The Great Christmas Debate: When should you put up the tree?
All of a sudden people are behaving like there’s a cash prize for being the first to assemble a plastic pine tree.
It’s officially December. Mariah Carey has thawed. Boney M is echoing through every shopping centre like a festive summons – and suddenly, people are behaving like there’s a cash prize for being the first to assemble a plastic pine tree.
Yes, it’s Christmas tree season.
But when should you actually put the thing up?
This isn’t just about tinsel and twinkly lights. Oh no. Psychologists have opinions. Scientists have entered the chat. And apparently your Christmas tree is messing with your brain… in a good way.
Let’s unwrap this.
When Do You Put Up Your Tree?
Are you:
1. The 1 November Early Bird
Decorates with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old on red Fanta?
2. The 1 December Traditionalist
Firm believer that there are rules, boundaries, and that Christmas cannot begin until the calendar says so?
3. The Last-Minute Legend
Tree goes up on the 24th. Comes down… sometime before Easter. Maybe.
Whichever category you fall into, science says you may be onto something.
The Science Behind Christmas Decorations
A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (Werner, Peterson & Stock, 1989) suggests your festive timing affects your mood – and even how people perceive you.
Translated into normal-person language:
1. Decorating Early = Instant Happiness
Your brain releases dopamine – the same chemical that rewards you when you eat chocolate or find parking at the mall in under five minutes.
2. People Think You’re Friendlier
A decorated home signals warmth and sociability. So even if you haven’t greeted your neighbours since 2016, your fairy lights are doing it for you.
3. Longer Décor = Longer Joy
Put it up early, feel good for longer. It’s like stretching Christmas the way you stretch hot cross buns into March.
4. But Early Isn’t for Everyone
Some people find the festive season stressful, bittersweet, or financially exhausting. Delaying decorations is their emotional survival strategy.
Conclusion:
There is no “correct” date. The right time is whenever your festive soul whispers: Let’s vibe.
Why the Christmas Tree Debate Will Never End
For some, decorating early is escapism.
For others, it’s sacred tradition.
For many, it’s a household battle where someone dramatically pulls out the box of baubles like they’re negotiating a hostage release.
Everyone has a story.
So When Should the Tree Go Up?
Whenever it makes you happy.
Early, late, upside-down, colour-coded, or decorated by a toddler who thinks tinsel is a lifestyle – it’s all valid.
Christmas is not an exam.
If it brings you joy, put it up.
If it stresses you out, wait.
If you genuinely forget until Christmas Eve… we’ve all been there.
Because in the end, the decorations don’t matter – the joy does.