Why does Christmas have such a strong pull, not just for Christians but the Western world in general? Why did its importance grow exponentially so swiftly? What is it about this holiday that impacts our December behaviors, emotions, and expectations so strongly? Some of the answers are revealed by first uncovering the origins of the Feast of Nativity as it absorbed pagan festivals and led to the twelve motifs of Christmas. With this information in hand, Kendrick Norris examines Christmas through the lens of three schools of depth psychology: Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud), Self psychology (Heinz Kohut), and Analytical Psychology (C.G. Jung). As his new book, Jungian and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Christmas: Origins, Motifs and Psychological Significances (Routledge, 2025) reveals, the answers are diverse and persuasive.
Kendrick Lyddon Norris, Ph.D., NCPsyA., IAAP, a graduate of the C.G. Jung Institute of New York,, has 45 years of parish experience, and is Minister Emeritus of the First Congregational Church of Guilford. In addition to work for Family Counseling of Greater New Haven, his practice encompassed Jungian Analysis, Pastoral Counseling, and Spiritual Direction. Dr. Norris holds advanced degrees in divinity, pastoral psychology, and clinical studies and has held positions as president of New York Association for Analytical Psychology, faculty member of the New York and New England Jung Institutes, and instructor for Yale Alumni College.
Copies of Jungian and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Christmas will be available to purchase.
This program is free and open to all.
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