Studies Show Decking the Halls Early Leads to More Fun

Setting up your holiday art collection, kitschy as it may be, is linked to improved happiness. Jackpot, right? When working on my Merry Kitschmas! collection, I specifically sought out to conceptually address themes of isolation and loneliness that have become prevalent for many Americans during the pandemic. After researching the best visual antidote for loneliness and depression, I came across topics dealing with nostalgia, particularly during the holidays. My new collection is in direct response to the mental health of my viewers, I mean who couldn’t use a little joy with a dash of humor and brassy feminism these days? Who cares if it’s September, bring on the cheerfulness overload! 

“Decking the halls early is a spirit-booster because it tends to trigger pleasant childhood memories, and makes folks feel more social, experts and studies show. When you’re putting up decorations, you’re thinking of happier times, times with family and friends and family traditions you engaged in,” psychotherapist Amy Morin told ABC News.

“Thinking of those happy memories stirs up happy feelings,” she said. A dose of holiday nostalgia also encourages giving and do-gooding, which is a mood enhancer,” (Here is your scientific excuse to decorate your house even earlier for Christmas, ABC News, 2019). Bonus!

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