Why Decorating Early for Christmas Makes People So Happy

In the words of Alvin and the Chipmunks, some of us are already singing “We can hardly stand the wait” to decorate for Christmas. Here’s why decorating early for Christmas can be a very good thing!

As I write this, it’s June. That doesn’t stop me from dreaming about and planning for Christmas. You too? Making some Boozy Christmas Chocolate Truffles will either be enough to dial back my dreaming of Christmas, or it will make it even worse! Since it’s actually hot outside right now, I might at least get away with making a Frozen Hot Chocolate. Yummo.

There Is No Shame In Decorating Early for Christmas

Are you someone who loves breaking out the Christmas tree in July? Good for you! Yes, there are plenty of folks who are adamant that nothing with a Christmas theme is allowed until after Thanksgiving.

For you, I bet that sounds crazy. Why would anyone wait until after Thanksgiving to enjoy all things Christmas?

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist who wrote a book titled 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. She spoke to Unilad back in 2017 about why decorating early for Christmas is important to so many people.

“The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia,” she said. “Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity. For many putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhoods.”

Is that how you feel when you see Christmas goodies? That’s how I feel. Nostalgic. I’m reminded of Christmases as a child and it feels warm and wonderful to put myself in the mindset.

Morin continues, “It may be a bittersweet feeling. Perhaps the holidays serve as a reminder of when a loved one was still alive. Or maybe looking at a Christmas tree reminds someone of what life was like when they still believed in Santa.”

(Wait! What does she mean “still believed in Santa?” Oh no, Amy Morin. There is a Santa and I’m telling him what you said.)

She also notes, and I agree, that for folks who have lost someone, decorating early for Christmas might be a way to snuggle a little closer to the sweet memories you have of that loved one.

Decorating Early for Christmas Can Be Healing

It’s Science!

According to psychologist Deborah Serani, “Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone. It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness.”

Happiness fills our brains when those Christmas lights turn on.  Serani says that chromotherapy could be one reason for the brain’s reaction to the holiday décor.

The world is a stressful place right now. I could list countless things happening all around us that can leave us sleepless, a little grumpier than usual, and more anxious. Bet you could, too.

Is it any wonder that pulling out all those heartwarming decorations can make us feel less troubled and more childlike? It’s almost like having your own strand of bright bulbs in reds and greens that reach from the here and now all the way back to childhood.

If It Makes You Feel Happy, Just Do It

I say if you can find a little slice of joy and peace from a Christmas tree in June or sparkling lights in October, you do you. People can talk all they want, but you know what they can’t call you?

The Grinch!