Cur why we feel happiness on Old New Year: the neuroscience of the doubled celebration The phenomenon of Old New Year (celebrated on the night of January 13 to 14) represents a unique cultural and psychological case. This holiday, born from a historical calendar shift, has no astronomical or religious foundations, yet it has firmly rooted in the traditions of several countries, primarily the post-Soviet space. The feeling of happiness and a special atmosphere that many experience on this day is not accidental — it has clear neurobiological, psychological, and sociocultural justifications. 1. Neuroscientific basis: a "free" celebration and a dopamine bonus. From the perspective of neuroscience, Old New Year is a classic example of a "holiday without obligations" that activates the brain's reward system (the dopamine system) with minimal costs. Reduction of stress and expectations: The main New Year (December 31) is associated with a high level of social stress. There are grand expectations: an "ideal" celebration, expensive gifts, family harmony, grand plans for the future. This creates cognitive load and often leads to post-holiday dysphoria ("the effect of disappointed expectations"). Old New Year is devoid of this pressure. It is perceived as a "bonus", non-mandatory celebration. The absence of obligations reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and the ease of the event stimulates the release of dopamine — a neurotransmitter associated with anticipation of reward and pleasure. Effect of prolongation: The festive state associated with vacation, non-working mood, abundance of treats is prolonged. The brain receives an additional dose of positive stimuli (delicious food, social interaction, rituals) without the need to "restart" in work mode. This maintains a high emotional tone. 2. Psychological mechanisms: nostalgia, closure, and intimacy. Nostalgia as a positive affect: Modern research (K. Sedikides, T. Wildschut) shows that nostalgia is not a painful longi ... Read more