In 2020, more are decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Here’s why.
It’s hard to get excited about the holidays this year.
With COVID-19 on the rise and staggering death rates, a time that’s normally marked by gathering with loved ones may feel more isolated and bleak this year.
It may come as no surprise, then, that people are decorating earlier this year. Putting up decorations “reminds us of good times, community and connection,” as “it’s an activity we usually share with others,” clinical psychologist Dr. Georgia Halls recently told Good Housekeeping.
As humans, performing rituals helps us mitigate grief, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a difficult year, according to a Harvard Business School study.
“The nostalgia of the holidays brings about happy memories of our childhood and also memories of our family and friends, many of whom we cannot spend time with this year due to COVID-19 safety precautions,” said Charlotte-area mental health therapist and life coach Veronda Bellamy.
“Given the events of 2020, many are quite frankly excited to celebrate something good, hence why the holiday season has begun early this year, and people are anxious to put up their Christmas trees.”
How soon should you decorate?
This year has been tough, and the holidays may feel especially difficult. Bellamy suggests decorating to not only spread cheer, but also to create positive memories in a time that may be otherwise dire.
“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions and implications, some may find it difficult during this time of the year,” Bellamy told CharlotteFive. “I suggest coping skills to help manage any negative feelings. Decorating can be a very positive mood booster, which helps to reduce and/or eliminate any negative holiday associations. Decorate early to do one room at a time or one piece at a time. Let’s focus on creating positive lasting memories. That’s living.”
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This year, holidays will look different amid COVID-19, from virtual gatherings to being far from loved ones. So how can you create more positive memories during a particularly difficult time?
“Where you can, add human touches,” Bellamy said. “For instance, consider having everyone in your family have Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at the same time for Zoom gatherings, or take the time to send a special dish or gift to their home for that day, so you can genuinely share it together.”
If you’re ready to change your “happy fall” to “deck the halls” early this year, permission granted.
Charlotte-area shops and businesses are ready for the rush. A few:
Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop is open and enforcing COVID-19 safety precautions.
Pike Nurseries will offer curbside pickup and delivery for live trees, poinsettias, seasonal wreaths and greenery (beginning Nov. 21).
And Girl Tribe Co. already launched its “Holladay” collection, so you can look festive while decorating your favorite spaces.
However, we are aware that not everyone turns into the human personification of Will Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf the moment November arrives. Some prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving to hang the holiday lights. While they could make a fair argument most years, 2020 is different. We’re tired. We’re worn out. And we just want to feel the comfort of cozy holiday decor.
As I type this next to my decked-out tree with my peppermint mocha, I’m curious how you feel about it. Are you an early decorator or a “let’s please wait until after Thanksgiving” decorator? Email charlottefive@charlottefive.com or comment on Facebook or Instagram and let us know — we may add your response to this story.
Marilyn Burns said via email: “I put up one of my trees on Monday and the rest of the holiday decor for that room. My husband was incredulous. ‘It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!’ The lighted tree makes me so happy to have on in the morning and evening. So homey and cozy. In the past I never decorated until December 1st. If I can’t socialize with family and friends gathering this year at least I can find comfort in my surroundings for as long as possible! Think I’ll listen to Christmas music now. ...”
Ashley Dauenhauer said via Instagram: “I’m normally a ‘wait until after Thanksgiving’ person, but needed some extra cheer this year. You can currently see our Christmas lit house from several blocks away and I’m not apologizing!”
Donna Jenatian said via email: “ I love Thanksgiving, it’s actually my favorite holiday because it’s about food and family. No pressure about gifts. I love decorating for fall and would not even consider decorating for Christmas early, just because I want to enjoy all that entails Fall and Thanksgiving. I don’t put up my Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving. My family has a tradition of going to pick out our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving at our local Simpsons Tree lot. Like to support local businesses. Bonus, they deliver!”
Gregory Taylor said via email: “I was surprised that others agree with this. My wife, Darlene Ifill-Taylor is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist here in Charlotte. She started decorating for Christmas at least two weeks ago for many of the reasons in the article.”
This story was originally published November 19, 2020 at 10:49 AM.
