Yes, we know it’s only November 5, but it’s time to go hard on that tinsel ASAP, and we have science’s permission.
Steve McKeown is a psychoanalyst that has found those who decorate for Christmas early are happier than their counterparts who wait for a more reasonable time to decorate — you know, like, after Thanksgiving.
McKeown states this is because, “In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate [with] things that make them happy, and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of childhood.” He continues, “[They’re] simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. So putting up Christmas decorations early extends the excitement.”
Psychologist Deborah Serani also shares the same sentiment, stating, “It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness. She continues, “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out … signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not. Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone.”
There you have it. Science says it’s OK to start decorating now. So, if you have friend, family member or a cranky neighbor that is complaining about your decorations going up “too early,” tell them science has your back!
