Is happiness something already inside of you, or something you want to achieve? I’ve always been fascinated by this subject, and it’s especially relevant during the holidays. Everywhere you go, there’s Christmas music, decorations, lights, and warm cocktails. It’s almost mandatory to be happy at this time of year, even when life feels heavy or uncertain. But maybe happiness is less about forcing a mood and more about creating the right conditions for it to grow.

This question was turned on its head for me after watching Gaiam TV’s movie Happy. In it, we travel to different parts of the world, from the slums of Calcutta to Denmark. The Danish people are among the happiest in the world because there is a real sense of community that brings people together. Burdens and joys are shared, and nobody is alone. Families support one another in ways that make daily life feel lighter and more connected. That kind of togetherness changes everything.

Happy was a brilliant reminder for me of exactly this. Happiness isn’t something you’re born with or something you achieve through being a better person or making more money or finding someone special. Happiness is something you practice through gratitude, meditation, and spending time with others. The more people reflect on what they can offer, the happier they are. Small acts of attention and generosity can shift the whole tone of a day.

Families in Denmark live together in co-op fashion, sharing chores and helping each other out. Their kids grow up together, they take care of the older residents together, and they understand the importance of interconnectedness. We are not islands, no matter how independent we may feel. That sense of togetherness can make daily life feel lighter, kinder, and more meaningful. When people share responsibilities, they also share comfort, and that makes happiness feel more reachable.