Every year it seems to get earlier. In the midst of enjoying fall and Halloween, the fat man in the red suit knocks on the door. It's inescapable. Go to a big box store, and you're bound to see holiday items. Turn on the TV and there's holiday ads running. When is it too early to jump into the holiday season with both feet?
When Is It Just Too Early?
Now don't get me wrong, I'm most definitely not a grinch. I thoroughly enjoy the revelry and sparkle of the holidays. But boy howdy, can we please wait until it's time to do so? I can't go from Halloween to winter holidays overnight! I've always been firmly in the camp that believes that the holidays begin when Thanksgiving ends. There's even an indicator. When you see Santa closing out the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, then it's time in many people's eyes.
They Blinded Me With Science
Brace yourself, science has weighed in. Per the Journal of Environmental Psychology, those who decorate early for the holidays tend to be happier and friendlier people. The research reported that “The results support the idea that residents can use their home’s exterior to communicate attachment and possibly to integrate themselves into a neighborhood’s social activities”.
Early decorating is also said to evoke feelings of nostalgia, bringing you back to happier and simpler times. This also helps to boost dopamine, the hormone that exists to make you feel good.
If you are an early decorator, have at it, you do you! I'll be over here with my arms crossed waiting for Santa to cross that invisible line on Thanksgiving Day, letting us all know it's time to celebrate.
2021 Oneonta Festival of Trees
The 2021 Festival of Trees, held at Foothills Performing Arts Center on December 3 and 4 in Oneonta, NY was fantastic with many participating groups and businesses that decorated sponsored trees. See all the creativity that was inspired year.
Gallery Credit: Leslie Ann, TSM Oneonta