How to Have Happy Holidays: What Science Suggests

About this episode

The episode explores the science of happiness and how to create joy during the holiday season for ourselves and our children.

In this episode, I dig into one of my favorite topics—what really makes us happy—and why the holidays are the perfect time to rethink how we create joy for ourselves and our kids. If you’ve ever wondered why the things you anticipate don’t always end up being the things that actually fill your heart, you’re not alone. I explore the science behind pleasure versus happiness, why we confuse the two, and how small intentional choices can make the holiday season feel richer, calmer, and more meani...

People in this episode

Host: Ned Johnson

Topics covered

• happiness
• holidays
• joy
• science
• parenting
• intentional choices

Keywords

• happiness
• holidays
• joy
• science
• parenting
• intentional choices
• pleasure

More episodes of The Self-Driven Child

• Tapping into what really motivates teens: an interview with bestselling author and psychologist Dr. David Yeager · May 13, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Simply weathering the storm of modern life? Help your kids survive and THRIVE! · April 9, 2026 · 1h 7m
• When the World Feels Too Big: Talking With Our Kids About Hard Things · March 26, 2026 · 53 min
• 8 Setbacks to Make A Child a Success: With Michelle Icard · March 3, 2026 · 57 min
• Mattering: an interview with Jennifer Wallace · January 29, 2026 · 45 min
• Adolescents Are Identity Scientists: Exploring With Chris Balme · January 16, 2026 · 35 min