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What your Halloween decorating style says about you, according to a psychologist
Are you an extravagant decorator, or a minimalist decorator? Do you get the itch to bring out the light-up ghosts and maple leaf garlands as soon as the leaves begin to brown, or are you a spontaneous, last-minute celebrator?
The Focus spoke to licensed psychologist Dr Deborah Gilman about what a persons Halloween (or other festive season) decoration style might say about them as a person. Whether or not you know what youll dress up as for that Halloween party, and however you feel about Americas favorite orange gourd, your approach to home decoration might reveal something about you that you didnt even know yourself.�
1. The Extravagant Decorator
If you like to go all out during the festive season, Dr Deborah Gilman says you likely thrive on social interactions and love the spotlight.
Your decorations are a reflection of your personality: bold, colorful, and larger-than-life. More than a simple set of aesthetic choices, your attitude towards decoration reflects a desire to share your joy and excitement with others, a way to spread cheer and connect with friends, family, and even strangers.
But theres a flip side. Extravagant decorators, Dr Gilman cautions, may feel the need to keep up with others or even outdo them. FOMO. The more extravagant and impressive your display, the more compliments and praise youre likely to receive.�
Dont let yourself become dependent on the praise of others, she suggests. Social media also plays a role, as posting photos of extravagant decorations can elicit likes and comments. This fuels the motivation of the extravagant decorator.
2. The Minimalist Decorator
You value peace and tranquility �of mind and home. This could reflect a more introverted disposition.�
Dr Gilman suggests that the minimalist decorators approach reflects an inner desire for simplicity and order in their environment.
Instead of cluttering their space with multiple items, they focus on a few carefully chosen decorations that reflect their personal style and bring them a sense of calm.
Besides what this could say about your inner life, a minimalist approach may also reflect external pressures. You may see excessive decoration as unnecessary or wasteful or needlessly expensive.
Some minimalists may choose a simpler approach to decorating out of concern for the environment and waste reduction, Dr Gilman says.
3 The Non-Decorator
Youre a rebel. Or, at least, you could be. Opting out of decorating during festive seasons challenges societal norms and expectations.
If you fall into this camp, your decision not to decorate likely reflects a desire to live life on your own terms.
Alternatively, your motivation might come from a completely different place: Practicality and financial concerns are also common reasons people avoid decorating, Dr Gilman recognizes.
With the cost of decorations, lights, and other holiday items, some may see it as an unnecessary expense and choose to allocate their resources elsewhere.
She also notes that, for some, some holidays just dont mean very much. Or they might be superseded by others, for example for cultural or religious reasons. A third option is that they might regard excessive decorating as antithetical to the spirit of the holiday.
A lack of interest in decorations might also be a sign of grief or loss, especially if the holiday is associated with painful memories. Thats worth thinking about.�
4. The Early Bird
Putting decorations up very early might be a way of tapping into feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Anticipation brings joy, and the act of decorating early allows people to fully embrace the holiday vibe.
Early decorators may also be giving themselves plenty of time as a way to manage their environment and feel in control, Dr Gilman suggests.
By getting ahead of the season, they ensure that everything is in place and ready to go. This sense of preparedness helps them reduce holiday-related anxiety.
How early is too early? You be the judge.
5. The Eleventh Hourer
On the other end of the spectrum are the last-minute decorators: those who leave things to chance. This could indicate an attitude of spontaneity, Dr Gilman says.
Some people thrive on the excitement of tackling tasks under pressure, and they may enjoy the challenge of throwing together a festive display in the nick of time.
Some people perform best under pressure, with the threat of an imminent deadline looming. If this sounds like you, you might find the rush of last-minute decorating energizing and even thrilling. Others would find it needlessly stressful.
Some Eleventh Hourers might also find their modus operandi needlessly stressful, but lack the organization and planning skills to start decorating earlier, Dr Gilman says.
Whatever your approach, whether its deliberate or a product of forces outside your control, and whether you decorate or not, we wish you a holiday season (and, you know, life) filled with love and joy.
Dr Gilman is a licensed psychologist, child specialist, and coach, who works with families and individuals to support conflict resolution and healing. Her work and research focus on attachment, parenting, child development, and trauma.
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