If you were one of those families who had installed a wreath on their front door, wrapped garlands around their banisters, and had a wintry holiday village set up on your mantel by Nov. 1, you might be in luck. According to experts, decorating for the holidays early may make you happier. So you might want to consider pulling the fairy lights and cotton-ball “snow” out of storage tonight, if you haven’t already.
“In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate to things that make them happy, and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of the childhood,” psychoanalyst Steve McKeown told Unilad. He named Christmas, but decorating for other winter holidays will do, especially if you have fond memories of your family doing so when you were younger. “Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement,” he explains. “So putting up those Christmas decorations early extends the excitement!” That seems logical enough.
Psychotherapist Amy Molin agreed, explaining that holiday decorations can take you back to a simpler time, at least mentally: “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.” She also says that it can help those who have lost someone feel closer to the loved one in question, adding that “decorating early may help them feel more connected with that individual.” That’s true whether you’re decorating with family heirlooms or with your own festive holiday items.
Sounds like it’s time to break out the decorations, queue up the holiday-themed playlist, and deck those halls. We’re all for extending the seasonal cheer for as long as possible.