Some people might avoid decorating for the holidays altogether, while others get out the tinsel as early as they can. If you’re wondering what’s behind the urge to decorate early, the answer is… complicated.
Tan France of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” is one of those early decorators. He starts getting his home ready for Christmas on Halloween, the fashion designer revealed in a recent Instagram post.
“Our 12-year tradition of putting up our tree on Halloween continued yesterday, and continues to bring so much joy to our little family,” he said. “I know it’s way too soon for most, but for us, it’s perfect.”
Writing for Psychology Today, psychotherapist and author Amy Morin said that people unpack their Christmas ornaments in the fall “might be on to something,” citing research that shows holiday decorating can result in a social boost. Once enveloped in the holiday spirit, people can then spread those positive vibes to others.
Another benefit of decorating is the way it links our past with our present, said Morin.
“When you find that childhood ornament that you always loved putting on the tree, you might instantly recall the wonder you experienced when you put up your Christmas tree every year,” she said. “Or you might string the lights the same way you did in your childhood home and honoring that tradition might help you feel more connected to family.”
Studies have even shown that these nostalgic feelings can have benefits, she added. They can help people find more meaning in life, deepen social bonds and soothe collective anxiety.
Last December, Shannon Sauer-Zavala, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky, also explained some of the psychological benefits of holiday decorations. She said explains that living in accordance with our values and cultural traditions can increase positive emotions and life fulfillment.
According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 64% of consumers feel happier when they are surrounded by festive decorations and 57% said it gives them something to look forward to. It also said psychologists have noted that early decorating can increase dopamine levels, enhancing energy and happiness.
“Holiday decor sparks a neurobiological shift that’s great for our mental and physical wellbeing. And by inviting festive decor earlier into our lives elongates the time we get to enjoy those benefits,” said Deborah Serani, professor of psychology at Adelphi University, as quoted by the association.
Professor Erlanger A. Turner, clinical psychologist at Pepperdine University cited by the Daily Mail, said early decorating to his “anticipation of joy” theory. Per that theory, people can prolong the exactment and happiness associated with the holidays.
During the first holiday season of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Texas A&M Health’s Vital Record reported on a trend of decorations going up earlier than usual.
“Several homes around campus have bats, spiders and snowmen all in one yard, showing just how quickly (and early) this transition has occurred,” it said. “In an emotionally taxing year of pandemics, protests, elections and hurricanes, people are rushing to embrace the spirit of the holidays.”
This year, Vox reported on a trend of earlier decorating as well.
“According to people all over the country, it wasn’t just my neighborhood. The early start to the most festive season seemed to be a reaction to – what else – the results of the election, which plunged many Americans into an uncanny mood they haven’t experienced since the last time Donald Trump was elected in 2016,” said the outlet.
Decorations might put some people in a better mood, but it’s not always sugarplums and miracles during the holiday season and when it comes to early decorating. For example, people get a bit burnt our by what’s called the “Christmas Creep” of winter holiday decorations hitting the shelves in the summer.
“Most people find it tasteful to stick within the weeks or the month of the holiday itself,” points out Lizzie Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and author of Emily Post’s Etiquette—The Centennial Edition, per House Beautiful.
Psychologist Dr. Carmen Harra told the Daily Mail that decorating early can reveal “concealed emotions and subconscious behavioral tendencies,” including narcissism – especially when the decorations are public facing and people put them up with the goal of being praised by their neighbors. In this same vein, she said some people put up elaborate displays can to distract from family troubles.
Decorations can bum people out too, as explained in the 2022 Jezebel article “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like F*** This”, and the emphasis on Christmas can feel alienating for people who celebrate other winter holidays. That article noted that it is also OK to feel a bit “bah humbug” about the holidays or holiday decorations, but it is also good to find a way to combat holiday stress... whether with a cup of hot cocoa or a marathon of holiday (or non-holiday) movies on Netflix.