With all those valid anxieties on our minds, it might seem tricky to fully embrace the festive spirit - but that’s where the spirit of generosity can help lift the collective mood.

“Being generous with our time, money, or sharing resources, allows us to connect meaningfully with those around us,” says psychologist and research scientist Dr Linda Papadopoulos. “As this is our first Christmas since the pandemic where we can celebrate together, there’s no better time to be generous.”

Multiple studies have shown that human beings are more likely to derive happiness from giving to others than spending money on themselves, with generosity helping to create a ‘warm glow’ effect. “When we give, our brains release ‘happiness hormones’: endorphins and dopamine – both of which lift our mood – and oxytocin, which creates a sense of serenity or inner peace,” explains Dr Papadopoulos.

“At a really basic level, the joy we get from giving is similar to the joy we receive from eating, sex or social interactions,” she continues. “That’s because evolution depends on group cohesion: a community being able to live and work together happily and harmoniously. Generosity tends to bond groups together – studies suggest that when we give to others, it promotes a virtuous cycle, where recipients are more likely to pay the generosity forward.”

According to PayPal’s research, only 31% of Brits consider themselves generous, with a quarter (24%) believing they could be more generous than they currently are. So if you want to give better this Christmas, read on for Dr Papadopoulos’s tips on how to do just that. Hint: it doesn’t necessarily mean spending more money…

This is why giving makes us feel good - and how to do it better