Most people have a set idea as to when they should decorate the house for Christmas. For some, this is as late as humanly possible while still celebrating the occasion. For others, meanwhile, it’s as soon as the last firework splutters into the sky on Hallowe’en night.
However, research carried out by psychoanalysts has now proven that putting up your Christmas decorations early can have a positive effect on your health – particularly, your mental health.
Steve McKeown, Psychoanalyst and founder of MindFixers explained his reasoning to UNILAD earlier this year, saying;
“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 decorations evoke those strong feelings of the 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!”
So while some people may find your Christmas lights annoying in September, they’ve got health benefits and, according to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, social benefits, too.
In the article, it states that many homeowners may use festive decorations as a way of showing friendliness and cohesiveness towards their neighbours, with successful results.
All in favour of year-round Christmas decorations, say ‘aye’!