Festive decorations bring communities together, according to new research.
Two thirds of people living in Milton Keynes say their neighbourhood feels more welcoming during the festive season when homes and streets are lit by decorations.
And a quarter say they feel more connected to their community by the lights and wreaths, according to a new lifestyle survey from online commerce platform Temu.
Households in MK are decorating the outside of their homes for Christmas more than ever this year, the research reveals, with decorations going bigger, bolder, brighter, and earlier, transforming homes and neighbourhoods into dazzling displays of festive cheer.
This year, more than a third of families in Milton Keynes (33%) decorated their home in November, while 44% preferred to stick with tradition and wait until December.
For some, it’s a question of practicality, while for others, it’s a way to make the most of the season, the study finds. This year, 20% of British people decorated their home earlier than they have ever done – driven by the desire to enjoy the festive atmosphere for longer.
While 25% of MK’s people say they feel more bonded to their community just by seeing the lights, some take it further. A small percentage (2%) say they chat more with neighbours during the festive season, with 3% describing decorations as the perfect talking point.
Another 9% say it occasionally sparks conversations, showing how lights can create connections even among people who wouldn’t usually stop to chat. Two thirds (60%) of residents say their neighbourhood feels more welcoming when Christmas lights go up, highlighting the power of decorations to transform entire streets into festive havens.
“Decorations are becoming an emotional antidote to the challenges of modern life,” said consumer and lifestyle brands expert Kate Hardcastle MBE. “For many, they signal a sense of optimism and positivity – 7% say they put up their lights to reflect the hopefulness of the season.
“Personal circumstances, such as mental health or family traditions, are also key, with 9% decorating to maintain or create comforting rituals. These motivations show how Christmas decorations are about more than just aesthetics—they’re an anchor, helping people reconnect with a sense of joy and stability during an otherwise hectic time.”
