Your scientific excuse to decorate your house even earlier for Christmas: How decorating can boost your happiness

Christmas is coming.

With exactly 50 days to go until Christmas Day, bringing out the boughs of holly now -- even as you're still putting Halloween decorations away -- may make you a happier person, experts say.

"For most people, decorating for Christmas reminds us of the best times in our lives," said Amy Morin, a Florida-based psychotherapist and the author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do." "Thinking of those happy memories stirs up happy feelings."

Part of the joy that can come from decorating for Christmas comes from nostalgia, which has been shown in studies to stir emotions and increase joy, according to Morin.

"When you're putting up decorations, you're thinking of happier times, times with family and friends and family traditions you engaged in," she said. "For some people it’s bittersweet -- if family members are no longer here -- but it's still a way to connect."

Another aspect of Christmas joy comes from the tradition of giving during the holiday season, explains Morin.

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"Altruism increases in the month of December and as people start to give more and donate more, it makes them happy," she said. "It makes people feel good so they want to start celebrating as early as possible."

At least one study has also shown that decorating the outside of your home for Christmas can make you appear more welcoming and sociable.

"[Decorations] can lead to more positive conversations and they're an easy way to strike up a conversation," said Morin. "It helps build a sense of community and belonging and all those things are associated with happiness too."

Linda Baker, an interior designer and the owner of Baker Design Group, knows that well. She spends much of her year focused on Christmas, planning the holiday designs for her firm's commercial and residential clients.

"Christmas never totally stops for us. It’s pretty much year-round," she said. "I do it because I love Christmas."

Baker and her daughter, Heather Mattox, the firm's director of business, see firsthand the delight their work brings to people.

"I’ve never had a client that doesn’t just love it," said Baker. "We get emails and texts all through Christmas saying, 'Thank you, we’re loving it, it’s beautiful.'"

"It's a magical experience,” Mattox added. “We get to bring the magic of Christmas into their home."

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Clients now more than ever requesting that decorations be put up earlier -- even before Thanksgiving -- and taken down later in January, according to Baker and Mattox.

Get the most out of Christmas decorations

In order to make Christmas decorations last longer, Mattox and Baker follow these three tips that anyone can apply to their own home or business.

1. Go more natural. Decorations that come from nature, like berries and pine branches and pine cones, give your house a holiday feel without as much ornateness, according to Baker.

The natural decorations deliver a scaled-down look that can work both before and after Christmas Day.

2. Don't skimp on an artificial tree. Opting for an artificial tree is a no-brainer if you want to keep it up longer, but don't be afraid to make an investment, advises Baker. A higher-quality tree may be more expensive in the short-term but will pay off in the future, as you can use it year after year and rely on it to keep its shape and lighting.

3. Use LED lights. Baker's design firm uses LED lights on garlands and trees because they last longer and are more energy-efficient.

This story was originally published on Nov. 1, 2018.