title: [The effect of Christmas joy on the mood among medical doctors - a randomized, blinded intervention study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Each December Santa's elves spread Christmas joy (JN). Laughter and humour may influence health and stress level. No other study has investigated the effect of JN on the good spirit (DGH) among healthcare professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a single-centre blinded intervention study with crossover at three hospital departments. JN intervention of three days was randomized. Median ± standard deviation was given. The level of significance was p < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During a four-week period, we made 24 observations (response rate 67). The laugh index increased from 0.02 in November to 0.03 in December (without JN) and further to 0.05 with JN. At one department, the rise was significant. At a department without morning coffee, the DGH level raised after JN intervention corresponding to the level at the departments with morning coffee before JN intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Christmas atmosphere tended to increase DGH at the morning conferences. JN tended to have an additive effect. JN exposure may be beneficial.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The study did not receive any funding.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The trial was not registered and was kept secret for the participants in accordance with the tradition of Santa's elves.
authors.affiliation: christine.ilkjaer@post.au.dk.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ilkjær
authors.forename: Marianne B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.forename: Mette H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lauridsen
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ilkjær
authors.forename: Vibeke E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Hjortdal
mesh_terms: D006240:Happiness; D006693:Holidays / Q000523:psychology*; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007845:Laughter; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*