🎄 The Psychology of Holiday Decorating: Why Decking the Halls Feels So Good

By: Dr. Jenn Merthe-Grayson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As soon as the first twinkle lights appear in store windows, something in our brains lights up, too. For many, decorating for the holidays isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s a deeply emotional, even therapeutic, ritual. But why does hanging garland or setting out a nostalgic ornament make us feel so grounded, joyful, or even tearfully sentimental? Let’s unwrap the psychology behind it.

✨ 1. Decorating Activates Reward Circuits

Holiday décor cues our brains to anticipate joy. Bright lights, color contrasts, and familiar scents (pine, cinnamon, cookies) trigger the release of dopamine - the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. That little spark of pleasure isn’t superficial; it’s our nervous system’s way of saying, You’re safe enough to celebrate.

Even small acts — like lighting a candle or hanging a wreath - can serve as micro-moments of reward, shifting our mood from stress to calm.

🕯️ 2. Nostalgia is a Form of Emotional Regulation

When we pull out the same ornaments or recipes year after year, we’re engaging in emotional time travel. Psychologists have found that nostalgia increases feelings of continuity, belonging, and optimism - especially during uncertain times.

So when you catch yourself getting misty-eyed over a chipped childhood ornament, remember: you’re actually reconnecting neural pathways that reinforce identity and stability.

🧠 3. Order and Control in a Chaotic Season

The holidays can bring financial strain, family tension, or reminders of loss. Decorating - with its structure and predictability - offers a sense of control and mastery. Choosing where the lights go, how the tree looks, or what scents fill the room allows the brain to focus on manageable decisions rather than existential overwhelm.

Think of it as a mindful ritual: each light strung or bow tied is a tiny act of agency.

❤️ 4. Shared Meaning Builds Connection

Whether you’re decorating solo, with a partner, or alongside kids, the act of transforming your environment creates shared purpose. These rituals strengthen attachment - the psychological glue of relationships.

Inviting children or partners into decorating isn’t about perfection; it’s about co-creating warmth, which builds emotional memory far stronger than any perfectly styled mantle.

🌟 Try This: The “Intentional Ornament” Exercise

Before hanging each ornament or decoration, pause and ask:

• What memory or feeling does this bring up?

• Is there a story I want to share or revisit?

• Does this item still reflect the holiday I want to create this year?

This practice helps turn decorating into a mindfulness exercise - transforming a to-do list item into a moment of reflection and connection.

🎁 Final Thought

Holiday decorating isn’t just a tradition - it’s a form of emotional architecture. We build our surroundings to mirror our inner world and, in doing so, create comfort, continuity, and joy. So if you find yourself stringing lights a little early this year, it’s not indulgent - it’s neuroscience.

Written by Dr. Jenn Merthe-Grayson, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Merthe-Grayson Center for Psychology & Wellness
Helping individuals and families navigate life’s seasons with empathy, balance, and evidence-based care.