Science Says Christmas Decors Are Good For You—Especially This Year

Putting up Christmas decorations is something than many families look forward to. From simple to professionally-made set-ups, these help give the home that warm holiday spirit as the year closes.

But 2020 sure hits different. Getting into the Christmas spirit is hard when you know the year has been tough for everyone. With the ongoing pandemic, at one point, you might have even asked yourself: Should I bother with decorations this year?

Researchers have found that the holidays bring back a sense of nostalgia, and that this feeling can be good for you. One benefit is that it makes you feel more socially connected. And at a time like this when everyone is apart, the holiday nostalgia might just be something that can keep us together. According to Stanford Health Care psychologist Dr. Sarah Adler, "Putting up things that are colorful, things that smell good, [and] things that kind of evoke nostalgia and good memory cause happiness in our brain. [It] kind of gives us a dopamine hit, which is really the feel good neurotransmitter."

So go ahead, deck the halls and light that Christmas-themed scented candle. Put up those string lights, and hang that parol. Having decorations at home can be that simple, feel-good reminder that even if 2020 was that intense, the holiday season isn't canceled.

This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.