Hello!

Join Login

Article It’s Official: People Who Put Their Christmas Decorations Up Early Are Happier

September 30, 2025

6 Comments

In a study that flies in the face of every Grinch and Scrooge that exists, researchers have found that people who put their Christmas decorations up earlier are happier. So get your jingle on.

If you’re the type of jolly fellow who dusts off the Christmas wreath and tree as soon as the Halloween decorations are down, then you’re as happy as can be, according to the experts.

Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown says putting up decorations early (and we’re assuming this means before December 1) gives us all of those nostalgic, warm and fuzzy feelings that transport us back to our childhood.

“In a world of stress and anxiety, people like to associate to things that make them happy and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of childhood,” McKeown told Unilad.

“Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement so putting up those Christmas decorations early extends the excitement!”

Mother and child decorating a Christmas tree.
Christmas decorations can link to magical moments of childhood. Image: Canva

Psychotherapist Amy Morin explained that there may be other reasons why putting up Christmas decorations early makes us feel good.

“Perhaps the holidays serve as a reminder of when a loved one was still alive. Or maybe looking at a Christmas tree reminds someone of what life was like when they still believed in Santa. For people who have lost a loved one, the holidays may serve as a reminder of happy times they had with that person in the past. Decorating early may help them feel more connected with that individual.”

Amy Morin, Psychotherapist

In one study researchers indicate that we even perceive people in houses that are decorated as more ‘friendly, sociable and accessible’.

“The results support the idea that residents can use their home’s exterior to communicate attachment and possibly to integrate themselves into a neighbourhood’s social activities,” researchers wrote.

This article first appeared on Mouths Of Mums.

Do you put your Christmas decorations up early? Let us know in the comments below. 

Share this

Comments

  • Our tradition has always been to put the tree up on the first of December (or as close to that as possible) and down again on or just after the sixth of January. I feel like that is a good amount of time and I do enjoy decorating the tree.

    Reply

  • I would love to put up Christmas decorations very early but I do wait until the last family birthday (end of November) before I start decorating. I really do feel happier when our home is festive. It brings out the joy in everyone, especially when I put on the Christmas CDs.

    Reply

  • I am super excited to see the Christmas decorations already available in stores. Each year i add to my collection of Christmas items and I can’t wait to get them out and decorate my home. It bring so much joy decorating and putting the tree up and getting out all the festive cushions.

    Reply

  • I can absolutely see how this is true. Christmas decorations are just fun to have out, it’s hard to be mad while looking at beautiful Christmas pieces. And it’s so much fun putting everything out and setting it up. I don’t put things out very early any more with a toddler running the house, but I look forward to the tree being safety tucked behind the play pen

    Reply

  • The earlier the better baby!! This is me to a T
    Life is sooo incredibly stressful that for me getting out the decorations and putting on Christmas music takes me back to being a carefree kid! I organise crafts and family activities and it’s literally the funnest time of the year! Why wouldn’t I want to start that ASAP?!

    Reply

  • I consider myself a pretty friendly and positive person but when it comes to Christmas and Christmas decorating it makes me a bit of a grump! I feel like it’s some parentified eldest daughter coming through ahah! I have been slowly trying to be more festive as the years go on as I do agree that a nicely decorated space feels somewhat wholesome and welcoming. We have recently installed a mantel in our living room, so I plan to start with some cute personalised stocking for the fam (dogs included) and go from there!

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join