admin
Even though you might still be putting away your fall decorations, researchers suggest that pulling out the holly boughs now, as Christmas draws closer, could make you happy.
The author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” Amy Morin, a psychologist from Florida, said on “Good Morning America,” “For most people, decorating for Christmas reminds us of the best times in our lives.” “Thinking of those happy memories stirs up happy feelings.”
According to Morin, research have demonstrated that nostalgia can evoke strong feelings and boost happiness, which contributes to the delight that can be experienced when decorating for Christmas.
“When you’re putting up decorations, you’re thinking of happier times, times with family and friends and family traditions you engaged in,” she stated. “For some people it’s bittersweet — if family members are no longer here — but it’s still a way to connect.”
“The custom of giving during the holiday season is another source of Christmas joy,” says Morin.
“Altruism increases in the month of December and as people start to give more and donate more, it makes them happy,” she explained. “It makes people feel good so they want to start celebrating as early as possible.”
Decorating the outside of your house for Christmas can also make you seem friendlier and more hospitable, according to at least one study.
“[Decorations] can lead to more positive conversations and they’re an easy way to strike up a conversation,” Morin said. “It helps build a sense of community and belonging and all those things are associated with happiness too.”
Baker Design Group’s owner, interior designer Linda Baker, is well aware of that. She plans the holiday designs for her firm’s residential and business clients, dedicating a significant portion of her year to Christmas.
“Christmas for us never truly ends. She told “GMA” that it’s essentially year-round.” “I do it because I love Christmas.”
Baker and her daughter, the director of business for the company, Heather Mattox, said they personally witness the joy their work offers to people.
“I’ve never had a client that doesn’t just love it,” Baker added. “We get emails and texts all through Christmas saying, ‘Thank you, we’re loving it, it’s beautiful.'”
“It’s an enchanted encounter,” Mattox continued. “We get to bring Christmas magic into their home.”
Baker and Mattox say that more than ever, customers are asking for decorations to be put up sooner, even before Thanksgiving, and taken down later in January.
Maximize the effectiveness of Christmas decorations
These three recommendations are applicable to any home or business and are used by Mattox and Baker to extend the life of Christmas decorations.
1. Act more organically.
“Natural decorations, such as pine branches, pine cones, and berries, give your home a holiday vibe without being overly elaborate,” Baker says.
A minimalistic style that may be used before or after Christmas Day is provided by the natural decorations.
2. Don’t economize on a fake tree.
If you want to keep it up longer, purchasing an artificial tree is a no-brainer, but don’t be scared to invest, Baker says.
A higher-quality tree may cost more up front, but it will pay off later because you can use it year after year and depend on it to maintain its lighting and shape.
3. Make use of LED bulbs.
Because LED lights last longer and use less energy, Baker’s design firm utilizes them on trees and garlands.
