When the leaves start to fall and the temperatures begin to drop, people are prone to two things: decorating for the holidays early or complaining about those who do.
The second half of the year is a big time for holidays. From Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas, the holidays are numerous and close together. Every year, the holidays seem to come earlier and earlier. Halloween and fall preparations begin in early September or even August, and Christmas cheer begins to hit the shelves around that same time as well.
Every year, the conversation of how early is too early when it comes to decorating for the holidays seems to get more intense. According to a survey by Today’s Homeowner, out of the 69% of Americans who plan on putting up outdoor holiday decorations, 34% will put their decorations out before Thanksgiving. Some people will say that decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving overshadows and is even disrespectful to the Thanksgiving holiday. However, decorating for Christmas early actually makes people happier.
Deborah Serani, a psychologist, said Christmas decorating will produce dopamine, a feel-good chemical.
“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” Serani said. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in and day out… signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it's pleasing or not.”
Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology also points to those who decorate earlier to be happier and more friendly individuals.
It can definitely feel like the holidays come earlier every year, but Darrin Duber-Smith, a marketing professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, said corporations are to blame for the early start to the holiday season.
A prediction from eMarker suggests the total retail sales from the 2024 holiday season will reach over $1 trillion. Retailers put out decorations and holiday themed items earlier every year as a way to make more money and capitalize on the holiday shopping season. If stores have the Christmas decorations out in August, and research points to early holiday decorators being happier, then it makes sense for people to start the holiday festivities early.
The holidays go by so fast. One blink, and they’re over. If someone wants to decorate for Christmas the day after Halloween, or even before, that person should feel free to do so without criticism from other people. If retailers continue to push the holidays earlier, people should not feel guilty or ashamed for starting to decorate early, no matter the occasion. In general, everyone needs a little bit of extra happiness these days. Decorating for the holidays early and stretching out the holiday season has psychological benefits everyone should take advantage of.
Elizabeth Talaga is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Elizabeth know by emailing her at et029322@ohio.edu
