Why Aren't People Happier During the Holidays? If you're lucky and you're not working this Christmas Eve, you may be just settling in for a cozy evening with family and friends. You may be going off to candlelight church services, or staying home, lighting the Christmas tree, listening to carols and sipping champagne with loved ones. Soon gifts will be exchanged and yummy food will be eaten. As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year."