Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Will Actually Make You Happier

It’s never too early to begin the Christmas countdown. Families in some parts of the world begin to put up their Christmas decorations in September itself! Which makes it a real treat to walk the streets and see houses lit up with colorful baubles and lanterns.

Streets lit up with holiday decorations

via Pixabay

Putting up decorations has always been part of the Christmas tradition. After a year’s wait, the old Christmas tree, the adorable Santa Claus socks, wreaths of all sizes, and boxes of tree ornaments all emerge from the basement to brighten up our homes once again.

Some families even take it to the next level by conceptualizing a yearly theme for their home Christmas decorations. From Winter Wonderland to Silver Christmas, the creativity and ideas never seem to run out.

A recent poll showed that 86% of the surveyed individuals find November too early to put up their Christmas decorations. This differs in a big way from other parts of the world, where the Christmas season starts as soon as the ‘ber’ months begin. Certain religions celebrate Christmas on a different date, and some even observe it more than once a year.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of summer—bright stars and reindeer will be seen decorating their houses.

Aside from complying with tradition and the fulfilling aesthetic appeal of Christmas, the sole act of decorating can positively affect one’s mood. Putting up decorations is truly an enjoyable activity, not just for an individual but for the whole family. According to psychologists, such an activity can cause a neurological shift in our brains that releases ‘happy’ hormones. The hype and the excitement create an instant dopamine rush for many of those who’ve caught the Christmas fever.

Christmas decorations and nostalgia.

According to Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of the book “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” nostalgia plays a huge part in the mood-lifting effect of decorating for Christmas. She explains, “The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity.” She added, “For many, putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhoods.”

Of course, childhood memories are not the same for everyone. Some people may not have Christmas memories that are pleasant or worth remembering. For others, there may be no family to share the Christmas cheer with. The happiest time for certain people could very well have been the worst time for others.

Those who’ve lost a loved one can find it particularly hard to be in high spirits at this time of the year. However, the act of decorating can bring back good memories they had shared with the departed soul. Amy Morin explains, “Decorating early may help them feel more connected with that individual.”

Never too soon to start decorating!

Most importantly, Christmas decorations can help increase one’s happiness. There’s no time that is “too early” to decorate your home and feel the spirit of Christmas. Research suggests that we don’t really know when we’d actually feel like putting up our Christmas tree, so you might as well go with your gut feeling and start taking out those candy canes and gingerbread men!

The Christmas season can truly bring out our inner child. According to a quote by Laura Ingalls Wilder:

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

Who knew that such a simple activity can bring us a different kind of happiness that traces back to our childhood memories? The next time someone questions you about decorating too soon, inform them that science tells it all—it can make you happier!