We all have them: Those neighbors who always have their holiday decorations up and sparkling before the Thanksgiving turkey is even cold. Sure, the tinsel and twinkling lights are nice. But is it really the right time? Do they know something we don't?
Well, science says yes. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, psychologists say that those of us who plan to decorate our homes for the holidays should probably start sooner in the season. It can improve our mood, they say, by reducing stress and by extending the amount of time that we enjoy our festive bulbs and baubles.
The Benefits of Decorating for the Holidays
First and foremost, anyone who wants to trim their home with holiday wreaths, trees, and more may sidestep the stress of rushed preparations by decorating well in advance.