No sooner have the halloween costumes been packed away for another year, the traditional christmas decorations decorum argument kicks into overdrive.
Many will have already had the confrontation with affronted family members, incredulous that they have dared to get into the festive spirit less than a week after Armistice Day.
Supermarkets across the country are stocking miniature heroes and Baileys in prominent positions whilst Christmas trees can be seen in shopping centres and through front windows.
But for those who have committed to an extended festive season this year, academics are on hand to explain why.
Amy Morin, Florida-based psychotherapist and author of the book ’13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do’, says decorating for Christmas “stirs up nostalgia”.
She told the MailOnline: “For many people, Christmas was a magical time during childhood that is filled with happy memories.
“So it makes sense people often want to decorate early because the sooner they get out those decorations, the sooner they can experience a little bit of that magic again.
“The earlier they decorate, the longer the season lasts and they have more time to reflect on happy memories and positive things about the world.”
Professor Erlanger A. Turner, clinical psychologist at Pepperdine University, believes that the need to decorate early can be explained by the ‘anticipation of joy’ theory.
He told the MailOnline: “By decorating early, people can prolong the sense of excitement and happiness associated with the holiday season.
“As people begin to mentally prepare for enjoyable experiences, such as Christmas decorations and celebrations, anticipation of joy helps to boost their mood and well-being.
“In our current global climate where there is increased exposure to violence, oppression, and uncertainty, many may see putting up decorations early as the one thing that they have control over.”
Abbey Weetman, a Christmas enthusiast from Crewe, has already pestered her family about secret santa and braved their wrath by putting her tree up 7 weeks before Christmas Day.
She is adamant that the excitement of her two children far outweighs any bah humbug judgement.
She said: “You get so few Christmases where the children are fully in the Christmas spirit so why not enjoy it for as long as you can? The earlier it is up, the more weeks you have to enjoy it.”
