It’s November and the orange leaves of fall still fill the trees, but Christmas decorations can already be seen across Rohnert Park and Sonoma State’s campus despite Christmas tree lots in surrounding cities still being closed.

Over recent years, the passing of Halloween has spurred people to start grabbing for their Christmas lights and wreaths. Even Starbucks starts serving holiday cups and drinks at the start of November. Despite there being a whole other holiday in between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving.

For SSU senior Dirk Tolson, Christmas has always reminded him of the happy times he had enjoying the Holiday while growing up. “I just think it makes people happier to see all the lights and bright colors associated with the holiday,” Tolson said. 

Kaitlyn Purcell, a recent graduate who’s still taking a few classes on campus, also decorated early for the upcoming holiday. “It’s a time of the year where I get to reminisce about being a kid again,” said Purcell. She emphasized how she can’t get enough of the decorations and lights because they add a sense of comfort. “Since Halloween has ended, I can put away those decorations and replace them with Christmas. There’s nothing like getting ahead on the holiday spirit.”

These student accounts are in line with some common theories for the early decorations. The increase in fake tree sales from four million to 21 million from 2004 to 2017, according to a USA Today article, offers a small explanation for early decorators. A more complete reason is explained by Psychologist Steve McKeown, who shared his theory in a Business Insider article, stating that it makes people happier because it reminds us of our childhood.  

Research that can be found in the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicates that people who decorate earlier are typically happier and friendlier. It’s easy to understand why higher amounts of happiness are commonly associated with Christmas. After all, it is typically the Holiday where people receive the most, and no question there is a longer period of time away from everyday life as opposed to other holiday’s. It’s much easier for us as humans to receive as opposed to give, making it that much simpler to glance over a holiday that centers around “giving” so much so that it’s in the name. 

Despite some SSU students diving into the holiday spirit by decorating early, others are remaining traditionalists and will decorate after the passing of Thanksgiving. “I love Thanksgiving,” said senior Madison Mercado. “I grew up in a very family oriented household that loved celebrating everything together. I appreciate that although it’s a holiday that doesn’t get much love, I’m able to give it a new meaning because of my family.” 

In a world filled with loads of stress and anxiety, especially for students, it makes sense that Christmas steals the show for those who celebrate. The rush of nostalgia associated with the holiday makes it a therapeutic break from the hardships of everyday life.