It seems that early Christmas decorations are appearing sooner each year, and experts say it’s not just about getting into the holiday spirit—it’s about feeling happier and calmer during a busy time of year.
The simple act of putting up lights, ornaments, and festive colors long before December has become a growing trend.
For many, it’s a way to extend the feeling of joy and comfort, especially when life feels unpredictable.
The psychology behind early Christmas decorations
Experts told HouseBeautiful that early Christmas decorations can do more than brighten a room—they can brighten the mood.
The home interiors brand Furn has even coined a name for this growing movement: “joy drenching.”
It describes surrounding yourself with cheerful sights, cozy textures, and sentimental touches that lift your spirits.
According to Furn’s research, 75% of people say decorating early has a positive impact on their mood.
The brand’s experts, Anna and Rea, describe joy drenching as a way to fill spaces with color and comfort that reflect individuality and lasting happiness, not just a momentary thrill.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Marianne Trent, host of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, explains that decorating early connects people with cherished memories.
She says it can awaken feelings of togetherness and joy from past celebrations.
Dr. Trent also believes nostalgia plays a key role.
“The nostalgia we experience can help us weather the storms of life and feel close to family and friends who might no longer be with us.”
She added that seeing homes transform for the season offers a comforting break from everyday pressures.
Why early decorating boosts holiday happiness
Psychologists say anticipation is one of the strongest drivers of holiday happiness.
When people look forward to something joyful, it triggers dopamine—the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
Decorating early stretches that window of excitement and allows people to enjoy a longer period of positive emotions.
Dr. Trent notes that even simple sensory details—like the glow of fairy lights, the smell of cinnamon, or the sight of ornaments—can lift a person’s mood.
Soft blankets, festive pillows, and cozy corners can add warmth and safety to a space.
She notes that snuggling with loved ones also releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with happiness and bonding.
Experts agree that these sensory touches help people feel grounded and present.
For those who deal with anxiety or stress, decorating becomes a simple, hands-on way to feel calm.
It offers both creativity and control—two things that can bring peace in uncertain times.
The deeper meaning behind early Christmas decorations
Beyond the feel-good effects, psychologists say there are deeper emotional reasons people turn to early Christmas decorations.
“Although there could be a number of symptomatic reasons why someone would want to obsessively put up decorations early, most commonly for nostalgic reasons either to relive the magic or to compensate for past neglect,” Steve McKeown, Psychoanalyst, founder of MindFixers and owner of The McKeown Clinic, shared with UNILAD.
After being exposed to stress and anxiety brought on by issues in your workplace and other environments, seeing Christmas decorations evokes strong and vibrant feelings of your childhood.
The decorations serve as an anchor to our precious childhood memories when we were still excited about Christmas.
According to a separate study conducted by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and best-selling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, putting up Christmas decorations also triggers fond memories shared with loved ones who have already passed away.
“Perhaps the holidays serve as a reminder of when a loved one was still alive,” Amy Morin explained. She added that for those who have lost someone dear, decorating early can bring back joyful memories and help them feel closer to that person.
Being reminded of our most cherished memories shared with the special people in our lives is not the only advantage of putting up early Christmas decorations.
According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, a house decorated for Christmas emits a vibe that suggests you are friendly and approachable.
One of the researchers explained that homes decorated for Christmas often appear more welcoming and friendly to neighbors. The study found that festive decorations can help people who feel isolated connect with others and become more involved in their community’s social life.
These insights demonstrate that decorating early not only supports emotional well-being but also fosters stronger social connections within communities.
Turning your home into a joy-drenched sanctuary
While most people wait until early December to decorate, many now begin earlier to take advantage of that cozy atmosphere.
This shift isn’t about competition—it’s about creating a safe, joyful home.
Furn’s design experts encourage focusing on personal expression when decorating.
They suggest starting small and adding pieces gradually, instead of doing everything in one day.
Beginning with fairy lights, candles, or seasonal fabrics can instantly spark that festive feeling.
To make decorating more meaningful, experts recommend adding items that hold personal value.
According to Anna, handmade ornaments, family heirlooms, and personalized decorations naturally bring a sense of nostalgia. Each piece holds a story, helping people reconnect with cherished memories and the loved ones they are tied to.
Extending joy beyond the holidays
Rea believes that the joy of decorating doesn’t have to end when the holidays are over. For her, decorating is all about spreading happiness, so she fills every room in her home with cheerful accessories that keep the festive spirit alive throughout the year.
She encourages people to find decorations that can stay up even after the holidays.
Rearranging favorite pieces or repurposing them for other seasons can keep that comforting feeling alive into the new year.
Experts say this lasting joy is the real goal of joy-drenching—to create a space that nurtures warmth, comfort, and positivity throughout the year.
It’s not about how much you decorate, but how your surroundings make you feel.
How early Christmas decorations bring lasting happiness
Decorating early has become more than a festive habit—it’s a tool for emotional wellness.
From a mental health perspective, it helps people reconnect with hope, memories, and the joy of simple moments.
As Dr. Trent explains, “The simple act of decorating can create happiness in ways that resonate far beyond the season.”
Whether it’s the twinkle of lights on a dark evening or the sound of cheerful music while hanging ornaments, early Christmas decorations remind people that joy can be found in the small things. And sometimes, that’s the brightest gift of all.