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According to experts, pulling out the holly branches now, even if you’re still packing away your October décor, could make you happier as Christmas draws closer.
Amy Morin, a psychotherapist from Florida and the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” said on “Good Morning America” that “for most people, decorating for Christmas reminds us of the best times in our lives.” “Thinking of those happy memories stirs up happy feelings.”
Nostalgia, which has been demonstrated in research to evoke feelings and boost happiness, can contribute to the happiness that can result from Christmas decorating, according to Morin.
“When you’re putting up decorations, you’re thinking of happier times, times with family and friends and family traditions you engaged in,” she explained. “For some people it’s bittersweet — if family members are no longer here — but it’s still a way to connect.”
According to Morin, the custom of giving throughout the holiday season contributes to another element of Christmas joy.
“Altruism increases in the month of December and as people start to give more and donate more, it makes them happy,” she stated. “It makes people feel good so they want to start celebrating as early as possible.”
Additionally, according to at least one study, adorning the exterior of your house for Christmas can make you seem friendlier and more hospitable.
“[Decorations] can lead to more positive conversations and they’re an easy way to strike up a conversation,” Morin stated. “It helps build a sense of community and belonging and all those things are associated with happiness too.”
Interior designer Linda Baker, who owns Baker Design Group, is well aware of that. Planning the holiday designs for her firm’s commercial and residential clients takes up a large portion of her year.
“For us, Christmas never truly ends. She told “GMA” that it’s essentially year-round. “I do it because I love Christmas.”
Both Baker and her daughter, the company’s director of business, Heather Mattox, said they personally witness the joy their work offers to others.
“I’ve never had a client that doesn’t just love it,” Baker stated. “We get emails and texts all through Christmas saying, ‘Thank you, we’re loving it, it’s beautiful.'”
Mattox continued, “It’s a magical experience.” “We get to enter their home and bring the magic of Christmas.”
According to Baker and Mattox, customers are now more than ever asking for decorations to be put up sooner, even before Thanksgiving, and taken down later in January.
Make the most of your Christmas décor
Mattox and Baker use these three strategies, which anybody may use in their own home or place of business, to extend the life of Christmas decorations.
1. Be more organic.
According to Baker, natural decorations such as pine branches, pine cones, and berries give your home a festive vibe without being overly elaborate.
The minimalist style created by the natural decorations can be used before or after Christmas Day.
2. Don’t cut corners on a fake tree.
If you want to keep it up longer, it’s obvious to choose an artificial tree, but don’t be scared to invest, Baker says.
