Did I just see the tip of a leaf changing color?


Hi, my name is Michelle, and I suffer from a condition called Premature Decorator Syndrome.


Yes, it's real. No, it's not in the medical books yet, but it should be. Symptoms include:


  • Hanging various quantities of fall foliage, autumnal wreaths, and pumpkin decor in August while sweating through your "cozy fall sweater."
  • Googling "how early is too early to put up a Christmas tree" (spoiler: there is no such thing).
  • Shopping the day after holidays to get the best deal on new decor for next year because is there ever such a thing as too much?


I can't help myself. Seasonal decor makes me happy. Some people wait for the calendar to catch up with the weather; I bulldoze straight through. If Hobby Lobby has fake leaves and cinnamon- scented pinecones on the shelves in July, I'm already in the car with a cart. You should have seen my auction haul this past July for my Christmas set up this year. I'm thinking I'll rival Clark Griswald in outdoor decorations this year. Managing to cram the entire Christmas floor set up of Costco into a minivan was another story but I promise, it will be worth it.


Why I Start So Early

  1. Seasonal joy should not be rationed. Why limit fall vibes to a measly couple of weeks when I can bask in the glory of my Mickey pumpkins for a solid three months? That's just good math.
  2. Life is chaotic. Believe me, with five kids, pets, jobs, and life-it's a lot. But you know what's not chaotic? Sitting down after a busy day and basking in the glow of scented candles and twinkling lights.
  3. The tree is not decor, it's therapy. The moment Halloween ends; my Christmas tree goes up. Call them emotional support trees.


The Downside of PDS (Premature Decorator Syndrome)


The only downside is dealing with the skeptics and naysayers. People say, "But don't you get tired of it?" Nope. I have the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel, and yet I will never tire of twinkly lights. Ever.


People also ask, "But doesn't it take away from the actual holiday?" Listen friend. If the turkey feels overshadowed by the Christmas tree, that's between him and Santa.


The Truth Is...


I decorate early because the world feels heavy sometimes. Right now, it feels especially ugly and a little scary. And if twinkle lights, pumpkins, and seasonal garlands give me an extra dose of joy and loveliness, then I'm going all in. Life's too short to wait until December 1st.


So yes, I'll keep putting my fall decorations up when it's technically beach season. I'll keep hauling out the Christmas totes while binging on Halloween candy. I'll keep twinkling while the rest of the world is still yawning.


Because in this house, we don't wait for the holiday spirit to arrive. We summon it. `