As the COVID-19 virus has now made its way into every state in the U.S., people across the nation are spending a lot of time in their homes — and the social distancing is beginning to take its toll on people mentally, CNN reports.
To spread some cheer during this bleak time, people are putting their Christmas lights back up — or just turning their back on them if they haven’t gotten around to taking them down yet. It all started with a tweet from Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Lane Grindle.
“What if we all put our Christmas lights back up? Then we could get in the car and drive around and look at them,” Grindle tweeted. “That seems like a fair social distancing activity.”
What if we all put our Christmas lights back up? Then we could get in the car and drive around and look at them. That seems like a fair social distancing activity.
— Lane Grindle (@lanegrindle) March 15, 2020
People across the nation immediately responded.
Sound On. Lights On. Hearts lifted. ❤️ We had our first confirmed case of #COVID19 in Cheatham County, Tennessee today. Our response is to be the light, and stay home! #FlattenTheCurve y’all. Have yourself a Merry Little Quarantine. 🎄#CoronaVirusChallenge #christmaslights #love pic.twitter.com/HmkTCm5O2Q
— Brenda Sparks (@theatreartist) March 19, 2020
My youngest son was bored today and said, "can we put Christmas lights on our tree outside to cheer us up?" Great idea buddy. Lights are on tonight as a sign of hope and the sweet mind of my 10 year old. #Rhodeisland #hope #lovemysons #Christmas #Cumberland pic.twitter.com/qhVjeuLc02
— Mike (@rhodyknowsbest) March 16, 2020
There’s a physiological reason Christmas lights spread cheer, according to Today.
“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” psychologist Deborah Serani told Today, adding that the brightness and colors of Christmas decorations have been shown to increase dopamine production, which can give people energy and make them feel happier.
Putting the lights back up can also help people maintain a sense of normalcy and feel united with their local community, according to Time magazine.