The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Early Christmas enthusiasm a form of self- care in 2020
On Nov. 1, Minneapolis photographer Cindi Yang arranged a trio of slim artificial pine trees in her living room.
On Nov. 2, she shared a video of herself setting up her Christmas trees on Tiktok, where it quickly gathered nearly 40,000 likes.
Though she needed a little Christmas, the trees were enough. Yang decided to wait until after Thanksgiving to hang the ornaments. Lana Baggenstos didn’t bother to hold off. The clinical pharmacy specialist who lives in Minneapolis put up her Christmas tree — decorations and all — on the first day of November.
“I thought, ‘ What the heck, it’s 2020. It’s been a long year and we could use some holiday cheer,’ ” Baggenstos said.
Like Yang, she was hoping the decorations would “change up the scene, and bring in more happiness and joy as we hunker down this holiday — and for who knows how long.”
This isn’t just the usual calendar creep. Those who are embracing Christmas i n November say it’s a form of self- care.
With Thanksgiving plans curtailed or canceled, many say they are needing something merry and bright to raise their spirits. And now that traditions have been upended, hanging some stockings with care more than a month before the holiday might bring joy to our pandemic- depressed world.
Mayo Clinic psychologist Craig Sawchuk said putting up holiday decorations can give our brains a break.
It also can add a little novelty and give us a sense of productivity.
“We c an see how doing something as seemingly simple as putting up Christmas lights actually can carry a lot of positive
‘ We can see how doing something as seemingly simple as putting up Christmas lights actually can carry a lot of positive weight.’
Craig Sawchuk Mayo Clinic psychologist
weight,” he said.
Of course, retailers are taking note of the early enthusiasm.
“We are finding that people are starting to decorate and create for the holidays this year earlier than ever,” said Anna Olsen, manager of crafted content at Jo- Ann’s.
“It’s been a crazy year, and people are looking for a little comfort and joy. Decorating for the holidays is an activity people really look forward to, and this year it’s likely to have even more meaning.”