When is the best time to put up Christmas decorations? While many wait until December, research suggests that decorating early for the holidays may actually boost your happiness and mental health.

The leaves may still be hanging onto the trees, but that doesn't mean you should wait to put up your Christmas decorations. Some people enjoy creating holiday magic before Halloween has barely passed (we know you have those neighbours—or maybe you're one of them!). Whether it's because of better weather or just a love of the festive season, putting up holiday decorations early can make you, well, happier.

The Mental Health Benefits Of Early Christmas Decorating

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that those who deck the halls earlier in the year are happier than those who wait.

According to the authors, although we are imposing a fast-tracked timeline on ourselves, decorating for Christmas allows us to reconnect with childhood memories and therefore sooth the stress that this time of year can bring.

The study shows that Christmas decorations make our homes feel warmer and more welcoming, which fosters long-term relationships.

Daylight Saving Time can have a negative impact on some people's mental health, bringing with it the winter blues or dealing with SAD, but Santa Clause can truly help.

Whether you're team early-December or prefer to start right after Halloween, the key is finding what brings you joy during the holiday season.

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