It’s the season to be jolly…oh is it too soon? The end of November or start of advent is the time people typically put their trees and decorations up. However, what about those keen people who put their trees up in October or even in September. Is it inappropriately early or could there be some benefit to it? We will explain in this blog.

Where do Christmas decorations stem from?

The tradition of Christmas decorations has roots in various cultures and historical practices. Some of the earliest origins can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals celebrating the winter solstice, when people decorated their homes with greenery to symbolise life and hope during the dark winter months. Evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe, were particularly significant in these celebrations because they remained green throughout the year.

The use of lights during the Christmas season is thought to have originated from the tradition of lighting candles to symbolise the coming of Christ as the light of the world. This custom evolved into the use of electric lights and other forms of decorative illumination that are commonly seen during the holiday season today.

How do Christmas decorations boost our mood

As Christmas is known as the season to be jolly, people are usually happy and excited for the big day approaching. This day is important as it is a time where families and friends come together to celebrate with one another. The build up to Christmas starts when we start seeing the Christmas decorations on the many houses, the Christmas themed products in the stores. It puts people into the Christmas spirit and this boosts the mood especially as the weather around the time of Christmas is usually cold and dark. 

Studies have shown that some people can have really low moods during the winter months. Winter can have various effects on our mood, both positive and negative, due to factors such as changes in weather, daylight, and lifestyle. 

Something which individuals may experience is a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months, primarily due to reduced exposure to sunlight and changes in circadian rhythms. Symptoms may include low energy, moodiness, and a general feeling of sadness.

For those who may be suffering from SAD, they may feel a rise in dopamine (the feel good hormone) when seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations on the houses. This is a benefit for them as it lifts their mood. 

Are people who put their tree up earlier happier?

According to psychologist Deborah Serani, Christmas lights and decorations will spike dopamine levels and can produce happiness in people. Serani says “chromotherapy, or colour therapy, could be one reason for the brain’s reaction to the holiday décor.”

It is not all linked to just the colours and lights though, another reason our moods are boosted is simply due to nostalgia. Everyone remembers when they were a child, watching the Christmas movies, seeing the Coca Cola tv adverts and looking forward to opening the gifts under the tree. Simply, it brings us back to those good times especially as when we are younger, we have our whole life ahead of us and there is nothing to stress about. 

When we get older, we get jobs, have payments to make, more tasks to do so seeing those decorations reminds us of good times. So putting the tree up early within your own house can be a reminder of those happier times each time you walk past it.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2017 found that people who decorate their homes for Christmas early may be perceived as more sociable and cohesive by their neighbours. This sense of community and social connection can contribute to a person’s overall sense of happiness and well-being. Additionally, engaging in activities that bring joy and excitement, such as decorating for the holidays, can lead to increased feelings of happiness and nostalgia.

So is putting up your Christmas tree too early bad?

There’s no definitive right or wrong answer to this question. Whether putting up a Christmas tree early is considered a “bad” thing largely depends on personal preferences, cultural traditions, and individual beliefs. Some people may feel that setting up decorations too early could potentially overshadow other important holidays or events that occur earlier in the season, such as Thanksgiving or other cultural celebrations. Others might believe that setting up decorations early can contribute to a longer and more festive holiday season, thereby enhancing their overall enjoyment of the festivities.

It’s essential to consider the cultural context and the preferences of those around you. While some individuals might prefer to wait until a certain time to begin celebrating Christmas, others might enjoy the tradition of setting up decorations earlier. 

Ultimately, the timing of putting up a Christmas tree is a matter of personal choice and can vary widely from person to person. The most important aspect is to ensure that the timing aligns with your own values and preferences, as well as those of the people with whom you share your living space.

If seeing your Christmas tree in your house makes you feel happy, that is the most important thing. We should not think so much about what others may think and instead, focus on ourselves and what makes us feel good! This is a good outlook to have on life as it keeps you away from negative comments making an effect on our feelings. Some people decide to eat cereal during the day, it is not a bad thing, they just like cereal and it may make them feel happy. Same way some people may go for a run during poor weather, it may make them feel happy.

There is no limit on expressing our happiness and nobody else apart from ourselves decides what makes us happy or not. So go ahead and put your tree up with all those lovely decorations early!

Zain Ali
Junior Digital Marketing Executive