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Some stories require a little more – a little more discussion, more context, more depth and breadth. 

That’s the idea behind “Behind the Blue” – a weekly podcast created by UK Strategic Communications. It is designed to explore through probing interviews the in-depth the stories that make UK the university for Kentucky and that have impact across the institution, the Commonwealth and, in some cases, the world. 

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

Dec 7, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 7, 2023) Most of us have been involved in conversations with friends, family, co-workers and more regarding holiday decorations, and the pros and cons of those “early birds” out there who start hanging lights the day after Halloween. Or perhaps we’ve silently evaluated our neighbors on the quality or volume of their outdoor decorations (and how many inflatables they have in their yard).

Some of you listening may bristle at the idea of holiday decorations in general, especially if you’ve had a personal encounter with what you feel are “over-the-top” decorators.

It turns out, though, that there may be more going on under the surface than just an over-zealous observer of the holidays, and decorations around the home could be beneficial for a person’s mental and emotional health.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Shannon Sauer-Zavala, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky, discusses the psychological benefits of holiday decorations. She explains that living in accordance with our values and cultural traditions can increase positive emotions and life fulfillment.

Decorating for the holidays can bring joy and enhance the holiday spirit. Savoring the holiday experience and being mindful of the present moment can also contribute to emotional well-being. Additionally, decorations can create a sense of community and belonging. It is important to acknowledge that the holidays can be challenging for some individuals, and seeking mental health support is encouraged.

For more information about UK’s clinical services mentioned in this episode, visit The Harris Center for Psychological Services.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

 For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.