Why putting up the Christmas tree early can lift your mood

Many people wait patiently until December to bring out the tree, but setting it up earlier may be doing your mind and daily life a real favour.

The fairy lights are still in the cellar, the weather is dreary, the calendar says autumn - and yet some people already feel the urge to carry the Christmas tree into the living room. For a long time, that was seen as a bit much. A psychological study now suggests something different: if you start decorating sooner, you may enjoy a better mood, feel less stressed and bring a little childhood wonder into an otherwise dull routine.

Early Christmas tree decorating and better mood: what the research says

The key finding from the study by US psychoanalyst Steve McKeown is clear: people who do not wait until just before Christmas Eve to put up their tree and seasonal decorations are far more likely to report improved mood and greater overall wellbeing. The sight of fairy lights, baubles and fir branches seems to act like an emotional switch in the brain.

Putting up the Christmas tree early can trigger positive memories, ease feelings of stress and intentionally add small moments of happiness to everyday life.

McKeown says that in a period when many people are under pressure, uncertain or chronically stressed, they naturally gravitate towards things that feel familiar and comforting. Christmas decoration serves exactly that purpose. It is not mere “tinsel and glitter”, but an emotional anchor.

The effect may also come from the simple change it brings to a home. As the evenings grow darker, a room filled with warm light and familiar festive details can create a reassuring focal point. In practice, that can make the transition into the colder months feel less abrupt and more manageable.

The Christmas tree as a time machine: why nostalgia is so powerful

For many people, the tree in the living room is more than an item of décor; it represents childhood, family and safety. The study shows that even the smell of pine or the rustle of the branches can bring earlier celebrations back to mind - presents, the scent of biscuits, laughter and perhaps certain songs.

McKeown describes decorations as “a way back to old childhood memories”. Our brains connect colours, lights and smells with positive experiences. Those links often remain with us for life. Once they are activated, we respond emotionally - often before we are even aware of it.

• Warm lights recall cosy evenings with family.
• Typical colours such as red, gold and green are often linked subconsciously with warmth, security and abundance.
• Rituals such as decorating together create the feeling: “I belong here.”

This blend of memory and ritual helps people step away from everyday stress for a while. Starting early simply extends that phase - and with it, the period during which those positive feelings can have an effect.

When autumn gets people down: why the tree helps at that time of year

As the days get shorter, many people notice a dip in energy and mood. Watching series on the sofa starts to replace going out for a walk, and the darkness itself can weigh heavily on morale. In that context, an early Christmas tree can act like a countermeasure right in the home.

From a psychological point of view, the environment becomes brighter, more colourful and emotionally richer. Instead of grim overhead lighting, warm strings of lights begin to glow; the home gains a clear, uplifting centre of attention. The brain takes in these signals and classifies them as pleasant.

If you deliberately make your home cosier, warmer and symbolically more welcoming, you may reduce the likelihood of sliding into an autumn slump.

There is also another important factor: decorating is an active choice. You are not simply sitting on the sofa waiting for the darker season to pass; you are shaping it yourself. That sense of control over your surroundings can noticeably ease mental strain.

Not just décor: rituals as a shield for the mind

Another interesting point from the evaluation is that the timing of decorating says a great deal about the emotional value of rituals in a person’s life. According to McKeown, people who begin sooner are often trying to “extend the magic of childhood or make up for moments they missed”.

At first, that may sound a little sad, but it mainly shows something positive: rituals can at least emotionally fill gaps in a person’s life story. Someone who did not have many happy Christmases as a child may consciously create a “better” celebration as an adult - usually with more time, more preparation and more loving detail.

How early is early enough - and when does it become too much?

There is no rigid rule. Psychologists see the benefit not in a specific date, but in the feeling it creates. A few guidelines can help with the decision:

• From November onwards, the study suggests there is plenty of reason to put up the tree - or at least some of the decorations.
• If you are fully decorating in October, it is worth asking honestly whether it is bringing real joy or simply adding pressure.
• The tree should not become a chore; it should be planned as a deliberate moment of enjoyment.

At heart, the question is whether the idea of an early tree feels comforting and joyful - or more like another task on an already crowded to-do list.

Real tree or artificial tree: does it make a difference?

Psychologically, the material matters less than the overall atmosphere. Even so, the choice of tree can produce different effects:

Tree type	Possible effect on mood
Real fir tree	The scent and texture strengthen the nostalgic effect and feel especially authentic.
Artificial tree	Can stay up longer, is easier to care for, and lowers stress by reducing needles and effort.
Minimalist alternative, such as a wooden tree	Appeals to people who prefer simplicity and takes the pressure off trying to make everything “perfect”.

For the brain, what matters is how strongly the tree is linked to positive expectations and memories. Someone who has used the same artificial tree for years and decorates it with family often gets the same cosy feeling as someone enjoying fresh pine scent in the living room.

How to use the effect in everyday life

If you want to apply the findings from the study, you do not need to become a Christmas obsessive. A few simple strategies are enough to enjoy the lift in mood:

• Start small: begin with fairy lights, then add the tree so anticipation builds gradually.
• Decorate mindfully: put your phone away, turn on some music and perhaps make a hot drink to separate the ritual from daily stress.
• Use old decorations: items from childhood or from relatives strengthen the nostalgic effect.
• Involve family and friends: decorating together boosts the sense of togetherness and creates new memories.

If you live alone, you can still make it work: a fixed “decorating evening”, perhaps with a video call to friends or family, can stop it from feeling like something you are doing only for yourself.

Why the tree changes things for children and neighbours too

The study also points to an interesting side effect: homes and flats that are decorated early are often perceived by others as more open and welcoming. Exterior lights or a tree visible through the window send a clear signal: “This is a cosy place, and someone here is in a festive mood.”

For children, the impact is even more distinct. Everyday life gains a new, recognisable phase: “Now the Christmas season has begun.” That creates structure, orientation and excitement. In families dealing with stress, shift work or separation, starting rituals earlier can help establish steady shared moments.

When early decorating becomes a trap

As positive as the effects may be, there is a warning too: if someone uses the festive season as an escape from all their problems, they may feel a real emotional drop once the decorations come down. McKeown notes that people who rely entirely on the holiday atmosphere often need to address deeper pressures - such as loneliness, overload or unresolved conflict.

A healthy approach looks different. The tree should be a bright spot, not the foundation of a life. If you know you are likely to crash badly after New Year, you can counter that by creating fresh, light-filled rituals for January and February - for example regular meet-ups, hobbies or small projects that soften the transition.

At the end of the day, the message is straightforward: waiting for the “right” moment brings very little psychological benefit. If an early Christmas tree genuinely feels good, there is no need to feel guilty about placing it in the living room well before December - not just for the look of it, but as a deliberate gift to your own wellbeing.