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Charlotte Watson

Discover the surprising connection between putting up Christmas decorations and boosting your birth hormones!

Updated: Nov 14

The countdown to Christmas is officially on! While some might still argue that it’s far too early for the twinkling lights and tinsel, hear me out—putting up your Christmas decorations in November might not just be a bit of festive fun; it could actually be good for you. Yes, I’m talking about boosting those all-important birth hormones, especially oxytocin, the love and birth super-hormone, which is key for childbirth.

If you’re expecting or simply looking to embrace a little early Christmas cheer, you might be surprised to learn that decking the halls ahead of December could have a positive impact on your mood, your stress levels, and even your hormonal balance. Here’s why.


Oxytocin: The “Love Hormone” You Want on Your Side

I'm always banging on about the importance of Oxytocin in labour and birth, it's the birth super hormone that plays a massive role in everything from bonding with your baby to helping your body contract and birth your little one. But oxytocin doesn’t just show up when the time comes to birth your baby—it thrives in environments that feel safe, calm, and comforting. That’s where your Christmas decorations come in.

When you surround yourself with soft, comforting lights and festive touches, you create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and connection, both of which are essential for encouraging oxytocin to work its magic. Think of it as creating your very own “oxytocin-friendly” space. There's loads more oxytocin boosting tips in a separate blog on my website.


The Power of Soft Lighting: Melatonin, Oxytocin, and a Relaxing Vibe

An image showing a cycle of boosting melatonin and oxytocin to benefit birth contractions

The right lighting is a game-changer when it comes to hormonal balance. If you’ve ever felt that sense of calm wash over you as you gaze at a Christmas tree glowing in the corner, it’s not just the pretty lights working their charm. It’s actually a bit of science.

Dim lighting, like the warm glow of fairy lights, promotes the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. But melatonin doesn’t just help you drift off into a peaceful slumber—it also stimulates the release of oxytocin. So when you dim the lights, you’re not only setting a cosy mood, but you’re also helping your body produce more of the very hormone that can support your emotional well-being and smooth the path to childbirth.

This explains why soft lighting, whether it’s a few candles or the glow of the Christmas tree, feels so comforting. It’s also why many people report feeling more at ease in dimly lit, calm spaces. It’s oxytocin doing its job!


Creating a Calm, Connected Environment

Aside from lighting, the overall vibe of your home can also encourage the release of oxytocin. Think about the emotional connections we associate with Christmas: the cosy evenings spent with family, the joy of giving, the comfort of old traditions. These aren’t just heartwarming experiences—they’re also creating an environment where oxytocin can thrive and they are anchors in your brain for calm and relaxation.

When you feel loved, supported, and surrounded by things that make you happy, you’re setting the stage for a natural release of oxytocin. And when oxytocin is flowing, you’re more likely to feel calm, connected, and emotionally balanced—perfect for preparing your body for the work of labour, or simply to get you through the busy, sometimes stressful, festive season.


A Little Joy Goes a Long Way

While the emotional benefits of Christmas decorations are well-documented, they also have a physiological impact. Positive emotions like joy and excitement activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion. This can help lower stress levels and encourage the release of oxytocin, which, as you may have guessed, helps you feel more relaxed, calm, and in control.

And for those expecting a baby, this sense of peace and emotional connection is invaluable when it comes to the birthing process. Oxytocin is essential for labour, and creating a stress-free, loving environment ahead of time can help your body be in the best possible state to welcome your baby.


The Takeaway: Early Decorations, Happy Hormones

So, why wait until December to get into the Christmas spirit? Putting up your decorations in November could be a great way to start feeling more relaxed, more connected, and even more “in sync” with your body’s hormonal needs. With the right lighting, a little festive cheer, and a sense of calm, you’re not just prepping your home for Christmas—you’re giving yourself the gift of balance and emotional well-being.

So go ahead—start decorating early. Whether you’re getting ready for baby or just want to bask in the glow of Christmas lights a little sooner, it’s actually good for you. And who wouldn’t want a bit of that lovely, cosy, festive energy flowing this November?


Charlotte Watson A white Woman from Positive Birth Leeds is smiling at the camera in front of a Christmas tree

I'm Charlotte, Doula and Hypnobirthing Antenatal Teacher. I can support you to get informed and feel confident, relaxed and empowered for your baby's birth.


I offer Full, Essential and Refresher Hypnobirthing courses as well as Hypnobirthing for a Planned Caesarean Section and Birth Prep Power Hour sessions.


Or get in touch to ask about private one-to-one course availability.


Charlotte x



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