52 Holiday Moments So Sweet They Could Melt Even The Grinchiest Heart (New Pics)

Christmas is not just about the presents, it’s the connections that define the holiday season. Many people believe that spending time with family and loved ones adds to their festive spirit far more than material things.

A recent survey of 5,000 people who celebrate Christmas found that 47% of them like spending time with loved ones as it boosts their “seasonal spirit.”

Almost nine out of ten people said the holidays give an opportunity to reconnect with the people they love.

The research also showed people’s favorite ways to connect with friends and family over Christmas — 39% said taking winter walks is the best way, while 27% preferred meeting in coffee shops. About 40% of people said their favorite Christmas ritual is enjoying festive films together.

While Christmas has long been seen as a family-centred holiday, there are more and more people choosing to celebrate it their own way, challenging traditional expectations.

A trend known as ‘Quiet Christmas’ is gradually catching on among people who enjoy spending time alone, and prefer to stay away from crowds and social events during the holidays.

In a recent survey, almost one in five people said they had no plans for the holidays, with Gen Z being the most likely to do so. Out of these, at least 62% said they will not feel lonely despite being all by themselves.

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy your own company. You can eat what you want, watch what you like, and spend the day exactly how you want — no compromises, no drama, no travel stress, and no effort spent hosting or visiting others.

For many, it’s a chance to truly relax and enjoy the holidays. And if you have a pet, well, that’s exactly the cherry on top that you need.

Whether you decide to spend time with the family or alone, Christmas magic can come in all shapes and sizes.

Many people also try to spread joy during the holidays through simple acts of kindness — such as offering food to neighbors, volunteering at shelters or donating to charities.

Studies show that people are more likely to give during the holidays. The number of people volunteering also increases as many look for ways to connect with the community and make a difference.

Experts say that these acts can make you happier by creating a “helper’s high”.

“There’s a quick dopamine hit sometimes called the ‘helpers high.’ But there’s also that deeper reward of helping us to establish purpose and meaning,” Jenae Nelson, a developmental psychologist at Brigham Young University, told AP News.

From these big gestures to the littlest of surprises, Christmas 2025 was indeed full of such heartwarming moments that reminded us that the season is about connection, community, and love.