We all know those people who put their holiday decorations up the day after Halloween. Yeah, looking at you Karen – nobody’s impressed. I never understood the obsession with throwing some decorations up well over a month before needed. Seemed a little much to me. Now I’m left here feeling like a hater because apparently early decorations will make you happier and change up your whole state of mind. At least that’s what some experts and good ole science believe. If that’s the case I’m about to throw some lights up and crank some Mariah Carey Christmas music all year long. If this is scientifically proven the way the world is going we might need a Christmas 12 months a year. While Santa may shed some lb.’s, I will not be complaining. Don’t underestimate the power of the early holiday spirit people.
After hearing putting your decorations up early will lead to improved happiness, I was skeptical. Then I began thinking, everyone does love the holiday season. I can rarely think of a time when people are nicer. So, I guess it makes sense – but I was still wondering how experts have come to this conclusion. Steve McKeon is a psychoanalyst who has a take on the matter that I feel like a lot of us could hop on board with.
“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!”
He also believes this can lead to gaining more friends even though it may sound stressful. The idea is that the decorations make you seem more approachable.The longer these decorations are up the longer you seem more approachable. Makes sense. Psychotherapist Amy Morin believes this also believes the increase in happiness has much to do with nostalgia. Nostalgia brings back happiness from pulling memories from one’s most positive times.
“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. It may be a bittersweet feeling. Perhaps the holidays serve as a reminder of when a loved one was still alive. Or maybe looking at a Christmas tree reminds someone of what life was like when they still believed in Santa. For people who have lost a loved one, the holidays may serve as a reminder of happy times they had with that person in the past. Decorating early may help them feel more connected with that individual.”
So after all things taken into account, I retract my hating and apologize to Karen. If throwing those decorations up in August is what makes you happy then go for it! Keep em up until Saint Patrick’s day who cares? Your house, your rules, your happiness. I never understood those people who go crazy over the top decorating but now I think I get it. Keep it up, my friends, I’m talking about your holiday decorations, not the other thing (get your mind out of the gutter).