Unsplash | Arun Kuchibhotla

Early Christmas Decorators Are Happier, Science Confirms

While it is still well before Thanksgiving, the Christmas spirit is already in the air for a few people. There is always plenty of debate over when the right time to start decorating actually is, but now science has brought some strong evidence to the table for early decorators.

Earlier Is Happier

According to experts, the earlier you decorate your house for Christmas, the happier you are overall. Why this happens is pretty simple according to Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown and Moms.com:

"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," he stated. "Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. So putting up those Christmas decorations early extend the excitement!"

Producing Happiness

Psychologist Deborah Serani also added some weight to this idea with Today, saying that decorating "creates a neurological shift that can produce happiness":

"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," Serani added.

Why Christmas?

It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Christmas can create joy, happiness, and good feelings all around for people at Christmas. Colors are bright, lights highlight a home and make it stand out in an interesting way, plus there is the nostalgia factor:

"The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia," psychotherapist Ann Morin told Unilad. "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."

Creating New Memories

Apparently even if you have negative memories of your childhood, decorating for Christmas and celebrating with your family can craft new memories that will replace the old negativity.

People Will Also Notice

Another result of decorating your house and decorating it early is the outlook other people will have towards you. Folks who decorate are generally seen as nicer people and friendly types in the neighborhood according to Mom.com.

Then Again...

What if the neighbors just think you're crazy and want to make sure they stay on your good side? And what does this mean for people who hate Christmas? Should they just decorate more for Halloween?

What if you mix the two and like to decorate with Krampus?

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