Experts Say Put Up Holiday Decorations Early to Increase Happiness

While people have spoken out against stores like Target pushing Christmas too early on in the year, a new report has been circulating around the internet that states embracing the holidays early will increase one’s level of happiness. According to KENS 5, welcoming tradition and conjuring up childhood memories of excitedly opening presents during the holidays will open up your heart to happiness. Also, British researchers at UNILAD say that setting up decorations like a Christmas tree helps to reconnect with family members who have passed on in a positive way, accessing the happy memories you shared with them.

Additionally, Business Insider writes that the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests putting up holiday decorations in November makes one appear friendly. In a study, participants were shown houses with and without holiday decorations from different socio-economic settings. The participants said that the houses that embraced the holidays were much more approachable and looked “friendly and cohesive.”

But there’s also a melancholy side to getting out the Christmas lights early. Steve McKeown, psychoanalyst and founder of MindFixers, said that some people who decorate early are trying to compensate for disappointing holidays in the past. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily a bad thing to do. So, decorate to your heart’s content!