A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
When Should You Begin Your Christmas Decorating?
It’s that magical time of year again—Christmas is just around the corner! But the big question for many is…when should you start decorating for the holiday season? Some of us cannot wait to deck the halls the moment the calendar turns to November, while others prefer to hold off until December rolls in. Here’s a breakdown of different decorating timelines and what might work best for you while deciding When Should You Begin Your Christmas Decorating.
- Right After Halloween (Late October – Early November)
For the early birds who just cannot get enough of the Christmas spirit, decorating right after Halloween is a popular choice. Retail stores often start showcasing their holiday collections before Halloween decorations come down, which can tempt you to get started early too. If you are a fan of a long, festive season, this is a great option! It’s also a great and/or necessary option of you are a YouTuber like I am
Pros: More time to enjoy the decorations, especially for those who love to immerse themselves in the holiday vibe.
Cons: It may feel too early for some, and you risk overshadowing Thanksgiving if you’re in a country where that holiday is celebrated.
- Right After Thanksgiving (Late November)
A very common time to start Christmas decorating is the weekend right after Thanksgiving. The mood transitions from turkey dinners and autumn tones to winter wonderland, and it feels like the perfect time to bring out the lights and wreaths. This timing gives you a solid month to enjoy the decorations without starting too early. Before I was a YouTuber, I would begin decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving.
Pros: You will maintain the tradition of separating Thanksgiving from Christmas, while still giving yourself a full month of holiday cheer.
Cons: You may feel rushed, especially if you have a lot of decorating to do or busy holiday plans.
- December 1st – The Classic Approach
For traditionalists, waiting until December 1st is the way to go. It is the official start of the Christmas countdown, and for many, it just feels right to wait until the first day of Advent. Starting in December builds the excitement as the holiday gets closer.
Pros: It keeps the holiday contained within its specific month, preserving the feeling of anticipation and excitement.
Cons: December can fly by quickly, so you might not have as much time to enjoy the decorations before it’s time to take them down.
- Two Weeks Before Christmas
For those who want to keep things simple and streamlined, starting your Christmas decorating a couple of weeks before the big day is a great option. This works well if you prefer a minimalist approach or if you have limited time to decorate.
Pros: Less time to maintain your decorations, and it can make the lead-up to Christmas feel more special.
Cons: You might miss out on some of the festive fun that comes with decorating early.
- Christmas Eve Tradition
Some families wait until Christmas Eve to decorate their homes, a tradition often seen in certain European cultures. This can be a wonderful way to mark the beginning of the holiday, keeping the festivities short but incredibly sweet. This would never work for me, because I am usually ready to take my decorations down a couple of days after the holiday. At least by the new year. By then, I am ready to get on with a cozy winter.
Pros: It adds to the anticipation and creates an exciting, memorable family event.
Cons: The decorations are up for only a short period, and you may feel rushed to get it all done.
So, When’s the Right Time for You?
Ultimately, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to start decorating for Christmas. It depends on your personal preferences, your schedule, and how much you enjoy the holiday season. Whether you start in October or wait until December, the most important thing is to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free for you and your family.
When do you start decorating for Christmas? Let us know in the comments!
Hugs & Blessings,Â