Do you get the itch to put up your Christmas decor before November is even halfway over? Maybe even before Halloween hits? You’re not alone. And if your family and friends tease or discourage you because you decorate for Christmas early, you can smugly send them this article.
Many psychology experts say that decking the halls early can be highly beneficial to your mental health, your social interactions, your routine, and more.
An Extra Dose of Dopamine
According to psychologists, Christmas decorations and the act of decorating can trigger a spike in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone associated with your pleasure center.
A release of this hormone in the brain conjures feelings of motivation, satisfaction, and even euphoria. You don’t need to be an expert scientist to understand that more of the feel-good hormone means a happier you! So why not treat yourself to a dose of dopamine and decorate for Christmas early?
Squeeze in More Holiday Traditions
If you’re like us, you have a million and one things on your Christmas to-do list. And we don’t mean the lame kind of to-do list; we mean the fun kind, with things like ice skating, hot chocolate bombs, and building gingerbread houses.
Even if you thrive during the Christmas season, squeezing everything in can still be stressful. There are so many Christmas movies, foods, and activities that kicking off the season early can give you more time to check off all your lovely to-dos.
Christmas Color Therapy
Scientifically speaking, bright lights and vibrant colors elevate your mood naturally. Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy or light therapy, can help restore balance to your body and mind. By November, many places are dark and grey, which can cause some people to feel sad or depressed.
Putting up the twinkling and shiny Christmas decorations can combat this greyness, helping you to perk up and feel better. If you tend to feel down during this time of year, consider getting more colorful and bright decor to put up to lean into the benefits, and do it early.
Because 25 Days Is Too Short
The “official” Christmas season is not even four full weeks. A measly 25 days is simply not enough for Christmas crazies like us. It always feels like the season starts, and the next thing we know, Christmas Day is here. Don’t get us wrong, we love Christmas Day, but the build-up to it is truly the best part of the holiday. And we want it to be longer.
That’s why we love breaking out the decorations on Black Friday (when we’re done shopping, obviously). Depending on what day Thanksgiving falls on, there’s sometimes only an extra two or three days! If we’re feeling extra festive, we’ll put them up the week before Thanksgiving, and it’s totally worth it.
The Neuro-Architecture of it All
We know this sounds fancy and scientific, but it’s a simple concept — the built (not organic) spaces around us impact our brain functions. It’s like how some people struggle to work if their desk is cluttered or why someone might feel calmer in a minimalist bedroom.
The concept of neuro-architecture is still new and being researched, but studies suggest that thoughtfully curated spaces have a positive effect on our brains. This might explain why people love themed restaurants or clear aesthetics; they help our brains process and settle into space more easily. And what’s better than a curated Christmas space? The earlier you decorate for Christmas, the longer you can take advantage of the pleasant effect.
Nudge Your Nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful force. TV show reboots and Y2K fashion trends prove what a strong grip nostalgia can have on us. Christmas is one of the most nostalgic times of year for many people, especially those who had happy Christmases when they were children.
If you had magical Christmases as a kid, stepping into the season, especially a bit early, evokes those feelings of innocence, joy, and simplicity. Nostalgic feelings often trigger dopamine, too, giving you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Generally, we think of Christmas as a warm and fuzzy time, and this is a big reason why.
Extend the Season of Giving
We don’t doubt that many of you reading this are generous and giving 365 days a year. However, most people are especially generous during the holiday season. Research suggests that unsolicited charitable actions rise at the end of the year simply because giving is associated with the season.
People give more around this time because they assume everyone does and expect others to do the same. Starting the season on the early side only encourages people to give for longer, which can make the world a better place for those in need.
Spread the Joy Around Town
Interestingly, in many parts of the US, people think positively about those who put up holiday decorations. So, the earlier you do it, the more your neighbors might like you. It makes you appear friendlier and more optimistic, whether you are or not.
There’s also something communal about decorating for Christmas. Even if you’ve never talked to your neighbor across the way, if you both build a snowman out front and hang string lights, you’re sharing the spirit of the season. If your next-door neighbor is the Grinch, it might be a different story.
A Break From the Hustle and Bustle
No one ever said life was easy, but it is easy to fall into a repetitive routine that can feel bland. The distinct vibe of the Christmas season is a marvelous way to break up the year and step away from the everyday things that put us on autopilot.
If you feel like the days, weeks, months, and even years blend together in an endless cycle of eating, working, and sleeping, decorating early gives you more time to enjoy this special season that stands out from the rest of the year.
A Delightful Distraction
Beyond just breaking up the boring parts of life, Christmas can be a welcome and necessary distraction for anyone going through a tough time. If work is stressing you out to the nth degree or you’re struggling to maintain your mental health, hanging twinkling lights, watching all your favorite Christmas movies, and cutting out snowflakes can pull you out of your funk, even if just for December.
Sometimes, those struggling with depression or anxiety may not want to decorate for Christmas at all, but we urge anyone in a tough place to break open their box of decor. Spending the day decorating for Christmas might be just the thing to uplift you.
Ignore the Naysayers and Decorate for Christmas Early
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about starting the Christmas season and decorating early.
Of course, extremes aren’t ideal. If you’re pinning stockings to the mantel in July, you may want to pull back a little. But once we’re out of summer and inching toward December, we give you permission to deck the halls and embrace the Christmas spirit ahead of schedule!
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