As December arrives, neighborhoods transform into sparkling atmospheres of twinkling lights, towering inflatables and snowy wonderlands.
Christmas decorating started early October this year. Christmas decorating has gotten more intense in my neighborhood ever since I moved here, and my house goes all out.
While some may think Christmas decorating is pointless and takes a lot of work, I believe Christmas decorating commences the true holiday spirit. To me, a house that is lit up beautifully and smells like pine trees embodies the festive atmosphere
The all-consuming effort to decorate a house, inside and out, is often influenced by the deep emotional value of Christmas.
Matt Meseck (he/ him), recreation supervisor, decorates the North Liberty Recreation Center (NLRC), the gazebo at Old Town Park and occasionally the Ranshaw House across from the NLRC.
Meseck also decorates for multiple Christmas events such as Breakfast with Santa and a two-week-long Santa’s Workshop. When asked why he decorates, Meseck shared a very valuable insight.
“The darkness is oppressive this time of year, so any kind of light that you can get into your world, the better. I think it’s one of the few things that we as a [society] still have a shared experience for,” explained Meseck.
Meseck starts decorating the first weekend in November, and when the decorating is done he notices that there are reactions from people.
According to The Conversation, around Christmastime, people’s happiness is known to spike. Topics revolving around the holiday positively affect brain activity. The opportunity to see family and receive gifts of gratitude can improve one’s overall wellness.
The intensity of Christmas decorating isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. Creating a magical space where families can get together and bond over joy, nostalgia and belongingness shows what the holiday season is all about.
While I and many others love Christmas decorating, it’s important to remember that Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated at the time. Many people celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other winter holidays. The houses that may seem bland on the outside may be beautiful with their own joy and comfort on the inside.
Ultimately, the intensity of Christmas decorating is more than just aesthetics, it’s about creating an atmosphere full of happiness and comfort in the darkest time of the year.
