Christmas happiness

I read a little while back that some researchers were surprised that the more well off in this country were not necessarily happier than the poor. Why does this idea persist that "money=happiness"? Haven't they heard of the old adage, "Money can't buy you happiness" (and, of course, its rider, "but at least you can be miserable in comfort")?

And in yesterday's Guardian, an article by Larry Elliott, its Economics Editor, blew out of the water the idea that Christmas is a peak time for suicides. He says it's not. In fact, statistically, in December, the suicide rates are down. Christmas actually "cheers them up. Generally, it makes them happier rather than sadder."

The myth about suicides is probably put about by humanists who want to discredit Christmas. But their cover has been blown! People actually enjoy the preparation for 25th December and the time off work, gatherings of family and friends, good food and, of course, the giving and receiving of presents.

I did a straw poll at our Christmas Day service to see whether people preferred giving presents or receiving them. The "givers" had it. Although it may be that people thought that's what I wanted them to say, or that's what they ought to say! Or, maybe not! Maybe people really DO enjoy giving presents!

Of course, things may go downhill in January, when the credit card bills come in, but even so, we like to spend to give - and that's rather nice, I think. Elliott commented that those thrifty people of fiction, Silas Marner and Scrooge are "two of the most pitied characters in English literature".

Good point!

And when Mr. Cameron's new happiness index gets into gear in the New Year , we will all know how happy we are!