Why Decorating Early for the Holidays Is Good for You

Science tells us that going full-force festive—even "prematurely"— is actually good for us and can improve our mental health and happiness.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Science Says Decorating Early for the Holidays is Good for You   If you've been thinking about putting up your holiday decorations a bit early this year, this is your sign to go for it. Science tells us that going full-force festive—even "prematurely"— is actually good for us and can improve our mental health and happiness.   For starters, holiday rituals like stringing lights, trimming trees, and listening to familiar tunes help stir nostalgia, tap into our creativity, and curb angst and anxiety. They can also help us feel more connected with others who are partaking joyfully in the holidays and can even help us find more meaning in our lives.   All the above is especially important in the still nebulous time of COVID. While our specific holiday traditions might vary from home to home, researchers say that engaging in rituals helps us restore feelings of control. In other words, when chaos abounds, familiarity helps ground us. Creating new traditions can spark joy, too.     There's something about the holiday season that serves as a reminder of the past. And for most people, the holidays hold happy memories." — AMY MORIN, LCSW  What This Means For You The sooner you decorate, the sooner you might start enjoying those "happy holiday" benefits. Even if you're faking it at first, research finds that our behavior can ultimately impact mental state. Relish in old traditions that make your heart happy and consider adding a new ritual to the season, as well.   In the words of that time-old song, haul out the holly, put up the tree, and fill up your stockings. "We may be rushing things" but… that's a good thing.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Your local holiday stations likely have already begun playing holiday music, but just in case you wanted to switch things up you could listen to this free holiday playlist on YouTube. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Sending holiday cards can help foster a sense of connectedness this season. For paper cards, try Minted, Chatbooks, or Rifle Paper Co. If you prefer a digital option, consider Paperless Post or Green Envelope. Not sure where to start with your holiday decorations? Bed, Bath & Beyond sells curated décor sets that make the process a breeze. If you're looking for holiday-neutral decor that can help you relax this holiday season, try one of these new house plants. Read These Next How to Cope With the Holiday Blues READ NOW 4 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress READ NOW 5 Steps to Make Your Home More Peaceful READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy