By now it’s no secret that the holiday excitement isn’t ALL about Christmas day – it’s about the days that lead to Christmas – the baking, the family gatherings, the movie watching and my absolute favourite, DECORATING!

 

 

 

And while some will argue the month of November is too early for decorations, some will say the perfect time is within the month of December.  But how early is too early for Christmas? If you feel the need to run around your home, singing Christmas songs and hanging Christmas lights and tinsel … GO FOR IT! All it means is that you’re in touch with your inner child, yes, inner child!  AND according to psychoanalyst Steve McKeown, people who put decorations up earlier on are happier and excited about life.

 

 

 

 

Steve explains, “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.  In a world full of stress and anxiety people like to associate to things that make them happy and Christmas directions evoke those strong feelings of their childhood.  Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement.  So putting up those Christmas decorations early extend the excitement.”

 

 

Steve also says that Christmas celebrations may also bring fond holiday memories of a loved one who is no longer with us, “It may be a bittersweet feeling.  Perhaps the holidays serves 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.”

 

 

 

And what about the outside decorations? Steve says, “People who like to cover the outside of their house in Christmas lights and decorations are thought to be more friendly and cohesive.”

 

 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to decorating during the holidays.  Pop in a Christmas movie, grab a cookie and START DECORATING!

 

Filed under: christmas