4 Rare Traits Of People Who Keep Their Christmas Trees Up Until Spring, According To Psychology
Helena Lopes | CanvaChristmas has been over for months, but some people refuse to shelve their cheer quite yet. Winter’s not going away anytime soon, bringing with it longer nights, less daylight, and a sense of isolation. There are scientific reasons that holiday decorations make us happier, so why not lean into our joy for a bit longer? Certain people do —by keeping their Christmas tree up until spring
Couples counselor Larry Michel explains why people may feel so compelled to keep the holiday spirit going well into May: "Our most potent memories come from experiences of true co-creation from our past that are remembered as if they were a snapshot moment." So, the twinkle of the lights and the scent of the tree all become a physical anchor to the joy and connection you've gathered around the memory.
Here are 4 rare traits of people who keep their Christmas trees up until spring:
1. They have a natural tendency to hold onto and revisit happy memories
Nostalgia is a powerful thing. In remembering our pasts, we hold onto the things that are important to us: The people we love and the traditions we share. Holding onto your tree after Christmas ends is a tangible reminder of celebration, a touchpoint to happy memories.
Research shows that nostalgia heightens your sense of meaning in life and lifts your mood, which is why we reach for it most when we need extra comfort. If tending to your tree and remembering the good times gathered around it brings you joy, more power to you. Keep that tree up until spring blooms.
2. People who keep their Christmas trees up love to keep a cozy vibe
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Is there anything more magical than twinkling lights and the smell of pine? Even those who don’t celebrate Christmas can find the ethereal calm that comes with bringing the outside into our homes. For the more aesthetically-minded people of the world, keeping a Christmas tree up provides a step up in ambiance.
The warm glow your Christmas tree shines in a room, has the fastest and greatest stress-reducing impact of any light tested. A study by UC Davis explained that it's because it mimics the natural light of a sunset and signals to the brain that it's safe to relax.
3. They want to hold onto a prolonged sense of cheer
In 2022, the American Christmas Tree Association put out a press release outlining the positive effects of decorating early for Christmas.
Jami Warner, the executive director, explained that, "Studies show that there are mental health benefits related to decorating for Christmas before December. Even if it’s just getting the Christmas tree up in the living room or pulling out the ornaments, decorating for Christmas is shown to boost moods and ‘activate’ the holiday spirit.”
If we feel better decorating early, imagine how much better we’ll feel later on in the season, just by keeping our trees up.
4. People who keep their Christmas trees up lean on familiar comforts to get through the winter slump
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As winter keeps its dark, shadowy grip on the Northern Hemisphere, being around nature for prolonged periods can actually make us feel markedly happier.
Studies have shown that forest bathing, or walking through the woods, reduces our cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. Walking through a forest undisturbed can lower our stress, and breathing in the scent of the tree in the middle of our living rooms also has soothing effects.
A study from Texas A&M maintains that keeping a live Christmas tree in the home improves our mental health by increasing productivity and happiness while lowering our anxiety and boosting our immune systems. Our national choice of Christmas tree, the Balsam Fir, has many healing and medicinal attributes as well. It’s a natural antiseptic; it has cooling and emollient properties. Pine needles can be used as a decongestant, to treat colds, and to cure respiratory problems.
So, if you haven’t found the time to bring down the lights, remove the ornaments, and ditch your tree, don’t worry. Keeping your tree up is a simple way to keep something beautiful and comforting in your home — something we all need.
Alexandra Blogier is a writer on YourTango's news and entertainment team. She covers social issues, pop culture analysis, and all things to do with the entertainment industry.
