It happens every year like the tradition of Christmas itself. For those who celebrate Christmas, there’s always the group of people who decorate for the holidays early, and the group that decks their entire house in head to toe festiveness. We debate each and every year when we should decorate, and how much we should decorate, but I have another question:

WHY do we decorate?

Every year we descend into the depths of our basements, ascend up the creaky ladder to our attics, push past dusty containers and forgotten things. We find our coveted boxes filled to the brim with green plastic pine needles, shiny tinsel, balls of string lights, gold and silver baubles, quirky bits we would never otherwise put on display- except for this ONE time of year! We then spend time and money filling our home with decor for the temporary period of one or two months, and we do this EVERY year.

There must be some reasons behind this- and I have gone and collected some answers as to why (and I am sure these do not apply to all):

Dopamine.
"Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone.." said psychologist Deborah Serani. (Today)
Christmas joy is actually a bodily process! “Dopamine decor” is a term often used to describe aspects of decor that have been proven to spike our dopamine levels. The common theme of colour, lights, sparkle, and shimmer in Christmas decor increases dopamine and boosts happiness.
Nostalgia and tradition.
“Most people have positive holiday memories. Whether you recall waking up early filled with excitement on Christmas morning as a child, or you recall a family meal where everyone gathered together, the holiday season can remind you of special times.” (Psychology Today)
If Christmas reminds you of joyous times during your childhood, loved ones, or home, Christmas decor as an adult is an easy way to “relive” your childhood. If the opposite is true, it may be seen as an opportunity to create new and happy memories. Not only might Christmas decor bring happy memories, but the decor itself might be nostalgic. Maybe we have kept an old stocking from our childhood, cherished Christmas ornaments from travels or loved ones, homemade decor by our children.
Decorating for Christmas has become a tradition in itself- and traditions are something we all seem to still observe no matter how “modern” we become. There is something so therapeutic about that connection to our home, our family and ancestry, through tradition.
It is neighbourghly!
Research has shown that decorating for Christmas may signal to neighbours that your home is a friendly and welcoming one!
“Holiday decorations can signal friendliness and approachability to your neighbors. According to research, people with festive homes are often perceived as more welcoming.” (Psychology Today)
Decorating the outside of your home for the holidays means you are bringing the above mentioned joy and nostalgia to those around you. Christmas decor can create a sense of community because the decor beautifies your environment. If community is something that is something that is important to you- your community is likely to appreciate it.

4. Positivity!

Decorating for Christmas is akin to standing in front of a mirror and repeating a confidence boosting mantra. If you act as if you enjoy decorating for the holidays, you will enjoy it!

“This idea is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, where "acting as if" can lead to genuine changes in emotion.” (Psychology Today). Decorating for Christmas is a great way to manifest positivity. The activity is an excellent way to focus on something that often brings joy.

5. Seasonal Depression

The Christmas season is extremely timely with shorter days (in the northern hemisphere at least). As the night closes in early, many might find the dopamine and energy they otherwise would obtain with daylight can be replaced by cozy decor, twinkling lights, and festive colours.

So, whatever your decorating habits are, those are a few of the reasons so many of us decorate for the holiday season! Maybe some of us a bit earlier than others and some of us a bit later. For many, it is a great way to create joy, nostalgia, tradition, and warmth at this time of year.

Decorating for Christmas- why do we do it?

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