There’s a lot of things to love about Love, Actually. One, that it summarizes our lives when Sam, played by Thomas Sangster, says, “Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!” A lot of things bring the 10 storylines together; chief among them: the winter.
It’s not like romance blooms only under the mistletoe; but there’s something about winters, shorter days, and having to stay in and cozy that sparks love. Think The Holiday, with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swapping homes and finding love (and gumption). Or, Last Christmas, with the mysterious and handsome Henry Golding. Or, a score of holiday movies that use the pull of winters to orchestrate romance. (Hallmark rom-coms, anyone?)
Turns out, there is a link between winters and a greater desire for coupling. It’s what has come to be known as the “cuffing season,” where people may be inclined to start a relationship at the start of winter — and stay in it at least until spring. The prevalence is such that the term was shortlisted in 2017 as the word of the year; even Google searches for the phrase tend to peak between October and February. Facebook’s data shows people change their relationship status around holidays like Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day more than on other dates.
Coupling is biological, ideological, and social. The formula for what makes winters such a fertile period for romance is such: darker days + colder nights + holiday season + societal pressure = an intoxicating cocktail.
Physically, it’s telling of how seasons impact our psychology. Studies show that individual serotonin levels (hormones that regulate our mood) decrease when there’s a drop in sunlight. This is what we know as “winter blues.” It’s the increased anxiety and loneliness that can impact a desire for relationships. No wonder researchers found a direct relationship between feeling cold and watching romantic movies. Viewers may associate romance with warm, mushy feelings — activating a psychological warmth that spills over the body. Winter terminology like “snuggles” and “cuddles” accelerates this process, further associating warmth with romance.
