under the tree.