The Science Behind Why Lights Make People Happy

Ask most people what they like best about Christmas and many people will say the lights. In the early 2000’s we lived in a heritage area in Edmonton. A movie company filming a Christmas movie, decorated all of our houses with lights. It felt like we’d stepped into a Hallmark Special. 

While many might assume that Christmas lights are a cornerstone of Christmas because of nostalgia and beauty alone - there is also Science which explains why Christmas lights make people so happy. Lights trigger dopamine, that ‘feel good’ chemical in the brain. Lights provide a physiological response from the nervous system that helps to make people more aware and provides feelings of happiness. Dopamine is released in both young babies and even those with dementia.

The science behind lights and colour likely explains why people initially invested in permanent lights for Christmas but are now turning their lights on all year long. Why enjoy lights for only one holiday when multiple occasions can provide a reason for your brain to get happy? 

When people ask what we like about owning a permanent light business, our answer is that it’s a “Happy Business.” Unlike other businesses where money is made to solve problems, like the leaky faucet or the dented bumper, lights make both young and old smile.

Call us weird, but we enjoy a date night driving around with coffees in hand and checking out homes with our lights. It’s fun to see what patterns and colours our customers are enjoying while knowing that our lights are spreading joy. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Susan