If you're waiting until after Thanksgiving or some other arbitrary date to bust out your Christmas decorations ... why? Experts — and scientific studies — say that decorating for Christmas early can benefit us in multiple ways, including helping reduce stress and boost our overall moods.
That's all I needed to hear — time to trim that tree.
Shop this article: Bottle Brush Trees for Christmas, 15in Ceramic Christmas Tree, 9-foot Christmas Garland with Lights
Psychologist Deborah Serani confirmed it in an interview with NBC's "Today" show.
"It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness," she said. "I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out ... signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it's pleasing or not."
"Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone," Serani added.
What is it, exactly, that makes us happy when we see Christmas decorations? There are a lot of possibilities, and it may not be the same thing for everyone.
The bright lights and colors probably play a role — chromotherapy, or color therapy, is thought to increase energy levels and help boost happiness. There's also the neuroarchitecture effect — that's a relatively new field of scientific study that looks at how designed environments, like the ambiance created by Christmas décor, can affect moods and behavior.
But for many people, it probably has a lot to do with nostalgia. "For a lot of us, Christmas is a magical time, it’s a time of innocence, it’s a time of joy," Serani said.
Whatever it is, this is your official excuse: Get those Christmas decorations out and feel the festive feelings.
Hatisan Mini Bottle Brush Trees for Christmas
The bottle brush Christmas trees that took over last year are still on trend, and this package includes 30 of them in various sizes and colors, so you can create a mantel display that will be the envy of your family and friends.
Best Choice 15-inch Ceramic Christmas Tree
If Christmas nostalgia is what you're after, you need this light-up ceramic tree — after all, whose mom didn't have one of these on display during the holidays?
JGIRL 9-foot Christmas Garland with Lights
This garland is pre-lit and decorated with flocking, berries and pine cones, so it's already perfect for your stair railing, doorway, front porch or anywhere else you need some holiday cheer.
Decorate a window or tree with ease with curtain lights. This set contains 300 LED lights with eight settings and a remote to easily turn them on and off.
OuMuaMua Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath 3-piece Door Hanger
This buffalo plaid door hanger lets everyone know what you're feeling this season: joy! You can hang it indoors or outdoors — the pieces are water-resistant and waterproof for long-lasting durability.
Okicoler 6.5-foot Pre-Lit Artificial Holiday Christmas Spruce Tree
Go ahead; trim your tree. This 6.5-foot pre-lit holiday spruce tree has a classic, timeless look. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fluff so you'll be decorating in no time.
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Christina Marfice writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
![OuMuaMua Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath 3-piece Door Hanger, making up a 3-piece red sign that spells out "joy"](http://cdn19.bestreviews.com/images/v4desktop/image-full-page-cb/people-who-decorate-for-christmas-early-oumuamua-buffalo-plaid-wreath-joy-decoration-sign.jpg?p=w1228 "OuMuaMua Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath 3-piece Door Hanger, making up a 3-piece red sign that spells out "joy"")
