Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Could Make You Happier, Psychotherapist Says

Are you the kind of person who starts itching to put the Christmas tree up in November? The type of person who is desperate to deck the halls as soon as the clocks go back?

Well, it turns out that putting your Christmas decorations up early could actually be a mood booster!

Speaking to Tyla, psychotherapist, Ruairi Stewart (The Happy Whole Coach) said: “This time of year represents many different things in terms of memories, emotions or feelings of nostalgia.

“This has been a tough year for a lot of people and putting the tree up early might be helping them heal or connect to happier times.”

Ruairi says that with the last couple of years being ‘so hectic’ decorating your home for the holidays could actually be a good way of ‘reconnecting to positive memories from childhood’ or ‘setting the mood for something to look forward to’ in the weeks ahead.

“Anything can be a trigger for nostalgia,” says Ruairi. “But Christmas decorations is a common one most people can relate to.

"It isn't so much the actual decorations and putting them up that lifts a person's mood, but the memories they may be reflecting on or connecting to.

"If Christmas was a positive time in a child's life, then they will remember the excitement of Christmas fondly - [associating the decorations with] spending time with family, receiving gifts and watching festive films on TV.”

There is a scientific element behind all this too, as Rauiri says: “Christmas is often a time where people connect to happy memories of times spent with family and friends. Putting up decorations early could be a way of connecting to the inner child.

"Anything that helps us connect to positive feelings of nostalgia will help us feel better as they release positive hormones like dopamine into the body."

There is a caveat to all this though, as Ruairi says a lot depends on what your motivation for putting decorations up early is.

“Are they doing this because they feel they 'should' to appear a certain way to neighbours, friends or family, or because it genuinely feels right to them?,” he asks.

“Emotional response can vary wildly from person to person depending on their past experiences and current situation.”

However, it’s important to remember that although some people will love getting into the festive spirit, Christmas could actually be painful for others. 

“If there were a lot of arguments, stressed out adults, fighting, too much alcohol or other traumatic memories associated with their childhood for that time of year, it could be painful trigger,” he says. 

"It can also be difficult for people who have lost loved ones - bringing up mixed feelings of grief when they reflect on memories both good and bad," he says.

Ruairi advises: "There is no 'right' way or time to get ready for the holiday season or embrace traditions. It's unique for each person or family and if it brings a sense of joy or improves wellbeing by putting their decorations up earlier, I think that is a positive behaviour."