PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) – Many would argue that the unofficial start of Christmas is the day after Thanksgiving. But some experts have said that people who install their decorations earlier tend to be happier and friendlier.

According to several psychologists, Christmas decorations increase the well-being hormone dopamine. They said that colors and lights work like color therapy, also known as color therapy. Colors and lights can increase happiness and energy.

Teresa Stout, manager of Jeffrey Alans, a craft store in Peoria, said they brought out the Christmas decorations in mid-September, which is considered late for some shoppers.

“We see a lot of people bringing their kids or grandchildren to see the lights on the trees or the decorations, and the kids are all excited,” she said.

Stout said the Christmas decorations took on special significance during the pandemic.

“A lot of people, especially after COVID hit, said putting on the decorations made them feel better about all the madness that was going on,” she said.

WMBD met Candra Mingus while she was shopping for Christmas decorations at Jeffrey Alans. She said she started decorating quickly on November 1.

“I think it evokes a feeling of happiness and joy,” she said. “It just makes it brighter and happier.”

Other experts have said that Christmas decorations are nostalgic and bring people back to simpler, happier times.