According to psychologists
Why you should decorate for Christmas now
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Are you one of those people for whom seasonal decoration is the holy grail? Why festive decorations for Christmas make us particularly happy – and why you should start with them as soon as possible.
There are two types of people: those whose homes always look the same, and those who change their walls in preparation for holidays like Easter, Halloween, etc Let Christmas shine in a completely new light. If you belong to the second type, from a psychological point of view you are doing everything right. Because decorating for Christmas in particular can give us a mood boost.
Christmas is a magical time – and makes us happy
Psychologist Deborah Serani explains to “today.com”: “Christmas decorations create a neurological shift that can make us happy.” In her opinion, this is because decorating takes us out of our everyday lives. “Decorating for Christmas stimulates the production of dopamine, a feel-good hormone.” The bright colors, which can lift our mood, and the nostalgia factor are mainly responsible. “For many of us, Christmas is a magical time,” says Deborah Serani. “It’s a time of innocence, a time of joy.”
Christmas with these same connotations is therefore perfect in the dark season, when many people struggle with a seasonal low in their mood. Colorful Christmas lights, Advent wreaths and cute reindeer figures can help you escape the winter blues for a while. And the sooner we start, the longer we can enjoy our Christmas decorations as a mood booster.
It’s best to start decorating straight away!
Therapist and psychoanalyst Steve McKeown also recommends this. He told Unilad: “In a world full of stress and fear, things that make us happy can help. And Christmas decorations often evoke strong positive feelings from childhood.” Decoration is a path to these magical childhood emotions. “Starting your Christmas decorations early prolongs this excitement,” explains the expert.
So if you’re one of those people who loves Christmas and everything related to the holiday, you shouldn’t waste any time: get the fairy lights out of the basement, put on “All I Want for Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” and make an Advent wreath . There’s also gingerbread and mulled wine! As psychologists confirm: the earlier you start, the longer you’ll get your Christmas dopamine hit!
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By the way: Beautiful Christmas decorations can also be good for your social life. One Study from the USA was able to show that people who decorate their houses festively are perceived as more approachable and friendly. So you’re not only doing something good for your own mental health when you decorate your home for Christmas, but you’re also making others happy – and improving their image of you!
Sources used: verywellmind.com, today.com, unilad.com, popsugar.co.uk, sciencedirect.com