It’s that time of the year when the air gets crisper, and the anticipation of the holiday season begins to build. For some, decking the halls with boughs of holly is a post-Thanksgiving tradition, but what if we told you that those who start early might be onto something that goes beyond festive tradition? According to psychologists, there’s science behind the joy, and it’s all about the early decorations.

Psychologist Deborah Serani, in an interview with TODAY, revealed the magical connection between Christmas decorations and happiness. “It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” she said. The colors and lights associated with holiday decor act as chromotherapy, a fancy term for color therapy, stimulating our senses and triggering a release of the feel-good hormone dopamine.

At craft stores like Jeffrey Alans, where Christmas decorations hit the shelves as early as mid-September, the impact is evident. Teresa Stout, the store manager, notes the excitement of families exploring the twinkling lights and festive ornaments. “We see a lot of people bringing their kids or grandkids in to see the lights of the trees or decorations and the kids get all excited,” she shared.

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, the significance of holiday decorations has taken on a new dimension. Stout emphasized that for many, adorning their homes with festive decor has become a therapeutic escape from the chaos of the world. “A lot of people, especially once COVID hit, said that putting up the decorations makes them feel better about all the craziness that’s going on,” she explained.

Candra Mingus, a holiday enthusiast, echoed these sentiments while shopping for Christmas decorations. “I think it evokes a happy feeling and joy,” she said. “It just makes everything brighter and happier.”

The link between early decorating and nostalgia is another aspect psychologists point to. Dr. Serani explained that for many, Christmas is a time of innocence and joy, and decorating early allows individuals to recreate those happy childhood memories. But what if holidays dredge up less-than-pleasant recollections? Psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo suggests starting new traditions to forge positive associations with the season.

And it’s not just about personal happiness; there’s a social component too. Research indicated that people interpret Christmas decorations on a home as a cue that the residents inside are sociable. So, besides giving yourself an early dose of holiday joy, you might just be earning some friendly points from the neighbors.

In the end, the debate over when to start decorating for Christmas may continue, but psychologists have spoken: early decorations can bring about an early dose of happiness. So, if you’ve got the urge to turn your home into a winter wonderland before the turkey is even on the table, go ahead and let the holiday cheer begin!