Depression Treatment Why Putting Up Holiday Decorations Early Could Make You Feel Happier There are several reasons why decorating might boost your mood By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 22, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Aaron Johnson Fact checked by Aaron Johnson Aaron Johnson is a fact checker and expert on qualitative research design and methodology. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell / Catherine Song Late fall and winter can be a little rough. The colder, darker days can take a toll on your mood. And if you’ve lost a loved one, the holiday season might feel extra painful. But, decorating for the holidays—even when you don’t feel like it—might be really good for your psychological well-being. Stringing some lights and trimming a tree could make you happier. Decorating for the holidays might even improve your social life. So if you’re thinking of skipping the decorating this year or you’re planning to throw up a few decorations at the last second, you may want to rethink that strategy. The sooner you decorate, the sooner you might start enjoying those benefits. Decorating Stirs Up Nostalgic Feelings There’s something about the holiday season that serves as a reminder of the past. And for most people, the holidays hold happy memories. The holidays stir up nostalgic feelings like no other time of the year. When you look at an ornament from childhood, you might recall the magic you felt as a kid. Or, when you put up lights on your house, you might think about how the lights looked on your childhood home. Those nostalgic feelings can be a bit bittersweet. While you may miss loved ones who are no longer here, you might also feel more connected them during the holidays. Studies have found that nostalgia can have some profound benefits, such as: Helping you find more meaning in lifeBolstering your sense of social connectionProviding an antidote to collective angst Decorating Might Foster Social Connection Decorating the outside of your home might even help your social life. People who decorate their homes for the holidays are seen as more approachable and friendly, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Even though it’s an older study, it’s likely that this still rings true. In fact, in the digital age, holiday decorations may signal sociability more than ever before. Plus, holiday bulbs bring actual light in a dark and dreary time of year; that's something that benefits your neighbors and you. Acting Cheery Might Make You Feel Cheery Another reason that decorating for the holidays might help you feel better is because “acting happy” might boost your mood. This notion is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy—an evidenced based therapy practice where therapists encourage clients to “act as if” they felt differently. Changing behavior first can lead to a shift in emotional state. For example, studies have found that smiling can cause you to feel happy. And engaging in fun activities when you are feeling down can actually boost your mood. So on a similar note, decorating might help you experience more holiday cheer. A Word From Verywell If you're really struggling to deal with the holidays this year, decorating might not be enough to lift your mood. You may benefit from talking to a mental health professional. Gaining emotional support, practicing new coping skills, and talking to someone might help you feel better during a rough time. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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