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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
From a developmental psychology perspective, Christmas provides a space of resonance for connectedness and solidarity. In this interview, Dr Sina Gibhardt of the Humboldt Science Centre for Child Development (HumanKind) at Leipzig University explains how the particular blend of warmth, rituals and familiar routines gives children emotional security and a sense of belonging. Encounters with family and community reinforce their experience of being part of a wider social network. At the same time, Christmas offers many occasions to practise empathy and solidarity. In this way, the festive season becomes an experience that strengthens attachment, social skills and emotional wellbeing.
Why is Christmas so special for children, parents and families from a developmental psychology perspective?
From the perspective of developmental psychology, warmth, a sense of safety and familiar routines are central building blocks of secure attachment. Attachment theory shows that a sensitive and reliable response to a child’s needs (“contingent responsiveness”) is essential for healthy development. Christmas offers an ideal setting in which to deepen these experiences and strengthen feelings of connectedness.
At the same time, children experience at Christmas that togetherness reaches beyond the immediate family: encounters with grandparents, godparents, neighbours or friends broaden their understanding of what community means. Experiences of belonging promote emotional wellbeing and long-term mental health.
What role do rituals play in providing emotional security and a sense of safety?
Typical Christmas rituals – candlelight, singing together, decorating the tree or baking biscuits – give children a sense of familiarity and predictability. Such rituals act as emotional anchor points that offer orientation and security in a complex world. Recurring rituals strengthen emotional bonds within families and create lasting memories. They also signal appreciation: the child experiences that they are seen.
In what ways can Christmas be a learning experience for solidarity and empathy?
Christmas offers many opportunities to experience empathy and solidarity. Through stories, fundraising activities or projects in nursery and school, children learn that not everyone lives under the same conditions. Such experiences foster perspective-taking – the ability to put oneself in another’s position – and compassion. Research shows that giving often triggers stronger positive emotions than receiving. Human beings are social creatures who rely on mutual support. When children discover that it feels good to help others or to share, they develop an inner understanding of solidarity. They sense: “I can do something good for others – and that feels good.”
What does it mean for children to experience solidarity as something mutual?
Children benefit from realising that they are not only recipients but can also give actively. This strengthens their sense of agency and moral responsibility. Reciprocity – the principle of mutual giving – lies at the heart of social relationships. Such experiences lay the foundation for social competence, compassion and a sense of connectedness.
In a pluralistic society, how can we communicate the message of Christmas to children in an age-appropriate way?
Christmas can be a space in which compassion, care and community take centre stage – regardless of religious affiliation. Children do not need to be embedded in a particular religious narrative to learn from these values. Parents can convey that Christmas is less about material presents and more about shared experiences and a lived sense of connectedness. They can also speak openly about the fact that some people find the festive season difficult – for example because of loneliness or financial pressures. Such conversations nurture compassion without overwhelming children.
How can families create a resonant sense of togetherness at Christmas – beyond perfection and pressure to meet expectations?
Children do not benefit from perfect holidays, but from genuine, warm togetherness. The pressure to “get everything right” makes true connection harder. Relationships grow through real encounters – and also through managing small crises together (“rupture and repair”). In this way, Christmas can become a space of resonance in which children experience relationships as alive, valuable and resilient – and learn that connectedness can grow even out of challenging moments.
Practical ideas for making Christmas a space of resonance:
· Plan time for one another consciously. Even brief moments of genuine attention – talking, cuddling or listening together – can strengthen feelings of connectedness.
· Shape rituals together. Actively involve children, for example when decorating the tree, baking biscuits or reading stories. A lovely example is a short, candle-lit round of sharing in the evening, where each person briefly says something they are grateful for. This establishes a regular gratitude ritual that fosters security, reflection and positive emotions.
· Small acts of helping. Children can learn that giving brings joy – for instance by making biscuits or small gifts for neighbours, visiting care homes, taking part in fundraising activities for families with little money or engaging in other small charitable actions.
· Experiencing giving and responsibility. Let children make small contributions, such as helping to set the table, cook or bake – and then talk about the feeling afterwards: “How did that feel for you?”
· Value authentic togetherness over perfection. Name conflicts, resolve them together and actively seek moments of connection – while cooking, reading aloud, going for walks or making music.
Interview conducted by Dr Madlen Mammen. / Translation: Matthew Rockey
Ph.D. Sina Gibhardt
sina.gibhardt@uni-leipzig.de
Dr. Madlen Mammen
Humboldt Wissenschaftszentrum für Kindesentwicklung (HumanKind)
Telephone: +49 341 97 31849
madlen.mammen@uni-leipzig.de
https://www.humankind.uni-leipzig.de
Dr Sina Gibhardt is a postdoctoral researcher at the Humboldt Science Centre for Child Development ( ...
Source: Antje Gildemeister
Copyright: HumanKind/Leipzig University
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists, all interested persons
Psychology, Teaching / education
transregional, national
Transfer of Science or Research
English
Dr Sina Gibhardt is a postdoctoral researcher at the Humboldt Science Centre for Child Development ( ...
Source: Antje Gildemeister
Copyright: HumanKind/Leipzig University
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