Happy New Year: Reflections in Blue

 

The new year is traditionally a time of introspection.  Part of this is studying the array of Christmas cards I received this year.  Several years ago, I discovered something interesting about Christmas cards.  They inadvertently take the pulse of the nation.  

Sure, some have family pictures, animals, trees, scenes of snow or an array of stars, but there is always a predominant color.  That color is what I have come to look for as a reflection of the mood of the country.  These cards represent a very personal choice.  What would make diverse people across the country consistently choose one color over another?

Part of the reason is that color has strong psychological ties to our subconscious mind.  Marketers know the importance of color.  Customers make an initial judgement on a product in just 90 seconds and up to 90% of that judgement is based on color. 

Last year, the year of COVID, the year of sheltering in place, the year of economic destruction, the cards I received were mostly neutral tones: brown, off-white, even bright colors were grayed down to shades instead of tints.  Everything was muted.  It was as if we were not only avoiding celebration, but we were afraid to tempt fate by even hinting at joy.  Last year was a time of cautious, contemplative, quiet remembrance of the season. 

What was the Christmas of 2021 like?  Blue cards from top to bottom!  There were a few greens in the bunch, and another good selection of the browns, ecru and off-white cards but the vast majority were blue. 

            The country seems to be in a blue mood.  What does that mean?  Is it Elvis singing a poignant, “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas without you…”?  Not necessarily.  Blue is a color of calm.  It slows the heartbeat and metabolism.  Blue is soothing.  It is a non-confrontational color and has no negative psychological effects.   

            The color blue can increase productivity by making people calm, confident and secure in their workplace.  It inspires confidence even when used by those in authority.  A blue suit is always a good idea for a public speaker.  [A fact that works against someone like me, for whom blue is not my best color.  I do best in brown, which is generally associated with people who are honest, dependable and dull.  Well, we work with what we have.]

            Using the traditional view of the mythological Janus, the two-faced god for whom January was named, I am looking both to the past and future with my Christmas card barometer. Looking back, I would say that people this year were reaching out for a sense of peace, trust and serenity.  Even in the presence of omicron, confrontation and reactionary hatred, we still see hints of calmer seas.  Yes, the country was in a blue mood this Christmas, and that was not a bad thing.   Looking forward I am hoping for a year of pink cards in 2022.  It has happened before—the Christmas of 2008.  That was the year of pink cards, bright themes, cartoon animals.  I even had Nativity scenes that were on a pink background.  Aside from being associated with lighthearted fun and femininity, pink causes people to think of compassion and sincerity.  Like blue, it seems to have no negative traits.  Yes, I am hoping for pink next year.  But hopes work best when accompanied by actions.  So, I am going to not just think pink, but act pink.  That is my New Year’s resolution, to work for pink. 

            This year, get in touch with your feminine side and keep the faith.