When do you start decorating for Christmas? Are you someone who starts decorating as soon as November starts, or do you tend to begin after Thanksgiving? Many people start decorating at different times, typically from November 1st to Christmas Eve. But if you start decorating much later into the season, I strongly suggest you begin decorating a lot earlier, and here’s why:
Your Christmas Season is longer
After Christmas, many people complain that it went by “too fast” or that they did not soak it in enough. But I think the biggest reason people feel that way after the holidays is that they did not decorate their house early enough.
When you start decorating early, your house is already in holiday spirits, making the season feel longer. The positivity and joy in your home create a sense of peace, happiness, and nostalgia for much longer.
There is no reason not to start decorating early; leaving your fall or Halloween decorations can make your house feel cold and empty with no Christmas feeling at all. Another great thing is that when Thanksgiving comes around, you can celebrate the holidays with greater comfort and eagerness for the season. If you are someone who hosts for Thanksgiving, guests will feel more welcome, and it creates a sense of ambiance.
Happiness is scientifically proven
Much research shows that happiness may increase when decorating for Christmas earlier. The article Psychology Today states that putting up your decorations earlier can stir up your nostalgia. When you were younger, you had some of the best Christmas memories, like making Christmas cookies, decorating your tree, writing letters to Santa, watching every single Christmas movie with hot cocoa, making your Christmas list, and so on.
Those were some of the best memories. You can bring back the Christmas nostalgia with your decorating.
Psychology Today also states that “Nostalgia can help us find more meaning in life, deepen our social bonds, and even soothe collective anxiety. When you decorate early, you experience nostalgia for a longer timeframe.” Who does not want to be happy during the holiday season and experience all of their Christmas nostalgia?
Your holiday season can become more productive.
The holiday season can always become a chaotic time because there is so much to do. You need to buy Christmas gifts for all of your loved ones, host Thanksgiving and parties, and travel to relatives. This means that with your busy holiday schedule, you may not have enough time each day to decorate, and you will probably end up decorating much later into the season.
But if you get it done earlier, before all of your holiday plans and tasks, you won’t have to worry about your house feeling empty; instead, it will be decorated, and you can enjoy the comfort of your home throughout the whole season without stressing about it.
The Argument
While many people could argue that it is too much burnout so early in the holidays, or that they want to hold on to their old traditions of decorating later, I think your mood and happiness during the holidays will be better, and studies even prove it true.
The Most Important Part: Mental Health
Believe it or not, decorating for Christmas early can even improve your mental health. Integrative Psychology states that “They offer opportunities for social connection, fostering a sense of community and belonging that can enhance well-being.” Mental health awareness is crucial in today’s society, as it affects everyone. Starting your Christmas season early is the best way to improve your mental health during a season that can be both merry and bright, and also a season of mourning.
So start it early with decorating!
