Ah, the annual debate: Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?
Social media seems to light up every fall with opinions on this topic. A common argument is that decorating for Christmas in November—before Thanksgiving—diminishes the importance of gratitude and the spirit of Thanksgiving itself.
But as a mental health professional, I’d like to reframe this narrative:
Decorating for Christmas (or any holiday) is not only okay; it can be a form of self-care, an act of joy, and a celebration of what makes you feel good.
The Power of Joy in Your Space
The concept of joy is vital to mental health. Research shows that engaging in activities that make you happy can reduce stress, improve mood, and even foster a sense of connection with others. For many people, holiday decorations are tied to feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and excitement. Whether it’s the sparkle of lights, the scent of pine, or cherished ornaments collected over the years, these decorations can evoke comfort and happiness.
If putting up your Christmas tree in November fills your home with joy, why not lean into that feeling? Your mental health benefits when you honor what brings you happiness.
Gratitude and Christmas Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
There’s a misconception that decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving means you’re skipping over the practice of gratitude. This simply isn’t true. Gratitude is a mindset, not a date on the calendar. You can be thankful for your family and friends while sipping cocoa under twinkling Christmas lights.
In fact, if the decorations inspire gratitude—reminding you of family traditions, loved ones, or memories of past holidays—they can actually enhance your sense of thankfulness.
It’s About Doing What Feels Right for You
Mental health is not one-size-fits-all. While some people prefer to decorate closer to December, others may find immense comfort in bringing out their holiday cheer as soon as fall begins.
Neither choice is wrong.
The pressure to conform to arbitrary “rules” about when it’s appropriate to celebrate or decorate can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on what feels authentic to you. If you want to hold off until after Thanksgiving, great! If you want to put up your tree now, fantastic!
A Few Mental Health Reminders
Be mindful of comparison. If scrolling social media makes you feel guilty about decorating early—or not decorating at all—take a step back. Your traditions and timeline are yours alone.
Prioritize your joy. Life is too short to deny yourself the things that brighten your day. If holiday décor lifts your spirits, embrace it.
Spread kindness. Not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way, and that’s okay. Let’s support each other’s choices instead of judging them.
So, if decorating for Christmas in early November brings you joy, put up the damn tree. 🎄
Celebrate in the way that feels meaningful to you. At the end of the day, it’s not about the timing of the decorations—it’s about how they make you feel. And that, my friend, is something worth celebrating any time of year.
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