It's Never Too Early for Christmas Decorations

It's Never Too Early for Christmas Decorations

No matter what your personal decorating philosophies are, decorations have begun to appear in our malls, city streets, and libraries. It seems like every time I’m in a store, I overhear someone mumbling about how it’s too early for Christmas decorations to be out and, to be honest, I was inclined to agree. Every holiday should be celebrated to the fullest before we move on to the next. Maybe Christmas shouldn’t overshadow Thanksgiving (even though it is clearly the inferior holiday). In the past, I have been a strict post-Thanksgiving holiday decorator, however, I listened to a podcast the other day that has me second-guessing this resolution. The podcast spent 30 minutes arguing the pros of decorating for Christmas early and I must say it swayed me. So today, I’ve decided to share these benefits and maybe you will walk away believing “the more the merrier” and “the sooner the better” when it comes to holiday decorating.

It Could Make You Happier

According to scientists, people who begin Christmas celebrations earlier are happier. In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate with things that make them happy, and Christmas decorations evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and excitement from childhood. Even if these feelings are mixed with sadness, such as when someone has lost a loved one, decorating can help connect to positive memories of that loved one. 

Christmas Desserts

Did someone say cookies? Yes, they aren’t technically decor, but desserts are one of the best parts of the holiday season. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy them any day of the year. So dust off that Santa-shaped cookie jar and get to baking! 

It’s Getting Cold (and Dark)

You’ve probably already broken out the warm scarves and sweaters (and put them away and then pulled them back out because Texas weather is all over the place), so go ahead and pull out the plaid blankets and evergreen-scented candles and string lights, too. These decorations help create a cozy atmosphere that's perfect to help combat those winter blues.

It’ll Make Your Neighbors Like You

People view neighbors with Christmas decorations as friendlier and more sociable. This is not particularly important to me, but I guess it's a plus. Just don’t be like my neighbors, who have a giant inflatable spider and candy canes in their yard. It's not a great look. 

To Enjoy Them Longer

Putting up Christmas decorations is fun, but let's face it, it can also be a lot of work. Hauling all of the boxes of decorations from storage is a little disheartening if you know you’ll have to do it all in reverse a week later. So give yourself more time to appreciate your efforts. 

So, if you were wondering when to start decorating, the answer is now!

 -Melissa Brand, MS-LS Candidate 2020