According to scientists, those of us that break out the Christmas tree as soon as Thanksgiving ends are much happier and optimistic about life.

Psychoanalyst Steven McKeown says, "Although there could be a number of symptomatic reasons why someone would want to obsessively put up decorations early, it's most commonly for nostalgic reasons, either to relive the magic or to compensate for past neglect." Ouch. That's a stinger.

McKeown goes on to observe that those who decorate the outside of their house around Christmastime are generally friendlier and more cohesive compared to their neighbors.

In such a stressful and anxiety-aggravating world, people tend to associate to things that make them happy. Christmas decorations are no exception, as McKeown says they "evoke those strong feelings of childhood."

The nostalgia associated with festive decorations reminds people of when they were children with no responsibilities. As college students and adults, we have fewer and fewer opportunities to feel truly irresponsible.

Decorations can thereby be seen as an anchor or pathway to those timeless childhood memories of Christmas past. Moreover, memories associated with Christmas can often include individuals who are no longer with us. It can be a bittersweet feeling, but by putting up decorations, we have time to reflect and remember those who have passed, which can make us feel calmer and more willing to approach the holiday season with optimism.

So, if you were wondering when to start decorating, the answer is now.