Is Holiday Singing Secretly Making Us Healthier and Happier?

Dec 10

Hi friends,

I’m Dr. Meghann Blankenship, and today I want to talk about something simple that might be helping your health more than you realize:

🎄 Singing during the holidays.

Think about this season:

Christmas carols in church
Kids’ programs at school
Music in the car, at home, and in the stores
Caroling in neighborhoods

There’s a lot of singing. I have a theory that this is one big reason many people feel more joy, warmth, and connection this time of year.

Good news: science backs this up.

What Happens in Your Body When You Sing?

When you sing, your body is not just making sound. A lot is happening inside:

Your brain releases “happy chemicals.”
Singing can trigger chemicals in the brain like endorphins (your body’s natural “feel good” helpers). These can boost mood and even help lower the sense of pain.
Stress hormones go down.
Many studies show that cortisol, your main stress hormone, can go down after singing, especially in groups. Lower cortisol often means you feel calmer and less on edge.
Your “bonding hormone” gets a boost.
Singing with other people can change levels of oxytocin, sometimes called the “cuddle” or “bonding” hormone. Oxytocin is linked to feeling close, safe, and connected with others.
Your immune system may get a nudge.
Some research has found changes in immune markers after singing. That doesn’t mean singing is a magic shield against illness, but it suggests that singing might support your body’s defenses in small ways.

So no, it’s not just in your head. Your body really does respond to singing.

Why Group Singing Feels Extra Good

You can sing alone in your car and still feel great (and I highly support car concerts!). But group singing seems to have special power.

Research has found that when people sing in groups, they often report:

Better mood
Less anxiety
A stronger sense of “belonging”
Feeling more connected to the people around them

Some studies even show that group singing helps strangers feel like friends more quickly. It’s like social super-glue.

At Christmas, we see this everywhere:

a church full of people singing “Silent Night” by candlelight
neighbors singing carols on the sidewalk
families around the tree singing “Jingle Bells”

These moments tie us together. Our brains and bodies “read” that connection as safety and joy.

Why the Holidays Feel Different

Of course, the holidays are not joyful for everyone. Some people feel more stress, grief, or loneliness this time of year, and that is very real.

But when people do report feeling happier around the holidays, singing might be part of the reason:

We sing more often.
We sing with other people.
We sing songs that are tied to memories, faith, and tradition.

That combination—music + meaning + people—is powerful.

Even one study that looked at people singing under the Christmas tree found that, for most folks, it was not awkward or painful. It was actually fun and surprisingly positive.

How to Use Singing as a “Holiday Health Habit”

Here’s the fun part: you don’t have to be a “good singer” to get the benefits. This is not about sounding like a professional. It’s about using your voice and your breath, and connecting with your people.

Here are some easy ways to lean into it:

Sing along in the car.
Turn on your favorite holiday songs and actually sing with them. Not just listen—sing.
Join in at church or events.
When there’s a song, stand up and sing, even if you’re soft at first. Your brain and body will still get the message.
Family sing-along night.
Pick a few carols or favorite songs and sing them together at home. Kids don’t care if you’re on key—they care that you’re present.
Sing while you work.
Cooking? Wrapping gifts? Cleaning up? Hum or sing while you move.
If you’re alone, still sing.
If this season is quiet or lonely for you, try singing along with music at home. It won’t fix everything, but it can be a small act of kindness toward your own nervous system.

A Gentle Note

Singing is not a cure-all, and it doesn’t replace medical or mental health care. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or another health problem, please reach out to a trusted professional.

But as part of a healthy lifestyle—along with good food, movement, sleep, and stress care—singing is a simple, free tool many of us overlook.

My Holiday Challenge for You

This holiday season, I’d love for you to try this:

Pick one moment every day to sing.

One song in the car
One carol at bedtime with your kids
One hymn or worship song in the morning
One silly song while you cook dinner

Notice how you feel afterward—physically and emotionally.

My hunch (and the science agrees) is that if we all sang a little more, not just at Christmas but all year long, we’d feel more joyful, more connected, and maybe even a little healthier.

Singing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

With joy and gratitude,
Dr. Meghann Blankenship
Concord Longevity Medicine

Jeff Blankenship